The lifestyle dynamics for consumers are changing and there is a high demand for things that make life easier, extending to travel, online shopping, and even their living situations. The desire for a simplified lifestyle has provided a rise in community living.
1. Spaces with Flexibility
For multifamily buildings, we are seeing a rise in amenities that promote the community lifestyle, allowing their residents to relax, unwind and socialize. When constructing these spaces, flexibility is key. Flexible living spaces are being incorporated into designs for amenities like game rooms, work lounges, fitness centers, pool decks and event spaces. A well-appointed lounge or lobby with a retractable wall that opens directly onto an outdoor patio, sliding doors and dividers that enable one large room to be split into many so that residents can host multiple events or activities at one time…these are the things that can put one residence ahead of another when potential renters or buyers are choosing where to live.
2. Neighborhoods with Community
While urban dwellers certainly value their amenities, tenants in large apartment buildings aren’t the only ones to emphasize the importance of communal conveniences. Residents of single family homes are making a similar push for neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle, which is why there’s been an increase in demand for neighborhood amenities that you might normally find at a resort. Parks and green space, jogging trails, resort-style pools, dog-friendly spaces, and neighborhood athletic facilities all provide a higher quality of life for members of the community and they aren’t shy about seeking out neighborhoods that provide those things.
3. Socialization within the Home
The desire for a greater sense of community isn’t just limited to large-scale apartment complexes or neighborhoods. While popular for years, open concept floor plans have been designed with this objective in mind, where great rooms flow seamlessly into large, airy kitchens that allow a family to share the same space while not necessarily having to participate in the same activity. Families are also looking for more playfulness at home. Backyard bocce ball courts, outdoor kitchens with stone pizza ovens, fire pits, and home theaters that feature large projection screens: these are the types of upgrades that allow homeowners to make their time together at home more entertaining and more meaningful.
4. Multi-generational Living
Multi-generational living has returned and homeowners are no longer simply sharing space with just their spouse and children. Millennials are choosing to live with their parents for longer and older generations are moving in with their children. For families who are seeking a little more privacy, in-law apartments are a great solution. A small apartment over the garage or in the basement can provide privacy and a sense of independence for the person living there. These apartments have separate entrances and can be as minimal as a studio. Similarly, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs (sometimes called “granny pods”), are increasing in popularity as well. These small, detached units that are built in a homeowner’s backyard provide ideal housing for in-laws, adult children, or even rented out for additional income.
