Apartment living has a new demand: usable outdoor space
Apartment living doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy outdoor space, as more rental developers are incorporating balconies, courtyard gardens, and rooftop decks so residents can connect with nature without leaving home. Having access to this space can reduce stress and provide extra living space for dining or decompressing. Stepping out on your balcony can provide fresh air and boost your mood.
The National Association of Realtors reported that the laundry room and a patio are the two most wanted home features. Luckily, an apartment or condo can supply both, making apartment living increasingly comfortable, especially when people don’t want to deal with all the tasks of homeownership.
Why Is Outdoor Living So Popular Now?
A survey by Tractor Supply Co found that American outdoor activities mostly consist of walking or sitting outside, at 79% and 58%, respectively. Additionally, those who spend time in local outdoor spaces are 40% happier than those who don’t, per the report.
Some reasons people are so happy outside are that the fresh air and being in nature can naturally reduce stress and anxiety. When you have your own outdoor space in a house or part of your apartment configuration, there’s extra room for:
- Working
- Socializing
- Decompressing after a long day
With remote and hybrid working becoming a normalized part of society, there’s more need to make one’s home multifunctional, creating a need for safe gathering spaces that include the outdoors.
Manufacturers have helped this trend by creating more durable all-weather furniture and stronger deck materials for easier upkeep, ranging from composite panels to epoxy floor coating. Adjustable outdoor features like awnings and umbrellas provide shade and protection throughout all seasons.
Is Apartment Living a Big Factor in Enhancing Rental Appeal?
As more Americans focus on overall wellness and health, they’re expecting their apartments to live up to this demand. Tenants are actively looking for spaces that supply features from liveable rooftop spaces to walking paths.
Additionally, landlords can charge higher rents when incorporating these outdoor areas. Such spaces don’t tend to stay open very long, ensuring owners can rent them out quickly and make consistent income.
How Can Apartment Living Accommodate Outdoor Needs?
Renter demand means you’re seeing more:
- Balconies
- Rooftop decks
- Courtyards
- Dog parks
- Supply spaces for bikes
If you have a private balcony or patio, use compact furniture that folds up or is stackable. Choose multifunctional options like storage benches for stylish seating and to hold your outdoor pillows until needed.
Modern balcony systems for apartments can quickly add pre-fabricated balconies to multiple units and waterproof roofing for communal entertainment.
All the natural light coming in from patio doors can help boost your mood and improve sleep.
More apartment developments have connected bike and walking paths. Some of these paths directly plug into regional county trails and city bike grids. This allows residents to stay active outside while avoiding heavy traffic.
Pet Parents
Americans love their pets, especially dogs. Apartment living can still give their fur babies some extra space when living in a building with integrated outdoor wellness.
Bring your dog up to the rooftop or walk them along the community grounds without going far. Let them sit outside on your private patio without going downstairs.
Can Renters Get Creative With It?
Apartment residents are creating an urban oasis with their green thumb. A balcony or patio is the perfect place to use vertical plants; use a fabric shoe holder to create an herb garden.
Enjoy extra privacy with strategically placed tall plants on your balcony or patio. Freestanding bamboo screens and outdoor curtains are also renter-friendly.
If you’re into the wellness space, ask your building management if you can lead yoga or meditation sessions on the rooftop. Building amenities may include shared grilling stations and fire pits to make socializing from home easier and cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Garden-style Apartment?
A garden-style apartment is a low-rise complex that may have about one to four stories. It’s usually built around other green spaces such as a courtyard or garden. Instead of a tall structure featuring indoor hallways, these living facilities usually include multiple smaller buildings.
Residents can enter directly from exterior walkways instead of having to bypass other apartments. These apartments may also have ground-level patios instead of balconies. Instead of an interior lobby, residents may have a courtyard or open-air interior.
There may be several green spaces integrated throughout the community, so people can enjoy expansive lawns and communal spaces that may include pools and shared grilling areas.
How Do Apartment Backyard Rules Work?
Having access to an apartment backyard comes with rules you must follow depending on whether it’s a private or shared space. Common guidelines affect pet behavior and noise limits. There may be restrictions on open flames and making permanent changes.
These areas may restrict or ban the use of fire pits and charcoal grills due to local fire codes and building insurance. If you have a pet, you can expect to keep them on a leash in a shared yard and clean up their waste immediately.
While you can socialize in these spaces, be aware of noise levels that can reach other guests. There may be quiet hours in place just as they would be inside your apartment. When it’s time to have a party, prior notice or permission from the landlord or building management is usually required.
The Outdoors Can Fit an Apartment Lifestyle
Modern apartment living doesn’t mean saying goodbye to the joys of having a backyard and easy access to nature. As more Americans understand the benefits of outdoor living, building owners and developers have caught the hint.
That’s why more buildings have communal rooftop spaces with grills and comfortable seating, while individual apartments have balconies or first-floor patios. Enjoy areas with expansive biking and walking paths to keep your wellness and fitness going when you step outside. Continue to customize your space with flexible, adjustable furniture and plant decor to create your own private oasis.
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