For Gen Z and younger Millennials (typically in their 20s and early 30s), the ideal apartment experience centers around a connected, flexible lifestyle. Their priorities reflect a generation that values technology, convenience, and community engagement in ways that fundamentally differ from previous generations. As the 2025 Emerging Trends in Real Estate by ULI report notes, demographic forces will continue to support multifamily demand, with the population of individuals aged 20 to 34—the prime renter demographic—projected to grow through 2030.
Tech Integration: From Nice-to-Have to Must-Have
Today's young adult renters grew up in a digital world, and their housing expectations reflect this reality. High-speed internet isn't just an amenity—it's a utility as essential as electricity or water. Recent surveys indicate that 90% of renters rate broadband access as vital, placing it nearly on par with air conditioning. This priority directly connects to another major trend: the rise of remote work, with more than half of renters now working from home at least part-time.
Smart home features have also crossed the threshold from luxury to expectation. Young renters increasingly expect apartments to come equipped with:
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Smartphone-controlled door locks
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Smart thermostats
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App-based building access
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Comprehensive cellular coverage (86% say no "dead zones")
What's particularly telling is that many Gen Z renters indicate willingness to pay premium prices for high-tech amenities, making technology investments a direct driver of leasing decisions and rental rates in properties targeting the under-35 demographic.
The Remote Work Revolution
Perhaps no trend has more dramatically reshaped amenity preferences than the normalization of remote work. Co-working spaces have quickly become "among the most vital" new apartment amenities according to industry experts. Modern developments have responded by creating Wi-Fi equipped lounges and dedicated workspace areas that often transform into social spaces after hours. The 2025 Emerging Trends report confirms this shift, noting that the "need for more space for home offices" continues to influence residential choices, pushing some renters to move from shared households or their parents' homes to dedicated apartments with adequate space for remote work.
These spaces aren't just about providing a desk—they represent a fundamental shift in how young adults view their living spaces. Apartments are no longer just places to sleep and relax; they're now expected to accommodate professional life as well. The most successful properties blend work functionality with aesthetics, creating spaces that feel both productive and inviting.
Lifestyle and Wellness: The New Social Currency
Despite digital connectedness, young adult renters still deeply value physical amenities that enhance their lifestyle. Fitness centers, pools, and social lounges remain consistently popular community features. On-site gyms and yoga studios are viewed as essential components of a convenient, healthy routine—saving both time and the cost of external gym memberships.
The social aspect of apartment living also ranks high for young adults. Common areas with entertainment options (game rooms, rooftop decks, grilling stations) and community events programming serve as extensions of relatively compact living spaces. These amenities also fulfill a deeper need: community building in an age where traditional social structures have weakened.
The Package Problem: Solved
One amenity that perfectly encapsulates the young adult renter's priorities is package management. Growing up with one-click online shopping, these residents receive frequent deliveries and need secure, accessible solutions. Secure package receiving systems (package locker rooms or 24/7 package hubs) now rank among the top desired amenities nationally.
This preference represents the perfect intersection of convenience, security, and lifestyle adaptation. For young professionals often away during delivery times, automated lockers prevent missed deliveries and theft risk. Forward-thinking developers now include package management solutions as a relatively low-cost, high-impact feature.
Location Still Matters: The Walkability Factor
While in-building amenities are crucial, young adults still prioritize location-based amenities—particularly walkability. Access to restaurants, cafes, and nightlife consistently ranks high on their priority list. This preference reflects both environmental consciousness and lifestyle desires; many young renters prefer the convenience and experience of walkable neighborhoods over car-dependent living.
Pet-friendly policies also factor heavily into location decisions, as many young adults consider pets family members. Interestingly, research shows Gen Z renters are more likely to scrutinize pet rules in a lease, while older renters focus on other details.
Regional Trends: Where Young Adult Preferences Dominate
Amenity preferences show fascinating regional variations, often correlating with local demographic patterns. As the 2025 Emerging Trends in Real Estate report points out, geography matters more than ever in real estate investment and development decisions.
Tech Hubs & Coastal Cities
Markets like Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose show elevated interest in tech amenities and sustainability features. These regions, populated by many young professionals, function as early adopters of smart home technology and green amenities. Electric vehicle charging stations have seen the greatest increase in interest in these markets, reflecting both tech-savvy residents and environmental consciousness. While these markets have faced challenges with affordability and domestic out-migration, their robust infrastructure and innovation ecosystems continue to attract international talent.
Urban Northeast
In dense, expensive cities like New York and Boston, young renters prioritize location and convenience over unit size. Walkability and transit access are particularly important in these transit-rich environments. Young professionals in these markets have grown accustomed to trading square footage for neighborhood amenities and accessibility.
Midwestern Innovation
Some Midwestern markets reveal interesting hybrid preferences. Cities like Chicago and Minneapolis have embraced indoor co-working spaces with private, reservable offices—reflecting both cold climate realities and a significant young professional population. These markets demonstrate how regional conditions can influence amenity development even while serving similar demographic preferences.
What This Means for Property Owners and Developers
For property owners and developers targeting young adult renters, these preferences suggest several strategic approaches:
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Prioritize technology infrastructure - Before fancy amenities, ensure rock-solid internet connectivity and smart home readiness. As the 2025 Emerging Trends report notes, properties with high power availability and technology integration are increasingly sought after across property types.
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Create flexible, multi-purpose spaces - Design amenities that can serve multiple functions throughout the day, maximizing utility while minimizing footprint. Industry leaders are increasingly focusing on "agile" or multi-functional amenities rather than a long checklist of single-purpose rooms.
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Focus on convenience innovations - Look for pain points in daily routines (like package delivery) and solve them with amenity offerings. This approach allows properties to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market.
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Build community intentionally - Young adults value belonging; program spaces and activities that foster connections among residents. According to industry research, this social component has grown in importance post-pandemic.
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Balance location with amenities - Consider what the surrounding neighborhood already offers when planning on-site amenities to avoid duplication. The 2025 Emerging Trends report emphasizes "location-sensitive amenity planning" that fills gaps in what residents can access locally.
The multifamily sector is experiencing an amenity revolution driven by changing resident expectations. Properties that understand and adapt to these evolving preferences will thrive in an increasingly competitive market. By focusing on technological integration, flexible spaces, and community-building amenities, developers can create environments that resonate with the values and lifestyles of today's young adult renters.
Related Articles:
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Renters’ Favored Amenities Revealed (Multi-Housing News)
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The amenities multifamily residents really want in 2025 (RE Journals)
- NMHC Report: Rent Regulation Policy in the United States (The National Multifamily Housing Council)