When it comes to looking for a new home in an ideal development, what comes to mind? Sure, many may first think of pet-friendly, walkable sidewalks and pretty landscaping. But these types of essentials are just the bare bones of modern-day residential developments.
Today’s family-friendly developments are expanding beyond a pool area to include some top-of-the-line amenities. These resources are bringing in more attractive buyers, leading to a competitive market that is great for residential developers and managers.
Below, key luxury community amenities that are becoming the norm for family-friendly residential developments.
Outdoor Kid-Friendly Areas
For families, one of the first things they’ll consider when looking for a new home is whether the area is good for their children. An outdoor, fenced area with modern and well-maintained playground equipment is a great place to start. Playgrounds should be inclusive in design, meaning they’ll appeal to children of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. Ideally, there should be different zones with various types of equipment. This can include everything from traditional swings and slides to more contemporary pieces such as spinners, merry-go-rounds, and sensory panel walls.
In addition, kid-friendly pools and water areas can also be great for climates that tend to get particularly hot in the summertime. Having a dedicated children’s pool is great for kids, but also for adults who prefer a quieter area to swim. Together, these outdoor play and swim areas can be great places for residents to host birthday parties and celebrations. The community can also gather here for events, such as pool parties, potlucks, and more.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
With more eclectic vehicles on the road, it only makes sense for residential areas to include on-site EV charging stations. This can attract incoming tenants, while also highlighting the area’s commitment to green living. Not to mention, it can increase property value as people continue to opt for fully or partially electric vehicles. For residential developments in California, where there is the highest number of registered EVs in the United States, charging stations are next to mandatory.
Coworking Spaces
Post-pandemic, the option to work from home is becoming more permanent. Whether residents are required to visit an office a few days a week or not at all, having a shared coworking space can be a nice addition for residential communities. Parents with young kids can go to the space for important calls or whenever they need to have some heads-down work time. Without the distractions of working from their own home, many will find they are more productive.
These spaces should include high-speed Wi-Fi, bookable conference rooms with easy-to-use AV setup, and separate booths for those who need to take a private call. Other business services, such as printing and wireless faxing stations, are nice-to-haves as well.
Wellness Centers
Forget the unused gym at the back of a community center. Developments today are building full-on wellness centers, complete with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, yoga and meditation rooms, spa and sauna rooms, and even cryotherapy rooms. These enhancements are creating a space where residents can recharge or relax, depending on their mood. Besides Peloton bikes and treadmills, fitness areas include rowing machines with interactive screens in addition to compression leg recovery stations.
Cold plunge tubs and infrared saunas may seem a bit extreme, but these tools are becoming the ultimate essentials in recovery. Combined with high-end design and aesthetic materials, these types of offerings uplevel the residential property, creating a relaxing experience for residents. Getting a workout in a building’s gym never looked — or felt — so good.
Dog Parks and Washing Stations
Families love their pets. Similar to kids having their own play zones, dogs should have their own as well! Dog parks are great for apartment and townhouse complexes because they allow pet parents to meet one another, while their pets run around freely. Dogs can go off-leash, releasing pent-up energy that they may have from being inside most of the day.
Another feature that can be quite compelling to families is a separate pet spa or dog washing station. Stainless steel tubs with sprayers in addition to dryers and grooming areas can make this chore a bit more enjoyable for pet parents and Fido, too. Not to mention, having this dedicated area will compel dog owners to keep their pets clean, meaning there will be fewer muddy paws on common areas.
Secure, Smart Locker Systems
Everyone receives a lot of packages these days, especially families. Thanks to Amazon and free shipping from other big box retail stores, families are more inclined to buy items online and have them shipped. This can be much easier than dragging the kids to the store! Because of this, having smart locker systems within a centralized mailroom can be an enticing addition to apartment or condo complexes.
Smart lockers automate package delivery and pickup. Mail carriers are required to enter a digital code to open locker compartments electronically. A notification via text or email is sent to the resident’s mobile device with a unique pin or code. This code is needed to open the corresponding locker to retrieve their package. This system reduces package theft and notifies residents when they have a package waiting, as opposed to asking a doorman or other building staff member.
