Creating a Sense of Belonging: Why Community Amenities Matter More Than Ever

Creating a Sense of Belonging: Why Community Amenities Matter More Than Ever

In today's multifamily apartment market, creating meaningful community experiences has become just as important as offering luxury features. As residents seek more than just a place to live, community-focused amenities that foster a sense of belonging have emerged as essential components of successful apartment developments. 

The Social Infrastructure of Apartment Communities 

Research consistently shows that residents who feel connected to their communities report higher satisfaction levels and are more likely to renew their leases. This connection isn't just good for residents—it translates directly to property value and rental premiums. 

Recent data from Greystar's 2024 Design Survey Report provides compelling evidence of how significantly community-focused amenities impact resident decisions and satisfaction. As residents seek more than just a place to live, these social spaces and gathering opportunities help transform apartment buildings into true communities. 

Creating Spaces for Meaningful Interaction 

Communal Gathering Areas 

Modern multifamily developments are increasingly designing spaces that encourage organic interactions among residents: 

  • Community lounges and clubhouses have evolved beyond traditional entertainment spaces. While only 9% of residents in the Greystar survey consider them essential, 46% express interest in these spaces. These areas now include comfortable seating arrangements, coffee bars, and technology setups that accommodate both socializing and entertainment. 

  • Rooftop terraces and outdoor decks create premium social environments with impressive views. These areas are typically designed with multiple seating arrangements that allow for both private conversations and larger gatherings. 

  • Multipurpose event spaces that can transition from daytime co-working to evening social events provide flexibility for community-building activities. Many properties now host regular resident events from wine tastings to cooking classes in these areas. 

Creative Social Catalysts 

The Greystar study also identified several amenities that, while not considered essential by most residents, generate significant interest and add value to multifamily communities: 

  • Food and beverage options like cafés (41% interested) and food truck events (42% interested) create natural gathering spaces and community events. 

  • Wellness and relaxation features like steam rooms (46% interested) and dry saunas (44% interested) provide spa-like experiences that residents value. 

  • Creative spaces such as maker spaces (27% interested) and multi-purpose audio-visual rooms (28% interested) allow residents to pursue interests together and develop community connections. 

  • Entertainment amenities including gaming rooms (27% interested), outdoor cinemas (42% interested), and multi-sport simulated games (23% interested) provide dynamic activities that create natural conversation starters among residents. 

Outdoor Amenities: Creating Community in Open Spaces 

The 2024 Greystar survey reveals that outdoor amenities play a crucial role in fostering community interactions and are highly valued by residents. Among the key findings: 

  • Barbecue grills are the most popular outdoor amenity, with 62% of respondents identifying them as important - making them one of the most universally appreciated community features 

  • General green spaces rank second, valued by 47% of respondents, highlighting the continued importance of accessible outdoor areas 

  • Outdoor kitchens (32%), reservable private dining areas (27%), and community vegetable gardens (27%) round out the top outdoor cooking and dining amenities 

These outdoor gathering spaces serve multiple purposes - they provide venues for both planned community events and spontaneous social interactions while offering residents opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without leaving their community. The data suggests that investments in quality outdoor social spaces generate some of the highest resident satisfaction returns. 

Active Lifestyle Amenities: Recreation as Social Connection 

The Greystar survey also details resident preferences for recreational outdoor amenities that facilitate both physical activity and social connection: 

  • Areas for lawn games are important to 28% of respondents, offering flexible space for casual recreation and socializing 

  • Basketball courts are valued by 22% of residents 

  • Tennis courts remain important to 19% of the survey participants 

  • Children's play spaces and pickleball courts tie at 17% each, with the latter reflecting the growing popularity of this accessible sport 

  • Sand volleyball courts round out the recreational offerings at 14% 

These active lifestyle amenities serve a dual purpose in fostering community connections. Beyond their fitness benefits, they create natural opportunities for residents to interact through shared activities, whether participating in impromptu games, organized tournaments, or simply spectating together. 

The Pet Factor: Creating Communities for People and Their Animals 

The 2024 Greystar survey confirms that pet amenities have become increasingly important in multifamily communities. Specifically: 

  • Pet waste stations are essential to 19% of residents and interesting to another 35% 

  • Community dog parks are valued by 41% of respondents (10% consider them essential) 

  • Pet-washing stations generate interest from 34% of residents and are considered essential by 5% 

These findings align with the growing importance of pet-friendly communities, as over 70% of apartment residents now own pets. The data clearly shows that pet amenities serve a dual purpose - they meet practical needs for pet owners while simultaneously creating community spaces where residents naturally interact, fostering connections that enhance overall satisfaction. 

Co-Working Spaces: The Evolution of Multifamily Work Amenities 

The Greystar survey offers fascinating insights into how work-related amenities have evolved in multifamily settings. While only 2% of residents consider co-working spaces essential, the survey reveals specific features that make these spaces most effective: 

  • Device charging stations are identified by 61% of respondents as essential for co-working spaces 

  • Study areas are crucial to 54% of residents 

  • Private, bookable office spaces are important to 47% of respondents 

  • Large monitors are valued by 46% of residents 

These findings highlight how co-working amenities in multifamily settings have become increasingly sophisticated, moving beyond simple tables and chairs to comprehensive workspaces that support various professional needs. Properties that invest in these specific features can create truly functional co-working environments that residents value and utilize regularly. 

Emerging Amenity Trends: Beyond the Essentials 

The 2024 Greystar survey highlights several emerging community amenities that, while not yet considered essential by large percentages of residents, are showing interest levels that suggest future importance: 

  • Outdoor dining and culinary amenities are gaining popularity, with features like pizza ovens interesting 21% of residents and creating unique community gathering opportunities 

  • Sustainable community features like community vegetable gardens (27%) and rentable greenhouses (11%) appeal to environmentally conscious residents while creating ongoing opportunities for interaction 

  • Convenience shops for small purchases generate interest from 47% of respondents  

  • Meditation centers appeal to 31% of respondents 

These emerging amenities reflect changing lifestyle preferences and values, particularly post-pandemic, and represent opportunities for forward-thinking multifamily developers to differentiate their properties while addressing evolving resident needs. 

Regional Variations in Amenity Preferences 

The Greystar survey reveals important regional differences in how residents value community amenities: 

  • Fitness centers are particularly important to residents in high-rise buildings and those living in Miami and Los Angeles, with significantly higher percentages considering them essential 

  • Pools show strong demand in Sunbelt markets, with 56% of Miami respondents, 48% of Tampa respondents, and 42% of Orlando and Phoenix respondents considering them essential 

  • Reserved parking is deemed essential by the highest percentage of respondents in Los Angeles (53%), Phoenix (42%), and San Diego (42%), with significantly more importance in urban areas (27%) versus suburbs (22%) or rural areas (13%) 

These geographical variations highlight the importance of tailoring community amenity packages to local market preferences and needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. 

The Community Connection 

The comprehensive data from the 2024 Greystar survey tells a compelling story: residents highly value amenities that facilitate social connection. From shared outdoor spaces to pet facilities to creative venues, the most appreciated amenities are those that create opportunities for meaningful interaction. 

For multifamily residents, these amenities transform apartment living from simply having a place to sleep into being part of a true community. As work patterns and lifestyle preferences continue to evolve, the thoughtful integration of these community-focused amenities will remain central to creating successful multifamily environments where residents truly feel at home.


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