11 Types of Amenities Your Complex Should Be Offering

Residents looking for their next apartment have plenty of options. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, the United States has over 23 million apartment units. In this crowded market, apartment complexes must go the extra mile to attract new residents and retain existing ones.

Offering the right types of amenities will allow you to give your residents a top-notch experience. These perks will also help you build a stronger sense of community and stand out from your competition. Below, we explore essential types of apartment amenities for every complex.

What Types of Amenities Do People Look for in Apartment Complexes?

Many residents have high expectations for their apartment complexes. They're looking for more than just a basic place to sleep and cook. Instead, they want amenities that improve their quality of life and make them feel like part of a community.

According to a 2022 survey, here are the 10 most popular and desirable amenities for American renters:

1. In-unit laundry (50% of respondents)
2. On-site pool (48%)
3. High-speed internet (38%)
4. Private garage (37%)
5. More storage (36%)
6. On-site gym or exercise space (34%)
7. Premium appliances (33%)
8. Satellite, cable, or other types of pay TV (33%)
9. Online resident portal (28%)
10. Playground (27%)

Of course, different types of residents will care about different amenities. For example, parents may look for apartment communities with family-friendly events and playgrounds. Meanwhile, busy young professionals may prioritize on-site fitness facilities and co-working spaces.

Survey your current residents about the amenities they want added to your apartment community. You can also research other complexes in your area to identify popular amenities and discover what you may be missing. This data can help you wow residents with in-demand and unique apartment amenities.

What Are Basic and Full Amenities?

Apartment complexes can offer two types of amenities: basic and full.

Basic amenities are standard apartment features in most complexes. They’re typically included in the base rent and make apartments functional and safe.

Here are a few examples of basic amenities:

• HVAC unit
• Landscaping services
• Maintenance
• Parking spaces
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Trash removal

Full amenities are additional features that go beyond the bare minimum. They make your residents’ lives more convenient, fun, and fulfilling and help foster a welcoming and pleasant community.

Examples of full amenities include:

• Car washing station
• Fitness center
• Movie theater
• Swimming pool
• Walking trails
• Workout classes

11 Types of Amenities Your Complex Should Offer

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to amenities in apartments. Focus on features and services that meet your residents’ specific needs. You should also offer a mixture of amenity types to cater to different audiences and preferences.

Here’s a list of amenities that will help you impress and satisfy residents.

1. State-of-the-Art Fitness Center

No one wants to drive across town to the gym after a long day at work. A high-tech fitness center lets residents break a sweat without leaving the apartment complex.

Many fitness facilities have basic equipment like ellipticals, free weights, and treadmills. Take the resident fitness experience to the next level by offering premium amenities, such as:

• Fitness technology: Build a stronger community with cutting-edge fitness technology. For example, streaming platforms let complexes offer virtual classes.
• Sauna: Residents can unwind and relax their muscles after a challenging workout in an on-site sauna.
• Smart fitness equipment: This interactive equipment uses advanced technology to track users' performance and guide them through exercises.
• Workout classes: Many people enjoy instructor-led fitness classes more than solo workouts. Hire fitness experts to teach daily or weekly sessions. For example, residents could get their hearts pumping with lively Zumba classes or slow down with Saturday morning yoga.

Many residents also expect a nice apartment complex to offer 24/7 gym access. Security features like cameras and keycard access allow people to work out safely anytime.

2. Organized Fitness Group Activities and Challenges

Organized fitness events give residents opportunities to socialize and meet like-minded people. They can also help people stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals.

Here are a few examples of fitness group activities:

• Biking or walking clubs
• Educational workshops on injury prevention, nutrition, and other topics
• Fitness boot camps
• Recreational sports events, like community softball games

Increase community engagement with fun fitness challenges. For instance, you can offer prizes for residents who walk the most miles in a month or participate in the most classes. Promote these challenges on social media to build excitement.

3. Pet-Friendly Units and Amenities

Pet-friendly apartment complexes don’t simply accept animals. They have tangible amenities catered to pets. For example, you can design pet-friendly units with easy-to-clean flooring and furniture.

