Amenities That Attract Long-Term Residents
Designing for Comfort, Community, and Convenience
In the world of multifamily living, amenities are no longer just "nice-to-haves"—they're deal-breakers. Long-term residents aren’t just looking for a place to live; they want a lifestyle, a community, and a space that supports their work, wellness, and social life. As more renters embrace the idea of settling in for the long haul, developers and property managers need to rethink their approach to amenities. What makes people stay? And, more importantly, what makes a space feel like home?
At DESIGNBAR, we know that thoughtful, experience-driven design is the key to turning a building into a vibrant, long-term living destination. Let’s break down the amenities that keep residents renewing their leases year after year—and how smart design makes all the difference.
1. Wellness & Fitness Spaces That Go Beyond the Basics
Gone are the days when a treadmill in a windowless room counted as a fitness center. Today’s residents expect wellness-focused spaces that integrate seamlessly into their daily routines. According to the 2024 NMHC/Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Report, over 55% of renters prioritize wellness amenities when choosing an apartment.
What Works:
Boutique-Style Fitness Centers: Think curated spaces with high-end gym equipment, on-demand workout classes, and personal training zones.
Yoga & Meditation Rooms: Quiet, beautifully designed areas for relaxation and mental well-being.
Outdoor Wellness Spaces: Walking trails, rooftop gardens, and community green spaces that encourage movement and mindfulness.
Cold Plunge & Recovery Lounges: The rise of biohacking and recovery spaces makes features like saunas, infrared therapy, and cold plunge pools highly attractive.
Smart Design Tip: Natural light, soundproofing, and air-purifying plants make these spaces feel more inviting and effective.
Luxury Multifamily Wellness Space
2. Work-From-Home Friendly Co-Living Spaces
With remote work still dominating, residents want more than just an extra bedroom to function as an office. In fact, over 40% of renters consider dedicated co-working spaces a must-have amenity (Multifamily Executive, 2024).
What Works:
High-Speed WiFi & Tech-Savvy Lounges: Seamless connectivity is non-negotiable.
Private & Semi-Private Work Pods: Residents want options for both quiet, focused work and casual collaboration.
Reservable Conference Rooms: Soundproof spaces for virtual meetings and in-person brainstorming sessions.
Coffee Bars & Snack Stations: A social component that fosters interaction while maintaining productivity.
Smart Design Tip: Acoustic treatments, ergonomic furniture, and biophilic elements enhance comfort and functionality.
High-Tech Co-Working
3. Social & Entertainment Hubs for Community Building
People stay where they feel connected. Community-focused amenities are just as critical as private living spaces, with 70% of renters saying they’re more likely to renew if they feel a sense of belonging (Apartment List, 2023).
What Works:
Clubhouses with Multi-Use Spaces: Think sleek lounges that double as event spaces, movie nights, and pop-up dining experiences.
Outdoor Fire Pits & Rooftop Bars: Designed for casual gatherings and networking.
Game & E-Sports Lounges: With the rise of gaming culture, modern apartment buildings are incorporating gaming setups, VR rooms, and e-sports lounges.
Chef’s Kitchens & Communal Dining Areas: Cooking classes, wine tastings, and supper clubs add major lifestyle value.
Smart Design Tip: Integrate flexible, modular furniture that allows spaces to transform based on residents’ needs.
Vibrant Community Rooftop
4. Pet-Friendly Perks That Make a Difference
Pet ownership is at an all-time high, with nearly 70% of renters owning pets (Forbes, 2024). Properties that don’t cater to four-legged family members risk losing out on a huge segment of long-term renters.
What Works:
Pet Spas & Grooming Stations: On-site facilities make pet care convenient.
Dog Parks & Agility Courses: Safe, engaging outdoor spaces keep pets and owners happy.
Pet Concierge Services: Walking, daycare, and vet partnership programs add extra convenience.
Smart Design Tip: Use durable, pet-friendly materials like scratch-resistant flooring and odor-neutralizing finishes to keep spaces fresh and stylish.
5. Sustainable & Smart Tech Integration
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Nearly 65% of renters are willing to pay more for eco-friendly features (National Apartment Association, 2024). Green initiatives not only attract environmentally conscious residents but also reduce operational costs over time.
What Works:
Energy-Efficient Appliances & Smart Thermostats: Lower utility bills while reducing carbon footprints.
Solar-Powered Common Areas: Offsetting energy costs with renewable energy sources.
Smart Lighting & Automated Climate Control: Enhancing comfort while cutting waste.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: A major incentive for long-term renters with electric cars.
Smart Design Tip: Sustainable design should be seamlessly integrated—think biophilic elements, recycled materials, and passive cooling techniques.
The Bottom Line: Design for Longevity, Not Just Lease Signings
The future of multifamily design isn’t just about building spaces—it’s about curating experiences that keep residents engaged and renewing their leases year after year.
At DESIGNBAR, we specialize in creating thoughtfully designed, experience-driven spaces that resonate with today’s long-term renters. Whether it’s incorporating wellness features, optimizing co-working hubs, or crafting vibrant community spaces, we know how to design for longevity.
Want to create a multifamily space that people don’t just live in but thrive in? Let’s talk.
Sources:
NMHC/Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Report, 2024 (NMHC)
Multifamily Executive, 2024 (Multifamily Executive)
Apartment List, 2023 (Apartment List)
Forbes, 2024 (Forbes)
National Apartment Association, 2024 (NAA)