Trends in Amenity Planning and Design for Lifestyle Communities

Amenities play a crucial role in the decision-making process for potential homebuyers in lifestyle communities, whether they cater to active adults or multi-generational groups. These amenities significantly impact how satisfied current homeowners are. Communities that fail to meet these expectations or do not plan their amenities according to consumer interests can suffer in terms of sales, referrals, profitability, and brand reputation. Homeowner associations, responsible for planning and implementing new amenities, have a major influence on these outcomes.

The type and range of amenities available can vary widely among communities. Factors such as the overall size of the community, the planned scope of infrastructure, and available resources for funding tend to have the most substantial influence. Additionally, emerging trends in programming, unique interests specific to a geographic area, and natural features of the land can also shape amenity planning and design. Initially, the developer or builder of a new community typically leads amenity planning. However, as the community grows, this responsibility eventually shifts to the homeowner association (HOA). To inform these plans, trends and buyer preferences can be gathered from various sources.

Larger communities may dedicate specific spaces for a wide range of activities, whereas smaller properties tend to rely on versatile spaces that can accommodate different uses. Whether the community is targeted towards active adults or a diverse age group also influences the overall design of the community and its amenities.

Trends in Amenities for Active Adult Communities

As the demographics and lifestyle preferences of active adult buyers evolve, these communities are now embracing new amenities and unique design elements catering to an energetic, health-focused, and youthful generation of older adults. Traditional indoor amenities like meeting spaces and arts and crafts rooms are being complemented with contemporary offerings. These often include amenity-rich clubhouses featuring resort-style facilities: modern fitness centers, full-service spas with massage and skincare services, salons, indoor walking tracks, and demonstration kitchens.

Appealing social spaces such as lounges, full-service restaurants and bars, wireless Internet cafes, and coffee or juice bars are gaining popularity and contribute to building a stronger community spirit. Woodshops, art studios, theaters, lecture halls, lifelong learning classrooms, indoor greenhouses, and wellness centers associated with hospitals are also present in some larger properties.

In certain instances, partnerships with third-party providers, such as colleges, local golf courses, or health and wellness centers, offer dedicated amenities and programs. These partners may fund and maintain these spaces, enhancing lifestyle offerings for homeowners and reducing upfront costs for the association.

Outside, modern amenities might include features like zero-depth swimming pools, infinity hot tubs, resistance pools, sandy beach areas, and facilities for canoeing and kayaking. Outdoor kitchens, bars, fire pit areas, dog parks, meditation gardens, vineyards, and even playgrounds tailored for older adults might be in the planning. Preserving open space as a functional community amenity is also becoming a trend.

Trends in Multi-Generational and Family Communities

In multi-generational communities, buyers are often on the lookout for amenities similar to those in active adult properties. However, these communities naturally incorporate features that appeal to people of all ages, including children, teens, families, and adults.

Larger communities might include indoor amenities such as performance theaters, gymnasiums, food venues, and childcare facilities. Outdoor options could include bike trails, jogging paths, parks with picnic areas, concert pavilions, barbecues, playgrounds, sports courts, and ball fields.

The more modern amenities in some multi-generational communities include indoor climbing walls, teen centers, birthday party rooms, skateboarding parks, nature preserves, golf courses, dog parks, and even zip lines. Residents might also have access to large aquatic complexes with water slides, playgrounds, and lazy rivers.

Regional Variations in Amenities

Amenity trends and offerings can differ by region. Some trends are universal, while others are specific to the community or geographic location. When planning new amenities, it's crucial to understand local interests and opportunities that can differentiate the property. Communities near lakes, for instance, can attract those interested in waterfront activities, leveraging these features to include beaches, canoeing, and fishing venues. A property in the mountains might include a ski hill, while others incorporate on-site farms, vineyards, or natural areas into their design.

Strategies for Delivering Five-Star Amenities

Providing amenities that enhance resident life and ease is essential. These features should boost property values, improve quality of life, and encourage social interaction.

It's important that amenities cater to the unique needs and interests of current and prospective homeowners. Placing them in visible areas and designing them for marketing impact can effectively showcase the community's lifestyle.

Incorporating natural features like lakes and woodlands into community design can enrich outdoor amenities. Maintaining open space for aesthetic enjoyment and recreation is also valuable.

Amenities should be appropriately scaled and economically viable, balancing resident needs with a return on investment. Adequate funding for reserves ensures the community can repair and replace amenity assets without negatively impacting homeowners.

Remember, amenities extend beyond the internal community offerings. Nearby lifestyle amenities—museums, theaters, restaurants, sports complexes, trails, and shopping venues—can enhance residents' experiences and attract potential buyers. Off-site amenities can also support resident programming, like fitness classes in a park or wine tastings at a nearby vineyard.

Ultimately, well-chosen amenities keep communities attractive in competitive markets and ensure resident satisfaction. Partnering with a quality property management company can help identify and plan necessary upgrades, supporting programming that strengthens relationships and enhances the homeowner experience.