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In a fast-paced, post-pandemic world, the amenities and services that renters expect in multifamily communities are constantly changing. Owners and managers must anticipate what residents will ask for next in order to stay competitive. Predicting What Residents Want There is no crystal ball that allows multifamily owners to foresee what amenities and services future residents will seek when searching for a new home, but there are a few ways in which developers and managers can make sure they’re keeping up with the trends. Although focused on a different customer, sectors such as office and hotel are often ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting the shifting demands of their clientele. Multifamily owners and operators should keep a close eye on what industry leaders in these sectors are doing, such as installing pickleball courts and providing open workspaces and find ways to duplicate those experiences at their own communities. These specific examples have helped Morgan Properties to provide residents with the balance they seek — an active lifestyle that supports the new normal of work from home life. For example, in response to resident demand, we recently began installing outdoor fitness equipment that focuses on body weight and gravity …

— By Glen Collins, founder of Autside — Many people care deeply about their own wellness — not just fitness and nutrition, but overall physical, emotional and mental health. This has spurred multifamily property decisionmakers to reimagine how amenities can be leveraged to enhance vitality and well-being. The push to improve quality of life for residents offers additional advantages by bolstering tenant retention and making properties more desirable and competitive. Active social spaces enhance well-being According to the Urban Land Institute, top-ranked amenities that appeal most to today’s consumers include those located outdoors where people can meet and socialize, as well as amenities promoting healthy lifestyles. Outdoor living spaces that encourage activeness and social interaction can have powerful impacts on human health and happiness. In fact, numerous studies point to the mood-lifting benefits of recreational fun out in nature, unplugged from technology and dynamically engaged with other people. This much-needed mental break from day-to-day stressors can go a long way toward improving emotional well-being and relationships. The positive effects of physical activities on mind and body are also endorsed by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a public health authority. “Physical activity’s implications for significant positive effects on …