Top 7 Community Amenities Residents Desire

As homeowner associations grow in popularity, the demand for diverse community amenities is increasing, especially within luxury neighborhoods, where high-end services and lifestyle programs play a vital role in everyday living. This trend highlights the importance for communities to continuously rethink their amenity offerings and how these affect the residents' quality of life.

What Makes a Community Stand Out?

Changing social norms and expectations are transforming how communities perceive their amenities. Today, these features are critical in homebuyers’ decisions, often influencing their choice to settle in one community over another.

Modern residential lifestyle trends aim to evoke emotions through creative and authentic events, state-of-the-art technology, wellness and sports programs, and a variety of food services, from grab-n-go snacks to sophisticated dining experiences. Together with elements like ambiance, décor, music, and design, these amenities stimulate the senses, crafting a unique living experience.

While not every community can offer all possible amenities, here are some of the most sought-after features residents look for when choosing where to live.

Versatile Workspaces

With the shift towards hybrid and remote working models, residents increasingly value quiet areas within their community for meetings, project work, or video calls. Often doubling as communal spaces for events and gatherings, these areas provide both productivity and leisure options for residents.

Access to Rentable Items

The ability to rent specific items instead of purchasing them can be a significant draw for many homeowners. In high-rise communities, offering rentable storage spaces can generate revenue for the association while providing storage solutions for residents. Meanwhile, in communities with extensive outdoor amenities, renting bikes, kayaks, or paddleboards can help residents manage equipment needs they use infrequently.

Convenient On-Site Markets

The booming hospitality industry has inspired developers to incorporate small markets within their properties. These markets offer residents the convenience to quickly buy essentials without leaving their community.

Fitness and Wellness Options

As fitness preferences evolve with changing demographics, residents now seek more than just traditional gym equipment. Communities are exploring diverse fitness offerings, such as yoga, Pilates, and various wellness programs, to meet these changing expectations.

Dining Choices

Dining amenities, once mainly found in luxury communities, are becoming increasingly popular as more residents enjoy resort-style living. Having a couple of dining options available provides residents with socializing and dining opportunities right within their community.

Golf Courses

While not feasible for all communities, some expansive master-planned developments feature complete golf courses for residents. These are particularly popular in lifestyle and active adult communities, where there is a strong focus on community amenity programming and maintenance.

Pet-Friendly Facilities

The rise in pet ownership since the pandemic has prompted communities to consider pet-friendly amenities. In areas with ample green space, dog parks serve as excellent recreational places for pet owners, providing a space where they can bring their furry friends.