What Do Millennials Want?

They’re the largest renter population, so it’s important to appeal to this age group. This month, MHN and Kingsley Associates explore what this age group thinks of their communities—as well as what other generations think of the Millennials.

“If you want to attract the younger generation, you should add a 24-hour coffee station, a ride-sharing pick-up area, a pet groomer and a convenience store.” —Atlanta

“A playroom is a must! With so many young professionals who are high-income earners, you want to have a space for children to play and meet other small children.” —Norwalk, Conn.

“Apartment features are nice, but I wish there was a better sense of community with these younger tenants.” —Atlanta

“The courtyard was strewn with children’s toys, indicating there are a lot of children living here. I am a young, Millennial professional and I don’t desire to live in a complex with lots of families with children?” —Arlington, Va.

“Being an older person, many of these new amenities become less important than being able to afford the rising rents. It seems that the amenities that are being added are only to attract younger residents.” —Vancouver, Wash.

“In this technology age, everything should be smart technology. Some of these things should come standard at no cost, like an energy-efficient thermostat.” —Klkton, Md.

“As a Millennial, I love that my place doesn’t look like I live in college. It makes me feel like I have reached some form of success with the newness of our place and the amenities.” —Deerfield, Ill.

“I love having a 24-hour concierge. It makes me feel safe as a young female living alone to walk my dog outside and know that someone is always available.” —Clearwater, Fla.

“I would like to see a young professionals networking-type night, or an evening pool social come spring.” —Denver

“We were stressing out about finding an apartment without being able to see it. Thankfully, the apartment complex has such an active social media that they actually posted a video tour of the unit we wanted!” —Greenville, S.C.

“I think a happy hour would be a good community event. Something for the younger people in the building, so they can find each other.” —Philadelphia

“There needs to be a bench out front to wait for Uber!” —Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Parking is a problem since most residents have more than one car. This is especially a problem with the young people who join together and share an apartment.” —Washington, D.C.

“The gym situation is not in line with young, modern residents’ needs. Too much space is devoted to machines. People want more space to do floor work like yoga, stretching, Pilates, dance, TRX, core training, etc.” —Los Angeles

“The community involvement is one thing that sold us. Events like food trucks brought to the property and wine and paint nights are the activities that young professionals want and are looking for.” —Altamonte Springs, Fla.

“The property is obviously geared toward Millennials with so many of the units being studios. The units are super small and bare-boned.” —Houston

“We are Millennials and assign very little or no value to what are considered ‘traditional’ amenities, with package lockers being the exception. We would prefer a community without amenities that prioritized quality, layout and storage in the actual units.” —Charlotte, N.C.