Multifamily community developers are innovating the services and amenities they offer to their apartment residents.

What if the amenities at your apartment community went beyond the usual pool, tennis courts and fitness center — way beyond? How involved might you choose to be in an apartment society, a place that encourages shared involvement with fellow residents?

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In California, an apartment community developer is going beyond the basics to give new meaning to “community,” creating programs like theater troupes, adult enrichment courses and after-school care for residents. And in Denver, some lucky sports fans can look forward to cheering for baseball… from their own rooftop!

Programs that have paid off
According to John Huskey of Los Angeles-based Meta Housing Corporation, apartment communities can do more to support families who live there. In building his most recent family-oriented apartment communities, Huskey discovered that there was a real need for on-site programs — and specially-designed spaces — where children could gather after school and continue to learn. That’s why his company has created after-school learning and mentoring programs which are available to residents living in the apartment community at no extra cost.

The benefits to the children who participate have proved to be substantial. The after-school programs kept kids at home, actively engaged in study — instead of involved in risky behavior. And the learning opportunities increased their confidence at school. These programs have been so successful that Meta Housing Corp. has begun building dedicated, school-like structures in more of their apartment communities to accommodate the programs.

Sharing the arts at home
The same is true in Meta Housing Corp.’s senior communities, where education and art programs have been wildly successful. The company first began offering adult enrichment classes to seniors in great-room spaces, noting that the most popular courses involved creativity and the arts. They also noticed that, while the great-room environment was attractive to some residents, most found it too impersonal for social activity. In later generations of their senior communities, they have developed smaller, more intimate spaces for residents to gather to take classes and get to know each other. These new spaces foster a tighter-knit sense of community.

Seniors have enjoyed the enrichment and social aspects of arts classes so much that Huskey’s company went as far as building a 78-seat theater in one apartment community dedicated to a permanent theater troupe. When the theater troupe isn’t giving professional performances on-site, residents are allowed free access to use the theater building, as well.

Take me out to the ballgame… next door!
Another approach to creating community at home is featured at Broadstone Blake Street in Denver, Colorado. Alliance Residential is building a modern apartment community right next to Coors Field downtown. (Residents will be able to see the field from the rooftop of the community.) The residence-in-development is thought to appeal to young people — perhaps especially men — who want to live in a walkable area with easy commutes for working and access to downtown excitement, like ball games. Sharing that excitement with apartment neighbors — and built-in proximity — will make living in this community THE place to be a sports fan in Denver.

Toward apartment societies
The success of Meta Housing Corp.’s children and senior programs might indicate that apartment communities are evolving. With an emphasis on enriching resident lives beyond basic shelter, these spaces — based on what residents want and need — might become known as apartment societies in the future.

What else might the future hold? Amenities including on-site senior services like medical care and support groups, or family-oriented services like childcare or even home schooling could be possibilities. As apartment living continues to change shape and mature, multifamily community developers around the country will be looking to Huskey’s success to gain insight on new ways to meet the needs of their residents. In the meantime, you can look for ways to create community in your own apartment life today.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

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Make a point to meet two people this week in your apartment community.

It’s a good idea to get to know your apartment neighbors — whether you really want to or not!

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Whether you are full-on friendly or super-shy, you should make the effort to meet at least two or three of your apartment neighbors for these four simple reasons.

In case of emergency
One of the most basic reasons for saying hello to your hallmates might, at first, appear a little selfish. What if you encounter an emergency and need neighbor assistance? Sure, none of us like to think about unfortunate situations, but it’s smart to have someone to call if you have a medical emergency, safety issue… or if you lock yourself out of your apartment.

It’s wise to swap phone numbers with a few people that live above, below or next door to you. Before you exchange apartment keys, however, make sure you get to know that neighbor and feel comfortable first, of course.

