What Do Renters Want in an Apartment?

Amenities play an important role in the success of a residential project, but with everything from co-working spaces to doggie spas to rooftop gardens, it can be hard for developers to determine the most essential amenities. MBK Rental Living did local market research to determine the best amenities to incorporate in one of its latest projects, Blue Oak in Paso Robles.

“We did a lot of research into the community and the surrounding area before moving forward with the plans for the project. Local residents and those moving from afar—demand has been about 50/50—appreciate the outdoors and are family-centered,” Craig Jones, president of MBK Rental Living, tells GlobeSt.com. “There’s a connection to the earth brought about by a history steeped in winemaking, ranching and agriculture.”

The resident amenities at Blue Oak include a clubhouse with Wi-Fi in common areas, outdoor spaces with seating and open lawn areas with barbeques, a pool and spa, a fitness center, resident garden and a playground. The amenity package was designed to attract today’s renters, but it is also unique for the area. “We also noticed that many existing rental communities didn’t offer many of the amenities that renters of new apartment projects in Southern and Northern California have come to expect,” adds Jones.

As a result, the amenity package alone elevates the idea of apartment living in the Central Coast, but it also reflects the unique lifestyle there, which is different than what you would find in Los Angeles. “MBK wanted to bring a level of apartment living to the Central Coast that exceeded expectations and catered to lifestyle. We included the above-mentioned amenities but supplemented those with amenities such as an outdoor basketball court, raised communal vegetable gardens and large grass areas where kids, adults and pets can play,” says Jones. “We’re really happy with the results and love to see our residents enjoying the facilities.”

The research is paying off. Since the property opened, leasing activity has been healthy. The developer is completing the third phase of the project, which is scheduled to deliver in August. “Leasing has been brisk since day one. We’re fully occupied and currently have a long waiting list for upcoming phases,” says Jones. “The project has far out-performed our expectations. It’s a beautiful area with friendly people, and we’re proud to be there.”