By Sandy Meyer
Riverview has finally made its mark. CNN’s Money Magazine recently rated Riverview as one of the top 100 cities to live. Riverview, identified as a city in the magazine, debuted at No. 65 in the September issue of the magazine.
Members of the community are excited to see their community in the spotlight. Tanya Doran, of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, said, “For the Riverview community, this is our moment to shine and highlight this lovely community. Riverview has a lot to offer and now this is our chance to tell the world.”
Several factors go into the determination of the top cities including housing, education, and financial statistics. In addition, quality of life, weather, and leisure activities are also considered. While the population of the city has grown substantially since 2000, Riverview has managed to maintain its small-town feel while offering a variety of extra-curricular activities. With its close proximity to Tampa, seven golf courses, and tropical climate, Riverview is great place to call home.
Originally named Peru, Riverview’s first known settler, Benjamin Moody, came to the area in 1842 as a single father of six children. From there the city grew with cattle and logging being its biggest industry. Citrus and phosphate mining soon followed and the city continued to grow. In 1984, the city changed its name from Peru to Riverview. Today, Riverview is a thriving city whose job growth was over 133 percent between 2000 and 2011.
The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, which was established in 1966, continues to strive to make the community a success. “Our purpose at the chamber is to create a family environment that ensures the success of our community and our members,” stated Doran.
The chamber has more than 500 members committed to meeting the needs of the community by providing the services and programs that have helped make the city one of the 100 best places to live. Doran said that the people of Riverview are its greatest asset. “We are a growing community with exciting new development, yet we still feel like a small hometown,” she said.
The complete list of the 100 Best Places To Live can be found in Money Magazine as well as on their website @ money.cnn.com. For more information on the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and its services, the chamber invites you stop into its offices located in the Boardwalk Offices of Riverview, or visit www.riverviewchamber.com.
