It’s an age-old question for multifamily operators: What can I do to make my property more appealing to residents? Keeping a leg up on your competition means constantly being on the lookout for new trends and new ways to keep residents satisfied. In 2021, the best way to attract and retain residents is with outdoor apartment amenities.

Read on to learn why outdoor amenities are all the rage these days. Then, discover which outdoor amenities you should consider for your multifamily property. 

What’s behind this outdoor amenity shift?

The shift to outdoor amenities has its roots in reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. After enduring over a year of lockdowns and other restrictions, residents are now looking for places that reflect a new set of priorities.

Residents are seeking outdoor amenities for two reasons:

1. A shift to remote work
2. 2020 lockdown reactions

1. A shift to remote work

You might be surprised to learn that remote work is one of the biggest reasons renters are looking for outdoor apartment amenities, but it’s true. Companies trying to comply with social distancing guidelines opened the remote work floodgates, and remote working has never been more popular.

Some people are taking advantage of their newfound work-from-home (WFH) capabilities by moving to the suburbs. However, remote workers who are staying in urban areas are prioritizing properties that meet the demands of their new lifestyles.

2. 2020 lockdown reactions

The lockdowns that began in 2020 and stretched into 2021 were tough on everybody. No matter where people were, they struggled with feeling stuck and isolated for long periods of time. And those living in cities had to deal with these feelings of loneliness almost entirely indoors. 

For many people, outdoor amenities represent everything they lacked during the lockdowns: more options, more space, and, most importantly, the feeling of choice.

Why you should invest in outdoor amenities

Outdoor amenities offer benefits for two increasingly important groups of renters: remote workers and younger generations. Remote workers will appreciate an alternative to working in their apartments. Millennials are avowed fans of outdoor amenities, and as Gen Z starts to enter the workforce, you’d do well to anticipate their preferences for remote work and community outdoor spaces.

Three popular outdoor amenities

Here are some outdoor amenities that will pique residents' interest:

1. Coworking space 

If you provide an outdoor coworking space on your property, remote workers can enjoy all the conveniences of an office building mere feet from their apartments. An outdoor coworking space gives residents plenty of fresh air and sunlight, which have been proven to help with creativity and critical thinking.

2. Rooftop terrace

Rooftop terraces are great not just for remote workers, but to give your property a touch of home that appeals to everybody. Consider additions like firepits or projectors and screens to encourage your residents to mingle!

3. Community garden

For a lot of your residents, outdoor spaces are synonymous with a connection to nature. By setting up a community garden, you’ll give your residents that connection, as well as opportunities to work together and bond.

How to manage access to outdoor amenities

Because outdoor amenities are outside your building, you’ll need to take into account the mechanics of getting residents into and out of those spaces. Your outdoor amenities should be difficult for outsiders to access, but easy for residents to access. 

You can manage access to outdoor amenities with:

1. A traditional key and lock 
2. Keypads
3. Smart locks

The best way to manage outdoor amenity access is with a keypad that integrates with your access control system, creating a comprehensive environment that your staff, residents, and visitors can control with their smartphones.