Riva Maryland Map

About Riva, Maryland

Riva is a locality in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. It has a population of approximately 4,976. The population density is 754.1 people per km². Riva is located at 38.9521°N, 76.5780°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 21035.

Riva rests on the western shore of the South River, its landscape a gentle roll of green fields and mature woodlands that eventually surrender to the dappled light of tidal marshes. It lies 1.6 miles west of Anne Arundel, MD (from Anne Arundel, MD: bearing 268°T), and is situated 8.2 miles east of Bowie. The air here carries the briny tang of the Chesapeake Bay, softened by the sweet scent of pine and the earthy perfume of damp soil after a summer shower. Along the water's edge, weathered docks jut out like skeletal fingers, some adorned with the vibrant hues of fishing boats bobbing lazily, while others stand silent, their timbers bleached by sun and salt. The terrain slopes subtly towards the river, creating a natural amphitheater where the sounds of cicadas in the afternoon heat mingle with the distant cry of gulls, a constant reminder of the water's pervasive influence. The history of Riva is inextricably linked to the bounty of the Chesapeake, its economy long anchored by the oyster and crab fisheries that sustained generations of watermen. Old farmsteads, their clapboard siding silvered by age, still dot the countryside, hinting at an agricultural past that once dominated the land. Today, while fishing boats still ply the river, Riva has also become a cherished haven for those seeking a quieter pace, its charm attracting residents who appreciate the blend of rural tranquility and accessible proximity to larger urban centers. The presence of the historic South River Club, a testament to the area's enduring appeal for leisure and community, speaks to a tradition of gathering and recreation that continues to define Riva's character.

About This Riva Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Riva, Maryland — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 38.952057, -76.578018. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Riva and Anne Arundel County.

Detailed location data for Riva includes the ZIP code (21140), telephone area code (240, 301), county seat of Anne Arundel County (Annapolis), and school district assignment (Anne Arundel County Public Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Riva is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.