When you need a helping hand
A more likely scenario is that you’ll need some help at home and could benefit from a neighborly relationship. Run out of coffee on a Sunday morning? Call your neighbor. Need someone to feed your cat or check your mail while you are on vacation? Call your neighbor. From spare light bulbs to plant watering, it’s totally worth it to get to know the girl or guy next door.

For fun and friendship
The big bonus of having cool apartment neighbors is that you instantly get a bunch of built-in friends. Planning a movie night, supper club or walking group is a piece of cake when you have pals just steps away. (No one will ever complain about your place being too far!) Remember those BFFs from your college dorm? Neighbors can be just like those buddies, if you choose your neighbor-friends wisely and then make an appropriate effort.

To maintain mental health
Today’s world of texting, tweeting, online relationships and telecommuting can leave you feeling lonely. Put a stop to solo sadness by starting up a few face-to-face relationships with your neighbors. You don’t have to spend hours chatting up everyone you see on the sidewalk, but a friendly wave and hello will make you both feel infinitely better.

If you don’t know a soul in your apartment community, make a point to meet some folks this week — at least two people. You never know when you’ll need – or how much you’ll value — each other’s help and friendship!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Andy Dean Photography

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If you could live in a walkable apartment community, would you choose to walk? The research is intriguing!

Sidewalk life can be one of the best parts of urban apartment living. The ability to walk right out of your apartment and take a stroll to the nearest park, corner café, bar or even your place of work is an incredible perk, for those lucky enough to enjoy it.

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At least, that’s what we often think when we describe the ideal apartment neighborhood. But according to recent studies, while “walkable” neighborhoods may be viewed desirably by residents, just because they can get around easily on foot doesn’t necessarily mean they will.

Sidewalk life: the research
People love walkable neighborhoods, according to researchers at the Brookings Institution, a Washington D.C. think tank. In order to determine just how much residents actually value access to sidewalk life, the Brookings researchers rated metropolitan neighborhoods in D.C. on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being non-walkable, 5 being very walkable) and then analyzed the rental rates in these areas. They found that in highly-walkable neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, a resident would pay nearly 3 to 4 times as much rent as someone living in a non-walkable neighborhood.

To be rated a highly-walkable “5,” a metro neighborhood typically included a lot of densely-developed space — many people living in one area, great access to public transportation, and a variety of interesting cultural, shopping and entertainment options. It’s no surprise that residents would value living in these areas and would pay more to have access to these enjoyable amenities. But what was surprising was just how much of a price difference there was in rent between these bustling urban areas and slightly less-walkable neighborhoods in the same city.

While residents may place a high dollar value on sidewalk life, there’s additional research to indicate that many don’t actually take advantage of walkable neighborhoods. After studying both the recreational and transportation walking habits of 1,000 women in Seattle, a professor at the University of Washington determined that easy access to sidewalks and desirable destinations didn’t necessarily motivate people to walk more. The research seems to suggest that people need to feel that walking is more convenient than driving, a sense which typically happens most often in very dense urban areas where it’s a pain to own and drive a vehicle.

If you could choose to walk, would you?
For those of us living in less-walkable neighborhoods, it may seem foolish to take perfectly good sidewalks for granted. Whether it’s for recreation or transportation, walking has many benefits both for the environment and our health.

But if you could choose to live in an apartment that was very walkable, where would you walk? The Brookings study indicates you might take advantage of restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, parks and other interesting destinations, if you could. In fact, the most walkable neighborhoods in the Brookings research enjoyed a strong economy thanks to the loyal patronage of residents.

Discover your neighborhood’s walkability
Does this talk of sidewalk life have you itching to get up and get out on foot? Check out your area’s WalkScore to discover nearby destinations and determine how safe and easy it is to get around. Even if your immediate neighborhood doesn’t rate highly, you can use walking scores to find other pedestrian-friendly destinations in your city.

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It might take time and a little effort on your part, but getting to know your neighborhood will make you feel more at home in new surroundings.

When you move into your new apartment, it may take a few days or even a few weeks to get your bearings and really learn your way around.

