Riva MD Real Estate & Homes for Sale

Quick Answer: Is Riva good for homebuyers?
A small South River community just southwest of Annapolis, known for water‑access neighborhoods and quick US‑50 access.

Riva offers a quiet, water‑oriented lifestyle minutes from Annapolis shopping and dining, with HOA piers and boat ramps common in local communities.

Updated · 11 min read

Key Facts

County: Anne Arundel

ZIP Code: 21140

Landmarks/Trails: Riva Park; Mike's Crab House area; South River overlook points; Annapolis Harbour Center (nearby)

Main Routes: Riva Rd; MD‑665/Aris T. Allen Blvd to US‑50; MD‑2 local

Property Types

  • Renovated mid‑century homes — Ranchers, splits, and colonials updated with open kitchens and primary‑suite additions.
  • Townhomes & condos — Low‑maintenance options near major corridors and retail.
  • Water‑privileged or trail‑adjacent — Access to community beaches/boat ramps or multi‑use paths and parks.
  • Deep‑water waterfront (limited) — Premium inventory with private piers along Severn, South, or Magothy—rare and competitive.
  • Amenity communities — HOA pools, beaches, ramps, and club facilities where available.
  • Micro‑neighborhoods to watch — Sylvan Shores, Glen Isle
  • Water‑amenity lifestyle — Community beaches & piers, Kayak launches and boat ramps, Deep‑water slips (limited), Sailing and powerboat marinas

Popular Searches

  • Walk/ride access to trails or parks — Homes adjacent to multi‑use paths, greenways, or community parks
  • Move‑in‑ready renovated — Updated kitchens, baths, flooring, and roofs
  • Homes with private pier or ramp — Severn/South/Magothy or community access
  • Community beach access — HOA amenities vary—verify details
  • Sylvan Shores homes — Local demand varies; inventory limited at times
  • Glen Isle homes — Local demand varies; inventory limited at times
  • Homes near marinas/ramps — Verify HOA/municipal access details

Local Highlights

  • Lifestyle & Geography: Small waterfront community along the South River, just southwest of Annapolis; centered around Riva Road and MD-214. (Wikipedia)
  • Signature Parks & Outdoors: Local fields and play areas at Riva Area Park; nearby Quiet Waters Park offers paved trails, dog beach, ice rink (seasonal), and water access to Harness Creek/South River. (Riva Area Park, Quiet Waters Park)
  • Trails, Nature & Waterfront: Hiking and paddling at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (public trails, kayak launch); abundant boating on the South River. (SERC, South River)
  • Schools: Served by the South River cluster: South River High and Central Middle; elementary zones commonly include Central ES and Davidsonville ES—verify by address with AACPS. (South River High (AACPS), Central Middle (AACPS), Central ES (AACPS), Davidsonville ES (AACPS), Check Boundaries)
  • History & Cultural Sites: Historic London Town & Gardens across the South River features a colonial town site, museum, and riverside gardens. (Historic London Town & Gardens)
  • Community & Library Hub: Nearest branch is AACPL Edgewater with programs, study rooms, and events. (AACPL Edgewater Branch)
  • Transportation: MD-214 (Central Ave) links Riva to Annapolis and Beverley Beach; Riva Road connects to US-50/I-97; MD-2 crosses the South River via the South River Bridge. (MD-214, MD-2, South River bridges)
  • Shopping & Errands: Everyday needs along Riva Road and MD-214; see nearby centers and services. (Google Maps search)
  • Popular Dining & Flavor Spots: Directory-style: Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Maps.

Transit & Commute

  • Highways: US‑50 via MD‑665; MD‑2 for local access
  • Boating: Community piers/ramps on South River

Schools

  • South River High School — AACPS
  • Central Middle School — AACPS
  • Riva Elementary (nearby zones) — AACPS

FAQ

  • What kinds of homes are common here? A mix of single‑family, townhomes, and some condos; styles vary by neighborhood and era.
  • How competitive is the market? Updated homes in desirable pockets can see strong interest; prep and pricing matter.
  • Any special considerations for buyers? Review HOA rules where applicable; check commute patterns and noise/flood maps.
  • Do I need flood or surge insurance? Some waterfront or low‑lying areas may require additional coverage—verify per property.
  • Where are the marinas or community piers? Amenities vary by neighborhood; many offer beaches, ramps, or slips nearby.
  • What local amenities stand out? Mike’s on the South River area docks, Community piers in Sylvan Shores
  • Typical drive times (off‑peak)? Annapolis: 10–15 min; DC: 45–70 min; BWI: 30–40 min
  • Best transit options? US‑50/301, I‑97/MD‑2/MD‑3/MD‑100 as applicable; park‑and‑ride and commuter bus options vary by corridor.

