Hillsborough County · Florida
Riverview, Florida
A riverside community with deep local roots, and the place our company is named for.
Riverview is an unincorporated community in Hillsborough County, on Florida's west-central side. It takes its name from the Alafia River, which winds through the northern part of the community.
Because Riverview isn't an incorporated city, it's defined for census purposes as a census-designated place, and local government services come through Hillsborough County. Interstate 75 forms its western edge, and U.S. Route 301 runs north and south through the western side of the community — passing through the original Riverview settlement at the river.
For a deeper look at the area's history, geography, and census figures, the Wikipedia article on Riverview, Florida (opens in a new tab) is a good starting point and the source for the historical notes on this page.
Like much of this part of Florida, Riverview is low-lying and green, shaped by water: the river, creeks, wetlands, and the subtropical vegetation that thrives in a warm, humid climate. Summers are long and hot, with frequent afternoon storms, while the cooler months are mild enough that outdoor living carries on through most of the year.
History
Two settlements, one river
Riverview's story is tied closely to the Alafia. Settlers arrived on the river's south side in the 1830s, at a place then known as Peru — a name said to come from an Indigenous word for the "straight part of the river." Riverview itself was founded in 1885 on the north shore.
For decades the two communities sat across the water from each other, linked first by a river ferry and later by a bridge. The post office moved back and forth between the two sides, and by the early 1940s the Riverview name had come into general use. Peru eventually disappeared from all but the earliest maps.
The river's own name has a story, too: "Alafia" is often translated as "River of Fire," a reference to phosphorus on the early riverbottom said to glow at night.
Today
A growing residential community
Riverview has grown quickly. According to U.S. Census figures, its population rose from about 71,000 in 2010 to more than 107,000 in 2020 — one of the larger communities in Hillsborough County.
Much of that growth has been residential, and many homes here are built with Florida living in mind: pools, covered lanais, and patios that extend the house outdoors. The natural setting plays a part as well. Along with the river, the area is home to the Bell Creek Nature Preserve, and green space and waterways are a familiar part of the landscape.
Even as new homes have been built, the river remains a defining feature. It shaped where the first settlers lived, gave the community its name, and still provides a sense of place for residents who live along or near it.
Outdoor living
Why screened spaces fit life here
Florida's climate makes outdoor space usable for much of the year, but it comes with heat, sudden rain, and plenty of insects — especially near water and dense vegetation. That's a big part of why screened pools and lanais are so common in the area.
A screened enclosure lets a family enjoy the backyard in the morning and evening without mosquitoes, and keeps leaves and debris off the pool deck. It's a practical answer to the local environment as much as a design choice.
The same conditions that make screened spaces valuable also wear them down. Strong sun, summer storms, wind-blown branches, and everyday use all take a toll over time, which is why homeowners here tend to think about screening as something to maintain, not just install once.
Our connection
Riverview Screening
Riverview Screening is named for the community it serves. We work with homeowners in Riverview, FL and the surrounding areas on pool and lanai screening — new screen, repairs, and rescreening. You can read more about what we do on the Riverview Screening home page.
Looking for directions, hours, or our business details? Find us on our official Google Maps listing (opens in a new tab).
Live in Riverview? Let's talk screening.
Call or send a request and we'll schedule a free estimate for your pool enclosure or lanai.