Apartment living has evolved beyond a fitness center and swimming pool. As renter preferences continue to shift, property developers and managers are rethinking what makes a community feel like home, placing a greater emphasis on convenience, flexibility and experiences that fit modern lifestyles.
According to Jen Santiago, Vice President of Property Services at P.B. Bell, today’s renters are prioritizing amenities that support both wellness and everyday convenience. Fitness centers remain among the most sought-after amenities, with renters looking for more than just a room filled with treadmills.
Features like free weights, 24-hour access, modern equipment and water stations encourage regular use. Santiago says even some familiar workout equipment is making an unexpected comeback.
Outdoor spaces are still important, but design can make all the difference. Pools, for example, often go unused if there isn’t enough shade or comfortable gathering space nearby. Adding shaded seating, televisions and barbecue areas creates a more inviting environment where residents are likely to spend time.
Meanwhile, some once-popular amenities are beginning to fade. Rather than eliminating shared workspaces altogether, many communities are adapting them to better suit today’s hybrid lifestyles.
“I’d say it’s less about amenities going away and more about what you’re doing with them,” Santiago explains. “It’s the intangibles; it’s the feel, the vibe that matters more than just checking a box.”
Instead of large conference rooms, developers are incorporating smaller, well-equipped work pods that offer flexibility for quick meetings, presentations or solo work without taking up unnecessary space.
Technology has also become an expectation rather than a luxury. Reliable internet throughout amenity spaces, keyless entry, smart locks and smart thermostats are increasingly viewed as standard features.
At the same time, developers are designing common areas with greater flexibility, creating smaller gathering spaces where residents can socialize, work or relax throughout the property.
“We’re also seeing community spaces get chopped up instead of one big open area,” Santiago says. “There’s more demand for spaces that work for adults and their family together like arcades and speakeasies with potential areas for golf simulators, poker tables, etc.” For Arizona communities, outdoor comfort remains just as important as indoor amenities.
“In Arizona, it comes back to basics with shade and misters outdoors, please!” Santiago says. “Also, throw in some heaters for the desert evenings as once the sun goes down in the winter it gets cold.”
One area that continues to grow in importance is pet-friendly living. For many renters – especially younger generations – welcoming pets isn’t simply a nice bonus; it’s a deciding factor when choosing where to live. A 2026 renter survey just confirmed pet-friendly policies rank as one of the top three non-negotiables for Gen Z and millennial renters, right up there with in-unit laundry and central air.
Communities are responding by creating dog parks that are designed for both pets and their owners, with covered seating, ample play space and areas for residents who prefer to keep their dogs on leash. Pet spas are another popular feature that adds excitement during property tours, even if they’re not used every day.
Beyond the physical amenities, Santiago says it’s the events and experiences that help build lasting connections between residents and their furry companions.
“Fun events such as hosting yappy hours with pup cups, recognizing a pet of the month, providing a mobile groomer for nail clippings or a pet photographer for professional photos with their pets,” she says. “Celebrating pets, not just tolerating them, is so important.”
Those efforts can also give apartment communities a meaningful advantage in a competitive rental market. As renter expectations continue to evolve, the most successful apartment communities are finding that design, smart technology and meaningful experiences matter just as much as the amenities themselves.
