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Riva, MD Homes for Rent

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  • /17

    $3,000 Per Month

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,193 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    17 Elm Rd, Riva, MD 21140

    Come see this nicely located single-family home. The home has 3 beds and 3 full bathrooms!! Nicely tall and vaulted ceiling in the living room. Did I mention that it has a full basement with outside access too? This one won't last long. Located in a water-access neighborhood.

    Sean O'Connor Coldwell Banker Realty

    17 Elm Rd, Riva, MD 21140
  • /21

    $2,495 Per Month

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 933 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    3043 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140

    Waterman's cottage with water views over the South River in the South River Heights community of Riva. Single level with two bedrooms, a full bathroom, an open-plan living room, and a dining area with hardwood flooring. Utility/mudroom with a washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Great back deck with a ramp to the backyard, featuring a parking pad and storage shed. Large front yard with

    3043 Riva Rd, Riva, MD 21140

Why Live in Riva

Riva, Maryland, is a small waterfront town in Anne Arundel County, just 7 miles from Annapolis. Known for its scenic views of the South River and Beards Creek, Riva offers a tranquil atmosphere with a mix of modest ranches, red-brick colonials, split levels, and luxurious waterfront estates. The town is highly walkable, with tree-lined streets and cul-de-sacs. Local attractions include Mike's Restaurant & Crabhouse, which features an outdoor bar and deck with water views, and Riva Gardens & Farm Market for fresh produce and gardening needs. For shopping, the Festival at Riva across the bridge in Annapolis provides numerous retail and dining options. Riva Area Park spans nearly 60 acres and includes a baseball field, basketball court, playground, and walking trails, making it a hub for outdoor activities. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes, with the Annapolis Landing Community Marina offering boat storage. Education in Riva is well-regarded, with Central Elementary, Central Middle School, and South River High School all receiving high ratings. Commuters benefit from the town's proximity to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., with travel times ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. Nearby Edgewater features Historic London Town and Gardens, a 23-acre site with 18th-century buildings and vibrant gardens, adding to the area's cultural and historical appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Riva, MD?
The median rent for a home in Riva, MD is $2,747 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of June 2026, single-family homes tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Riva, MD?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Riva, MD, a household needs to earn roughly $109,880 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $2,747 per month in Riva, MD, renters typically need to show $8,241 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Riva, MD?
In Riva, MD, the price-to-rent ratio is 19.3, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
What neighborhoods in Riva, MD are best for renting a home?
The best neighborhood for renting in Riva, MD depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include Parole, Tyler Heights-Primrose Acres, Forest Villa, West Annapolis-Wardour and Victor Haven, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Trends in Riva, MD

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$2,747
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,400
How to Rent a Home