You should also place pet waste stations around your apartment buildings in convenient locations. These features will keep the community clean and pleasant for all residents, including non-pet owners.

Additionally, animal-loving residents will appreciate communal pet amenities. A pet washing station saves owners a trip to the groomer and keeps Scooby smelling fresh. You can also build a fenced-in dog park where pets can explore and play off-leash. Add agility equipment like jumps and tunnels to help pets burn off energy.

4. Well-Maintained Outdoor Spaces

Beautiful green spaces make your community more inviting and encourage residents to get outside. Add appealing landscaping like flowerbeds and lush lawns. You can also create communal outdoor spaces like walking paths and picnic areas. These features let residents enjoy getting exercise and relaxing in nature.

5. Clubhouse or Community Center for Gatherings

A clubhouse or community center gives residents a safe space to socialize and relax. Encourage gatherings by investing in cozy seating, game rooms, a movie theater, and other features. You can also let residents reserve this amenity for baby showers, birthdays, and other private events.

6. Business Center and Co-Working Spaces

Cater to professional residents with dedicated work amenities. A business center lets residents print documents, make copies, and access high-speed internet. Residents with remote jobs may also flock to co-working spaces with meeting rooms, coffee machines, and other amenities.

7. On-Demand Nutrition Content on Dynamic Screens

Many people want to eat a healthier diet and learn more about nutrition. You can meet this demand by providing access to on-demand nutrition content on dynamic screens.

Digital signage is one of the best ways to educate residents about their health. You can install dynamic screens in lobbies, fitness centers, and other common areas. These screens display rotating, curated content, such as nutrition facts and recipes.

8. Playground Areas for Kids

For many parents, playground areas are among the coolest apartment amenities. These spaces let your youngest residents socialize and play in a secure and engaging environment. They also give families opportunities to spend quality time together.

Prioritize safety as you design your playgrounds. Choose safe and reliable swing sets, slides, and other equipment. You should also install soft surfaces below the playground, such as engineered wood fiber, poured rubber, or rubber tiles. These features will soften the impact of falls and prevent injury.

Add social amenities to make your playground areas more appealing. Parents can relax around picnic tables or on benches while supervising their children. You can also host community activities like game nights and holiday parties at the playground to encourage families to socialize.

9. Apps With Fitness and Wellness Content

Mobile apps are an easy way to engage residents and promote healthy lifestyles within your apartment complex.

Fitness On Demand’s FLEX app lets you stream fitness classes and other lifestyle content to resident devices. Users can also access extensive libraries of recorded workouts, mindfulness exercises, and nutrition podcasts. These resources empower residents to improve their health and overall well-being.

10. Laundry Amenities

Every apartment’s list of amenities should include laundry facilities. Many residents prefer the convenience of in-unit washers and dryers, allowing them to clean their laundry on their schedule and without leaving their apartment.

Complexes can also offer on-site, communal laundry rooms. These facilities typically have multiple washers and dryers to accommodate residents. Choose machines that accept common payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, to make this process more convenient for residents. Also, comfortable seating areas and lighting will make the laundry room more comfortable.

11. Smart Home Features

Smart home technology has become one of the top luxury apartment amenities. These digital tools let residents customize their living environments and reduce energy consumption. They also improve security and give your residents peace of mind.

Popular smart home technology includes:

• Automated lights and thermostats
• Security systems
• Smart appliances
• Smart locks
• Smart package delivery systems
• Video doorbells

Elevate Apartment Facilities With Fitness On Demand

The real estate market has become increasingly crowded and competitive. You can distinguish your apartment complex and deliver more value with top-of-the-line community amenities.

The best complexes offer a wide range of amenities that improve every aspect of their residents’ lives. For example, you can support your community’s physical health with a sauna, fitness classes, and walking trails. Social amenities like playground areas and co-working spaces can also help residents feel at home and create a stronger sense of community.

Fitness On Demand can help you create branded fitness experiences tailored to your residents’ interests and needs. We offer premium fitness classes, on-demand content, and other convenient resources.

Contact us today to schedule a free demo.