How Multifamily Buildings Can Help You Find Community

While homeownership rates are plummeting to an all-time low in the United States, renter rates are steadily climbing upward. In fact, renter rates are climbing to 36.6% and are predicted to continue to increase. There are a plethora of benefits that come with living in an apartment community, as compared to owning one’s own home. Some of the top perks include convenience, amenities and affordability. 

However, some renters are apprehensive about renting, believing that renting means sacrificing a sense of community that often comes with homeownership. After all, people may live side by side, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll get the chance to know each other or form a connection. 

Thanks to some thoughtful planning on the part of the property managers, paired with a leading technology company, Sugar, that doesn’t have to be the case! On the contrary, property managers today are finding ways to promote a sense of community in their multifamily buildings. There are plenty of ways that this can happen, whether it’s through community gardens or social gatherings. Read on to learn about some of the top ways that Sugar can help you promote a community in your apartment complex.

Create a Social Network Page

Social media is a great platform that can be used to connect with others in your complex. Sugar has developed an innovative all-in-one mobile app that provides a user-friendly space for residents to communicate with one another. Whether you are asking questions or inquiring about borrowing items, this mobile app encourages residents to build community. 

Set Up Regular Events

Now more than ever, residents are searching for ways to find community. Hosting events for your residents is a great way to build community in your multifamily building. 

While this does require some preparation and planning, there’s a myriad of benefits that come with hosting events — including improved relationships with residents, heightened resident satisfaction and even increased resident retention. Some ideas for events include game nights, holiday parties or bingo nights. From appealing to retirees to families with young children to young adults, it’s a good idea to diversify the types of social events you offer. Plus, you can use Sugar’s community portal to promote upcoming events. 

Designate an Outdoor Space

There’s little that’s more rejuvenating than spending time connecting with nature. Research has shown that people who are more connected to nature are happier, feel more vital, and have more meaning in their lives. Keeping these benefits in mind, it’s worthwhile discussing the ways that property managers can prioritize this. 

Community Garden

Gardening has been rising in popularity during the past few years, with millennials now making up 29% of the gardening population. Now more than ever, individuals are looking for ways to prioritize their health and reduce food waste. Apartment complexes with community gardens allow individuals to connect. 

On-site Dog Parks

Considering how more than 60 million U.S. households own a dog, one easy way to promote community in your complex is by investing in an on-site dog park. Dog parks allow your furry four-legged friends to get some much-needed space to run around and play, but they also provide the perfect opportunity for you to socialize with other pet owners. 

From promoting social events on Sugar’s community platform to creating outdoor spaces, there’s a plethora of ways that you can promote community within your multifamily building. Participating in these activities will help residents view themselves as part of a community. 

Sources

iProperty Management - Renters vs Homeowners Statistics 

Insurance Information Institute - Pet Ownership Facts and Statistics

Greater Good Magazine - What Happens When We Reconnect With Nature

Statista - Number of Gardeners