New and improved – Philadelphia apartment trends

Seeking to serve the needs and desires of apartment renters who are seeking the ultimate perks of healthy living and convenience in their Philadelphia apartments, some companies are focusing on individual lifestyle choices as the basis for offered amenities. The apartment complex gym, of course, is the original lifestyle amenity, and has become much more important as a rental incentive over the last several decades.

Developers are also making a concentrated effort to let the renter feel like their apartment is just as important of a residence choice as owning their own home would be.

Among the offerings:

Smoke free living: With a growing demand for keeping second hand smoke out of living and working space, smoke free living is a newly coveted apartment amenity. Residents who want to keep smoke out of their lungs, and don’t want to risk having a neighbor who smokes, are embracing this offering. While it’s possible that legislation will eventually make this a widespread amenity. Communities who offer it say they are responding to resident demand.

Catering to pets:  In addition to a widespread welcome for pets at properties that might have declined to accept them before, pet-specific amenities are ramping up in popularity. Private dog parks located at apartment communities are one way marketers are luring pet-owning residents to their homes.

Better kitchens:  One of the perks of owning your own home is typically having larger and most customized cooking space. Though you won’t find designer kitchens in every new apartment unit being developed, they will appear in some upgrades and selected units of new construction as an enticement for the foodie set. Renters can expect to pay more for these units.

One apartment developer is even using earth friendly materials to create “sustainable” kitchens, betting that they will attract green foodies. Community gardens on site to grow fresh and organic foods to cook are another potential perk.

What lifestyle amenities are important to you in a Philadelphia apartment?