⭐ 4.9 · 187 reviews

Why Lifetime Client Group is Your Ideal Guide

  • Local Maryland real estate experts with deep knowledge of Anne Arundel and surrounding counties.
  • Backed by Samson Properties — a top brokerage in the DMV.
  • Full-service support across buying, selling, and investing — tailored to you.

Nearby Communities

Micro-Guides: Pockets of Riva

  • Annapolis Landing (Riva) — water-privileged, community marina & slips
  • Glen Isle — pier, beach, boat ramp; kayak-friendly coves
  • Riva Farms — larger lots, quiet streets off Riva Rd
  • South River views — pockets along Riva Rd & Beard’s Creek

Commute Snapshot

  • I-97 via MD-665/US-50: ~10–15 min
  • Fort Meade/NSA: ~30–40 min (I-97 → MD-32)
  • BWI: ~30–35 min (I-97)
  • Downtown Annapolis: ~15–20 min (Forest Dr / MD-665)
  • DC (NW): ~45–65 min (US-50/295 or MD-214)

Times are typical, not guarantees; rush hour varies.

HOA & Water Access (What to Know)

  • Community amenities can include piers, slips, boat ramps, beaches, & kayak storage.
  • Fees & waitlists for slips vary by community; confirm capacity & rules early.
  • Riparian rights & setbacks affect docks/lifts; resale packages outline restrictions.
  • Insurance & flood: check elevation, zone, and carrier requirements.

MD

Riva

Welcome to Riva, our local agent will provide you a professional market report and accurate local info. Please contact us at anytime.
$839,257
Average Sales Price
$549,900
Median Sales Price
7
Total Listings
2,872
Population Data provided by Attom Data

Talk with a Local Agent

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Lifetime Client Group

Lifetime Client Group

RECENTLY SOLD LISTINGS

8 DOGWOOD RD, Riva, MD 21140
1/19 19

$320,000

Sold on 07/31/2025

Single Family Home

$343,200

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,100 SqFt

8 DOGWOOD RD, Riva, MD 21140

TLC is NEEDED to Bring this home Up to full Potential+++Three Level Detached Colonial in the Water Privileged Community...

MLS# MDAA2110732

Listed by EXP Realty, LLC

6.8%
3207 BRECKENRIDGE WAY, Riva, MD 21140
1/52 52

$1,135,000

Sold on 08/14/2026

Single Family Home

$1,175,000

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,939 SqFt

3207 BRECKENRIDGE WAY, Riva, MD 21140

Exceptional indoor-outdoor living awaits in this beautifully appointed 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, where timeless design, ...

MLS# MDAA2149812

Listed by Redfin Corp

3.4%
397 WESTBURY DR, Riva, MD 21140
1/65 65

$780,000

Sold on 08/07/2026

Single Family Home

$784,900

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,648 SqFt

397 WESTBURY DR, Riva, MD 21140

Welcome to 397 Westbury Drive, an impeccably updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial in the highly sought-after, water-priv...

MLS# MDAA2145608

Listed by Greater Annapolis Realty

0.6%

listing detail

Average Median
Bathrooms 2.7 3
Bedrooms 3.4 3.5
Year Built 1980 1971
Lot Size 0.25 Acres 8,814 Sqft
Taxes $5,923 $5,277
Occupancy

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Data provided by Attom Data.

demographics

Data provided by Attom Data

Population:

2.9K

Density:

1.6K

Households:

1.1K

Gender

51%
Male
49%
Female
Age Median:

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Lifetime Client Group

Lifetime Client Group

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