In 2023, Statista reported there were approximately 145 million housing units in the United States, an increase of 1.3 percent from 2022 and the highest annual increase in 15 years. With more residential developments vying for consumer attention than ever before, modern amenities have become more than just an added bonus, they’re a strategic necessity. As renters and buyers increasingly prioritize lifestyle when selecting a home, properties that offer thoughtfully designed, standout amenities have a distinct advantage in both attracting and retaining residents. Prospective renters and buyers are no longer just looking for a place to live, they’re seeking a lifestyle.
Here, Amy Gallogly, vice president of residential and lifestyle amenities at Arch Amenities Group, shares her insights on how thoughtfully curated amenities are redefining modern living, what’s driving these trends, and how developers can create spaces that attract and retain residents.
Why are amenities an important factor in attracting and retaining residents?
Amenities are a critical asset in marketing a property to prospective residents. A thoughtfully curated selection of amenities that aligns with the target demographic can make a property truly stand out from its competition. Since most initial searches for a new home or apartment happen online, it’s essential for developers to showcase the property’s lifestyle through high-quality visuals on websites and social media. By using images and renderings that highlight both dynamic social areas and tranquil retreats, developers can help potential residents envision themselves enjoying the community’s unique offerings.
Additionally, hiring a Lifestyle Director early in the development process can be a highly effective way to engage prospects and future residents through tailored social programming and events. Featuring an on-site Lifestyle Director is a powerful marketing approach that fosters community before residents even move in or sign a lease. A Lifestyle Director can create opportunities for residents to start building connections and become invested in their new community, making the property feel like home from day one.
What role do amenities play in differentiating a residential property from its competitors?
Modern developers recognize that today’s residents expect more than traditional offerings and are looking to invest in carefully curated amenities that align with their brand, target market, and long-term value. Amenities are essential in distinguishing a residential property by providing a lifestyle experience that resonates with the desires and needs of today’s buyers and renters.
To stay competitive, many developers are collaborating with expert lifestyle and amenities consultants, like Arch Amenities Group, whose access to over a hundred wellness and fitness vendors allows them to tailor spaces to current trends, audience preferences, and financial considerations. Such specialists can guide developers in creating unique, immersive experiences by integrating not only high-end equipment but also wellness-focused environments that cater to holistic well-being.
For instance, rather than installing a typical gym and yoga studio, a property might include a high-tech fitness center featuring advanced Technogym equipment, a recovery area with cutting-edge Hyperice tools, and perhaps even spaces for mindfulness practices or social lounges for community building. The right amenities don’t just add value—they create a sense of place that enhances residents’ daily lives, positioning the property as an attractive and enduring choice.
What is the best way to ensure that the amenities being implemented align with the lifestyle and needs of the target demographic?
A highly effective way to ensure that amenities align with the lifestyle and needs of your target demographic is to work with a consulting firm that specializes in lifestyle planning and programming. Profiles by Arch, a first of its kind, data-driven insights tool by Arch Amenities Group, pairs current mobility data with Experian Mosaic segmentation to anticipate the behaviors, attitudes, and preferences of your entire tenant population to form recommendations on amenities, activations, programming, and experiences to maximize the potential of your space. Expert partners like Arch Amenities can help tailor amenity offerings to meet the preferences of your intended residents while also fostering engagement and enthusiasm within the community, ensuring that each amenity is purposefully selected to attract the right demographic and create a vibrant, appealing environment for residents.
Which amenities are the most successful for attracting new residents?
The most successful amenities in attracting new residents often depend on the specific type and location of the residential community, but several standouts consistently top the list in new developments. For 2024, there are a few key amenities that are proving especially popular:
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- Outdoor Multi-functional Spaces: Flexible outdoor areas that can be used for relaxation, fitness classes, social gatherings and even outdoor movie nights are highly desired. With residents increasingly valuing access to nature and outdoor activity, these spaces provide both leisure and community-building opportunities.
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- Pet-Friendly Amenities: Pet ownership is on the rise, making pet-friendly features a top priority. Dog parks, pet spas and washing stations, and pet friendly social lounging areas are popular additions, helping attract pet owners who see their animals as part of the family.
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- Wellness-Inspired Spaces: Wellness is a central theme in residential development, with fitness centers, yoga and meditation rooms, and recovery areas with amenities such as infrared saunas, cold plunges, and treatment rooms drawing significant interest. These spaces are especially appealing to residents seeking a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.
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- Co-Working Spaces: The rise of remote work has made co-working spaces a crucial amenity. Many new developments now offer modern workstations, private booths, conferences rooms, and high-speed internet access, providing residents with a professional and convenient space to work from home.
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- Community-Centered Amenities: Beyond the basics, community-focused spaces such as rooftop lounges and kitchens, game rooms, and wine tasting areas are becoming increasingly popular. These areas encourage social interaction, creating a sense of belonging and community with the property.
These amenities not only increase a property’s appeal but also help foster a lifestyle that today’s residents are actively seeking. By offering thoughtfully designed spaces that support wellness, convenience, and community, residential properties can stand out and draw in new residents.
What does the future of residential amenities look like?
Wellness and technology will be integral in shaping the future of residential amenities, particularly as Generation Z becomes a prominent segment of homebuyers and renters. This tech-savvy and health-conscious generation seeks convenience, accessibility, and a lifestyle that aligns with their values. As such, developers should focus on creating spaces that not only promote a wellness-oriented lifestyle but also provide seamless technological integration to meet their busy, on-the-go way of life.
To meet Gen Z’s expectation for convenience, residential properties should consider autonomous solutions that offer round-the-clock access without requiring staff presence. TULU, for example, provides an innovative model for multi-family buildings, offering residents on-demand access to essentials such as home supplies, printers, e-scooters, and more—all just a few steps away. By incorporating tech-driven amenities like TULU, properties can offer a blend of wellness and convenience that aligns with the expectations of the next generation of residents.
How does Arch Amenities Group develop custom amenities plan for a new residential property?
Arch Amenities Group takes a comprehensive and highly informed approach to developing custom amenity plans for new residential properties, setting itself apart through a dual focus on operational expertise and design insight. With over 400 amenity spaces managed worldwide, Arch has unmatched experience in both designing and operating amenity spaces across diverse markets. This operational perspective means that each amenity plan is not only beautifully designed but also optimized for functionality, resident engagement, and long-term success.
Our process is collaborative from the start, involving close consultation with the client to understand their vision, target demographic, and unique goals for the property. Arch’s team provides an all-encompassing review and custom recommendations, drawing from extensive real-world insights gained from managing amenity spaces globally. Our experts stay on the cutting edge of trends, regularly attending conferences such as the Global Wellness Summit, ISPA, IHRSA, and NAHB International Builders’ Show, ensuring that we bring the latest innovations in wellness, technology, and lifestyle design to every project.
