I'm not a current resident, but I recently toured Riva Apartments in Solana Beach with Tom Dunivin and I felt compelled to leave a review.
Full disclosure: I am very anti large rental communities. I've always preferred privately owned units because, in my experience, big rental properties can feel impersonal, cut corners, and sometimes come across as a bit... scammy. Riva completely changed that perception for me.
From the moment we stepped on the property, it was clear that everything has been thoughtfully designed with residents in mind. The finishes, the layout, the amenities, nothing felt rushed or generic. It genuinely felt like a place people would be proud to live in, not just another rental complex trying to maximize units.
But the standout part of the experience was Tom. He is, without exaggeration, the best leasing agent I've ever encountered. He took his time walking us through multiple units, answered every question honestly, and never once made us feel pressured. He was incredibly kind, straightforward, and refreshingly genuine.
You can tell a lot about a place by the people who work there, and Tom's authenticity speaks volumes. It genuinely made me feel like Riva must treat their employees well, because that kind of energy doesn't come from someone who's just going through the motions.
Honestly, a big part of why I'm seriously considering living at Riva is because of how positive and real that interaction was. Tom made the entire experience enjoyable, and that's not something I say lightly.
If you're on the fence about touring - go. And if you get the chance, ask for Tom. read more