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Where is the best place for grocery shopping? How can you find a dependable dry cleaner or the pharmacy that will give you the best service? Which direction should you head for the tastiest Chinese take-out?

These and other questions will set you on a search to get to know your new neighborhood. Check out these tips to help you find your way and feel at home fast.

Search out available resources
Hit the web and look for local resources that can help you get to know your new neighborhood better. The city of Chicago, for instance, sponsors a Greeter program that lets residents arrange a walking tour of a neighborhood with a guide for free. You might ask whether your apartment community offers a new member pack with discounted “get-to-know-you” coupons supplied by nearby businesses.

Use technology
Use your favorite online map program or app, such as Google Maps, to search for local services and amenities, restaurants and services near your address. Use the “search nearby” function to find options close to home. You can even get directions to these spots tailored for driving, walking or taking mass transit.

Also, check out sites like Yelp for helpful user reviews of local services and places of interest.

Ask for advice
Consult with your apartment community manager, who may live on the property or nearby, to get some neighborhood know-how. He or she should be able to provide local suggestions and directions. When you meet your neighbors, ask for recommendations of local essentials and services you might use. They likely have opinions and may be more than willing to share them with you.

Do a drive-by
One way to get to know your new neighborhood is to drive around it. Plan your drive-by tour during the day. It’s safer, and you will be able to better see local businesses. Plan to park, walk around and check out the services your might want to return to later.

Take good notes
When you take your tour, bring your smartphone. You can use the camera to snap shots of interest along the way. Get in the habit of making notes about your new neighborhood to help you keep track of locations, routes and other important tidbits of information.

Getting to know your neighborhood is a lot like getting to know a friend. It might take time and a little effort on your part, but once you do, you will feel much more comfortable and at home in your surroundings.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / luchschen

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Roommate breakups aren’t fun, but they can be manageable.

Breaking up is often hard to do, even when there’s no romance involved. Sometimes a roommate breakup can be even tougher than a romantic one. You live together, after all… all the time!

Sometimes, a break is mutual, driven by outside forces that have absolutely nothing to do with the roommate relationship. But in cases where personality conflicts are the motivation, steer clear of bad blood (or actual bloodshed) by following these basic tips on how to break up amicably with a roommate.

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Face the facts
A roommate relationship is a big deal, and your soon-to-be-ex deserves a face-to-face goodbye. Never, ever break up with your roommate on a Post-It note; that’s tacky. E-mail, voicemail and texts aren’t cool, either.

Sharing the news in person affords a chance to discuss your roommate problems openly and air both sides of the story. This talk, however uncomfortable, may be your only chance to salvage the friendship. To make it easier, you might use the classic “it’s not you, it’s me” strategy. Stick with “I” statements like “I can’t afford to live here anymore” — instead of “you never pay your rent on time!”

Don’t wait too late
No matter how bad your roommate disagreements are, don’t spring a breakup on your roomie at the last minute. If you think your relationship has soured, this will make it even worse.

Be considerate and give plenty of notice that you are leaving (or kicking them out,) remembering to honor any lease commitments. A thirty-day warning is customary, for instance.

What if you are the break-ee…
All right, let’s say YOU are the one who is broken up by the exchange – and looking for a new apartment to live in! If the change is a surprise, you may have an adjustment period to get through. If the development is not unexpected, you might even be relieved to get a chance to move on to greener apartments, so to speak.

In either case, remember to stick up for yourself and insist that all formal lease agreements be followed. Roommates have rights – though, to be legal ones, those rights must be spelled out in the lease agreement.

I can’t wait to get out of here!
Here’s another scenario: you’ve decided you can’t live another month with your roommate, and you’re prepared to get the heck out of there, pronto.

Stop a moment and remember your responsibilities: namely, is your name on the lease? If so, there may be unwelcome financial consequences to skipping out on your roommate.

You might pursue options with your landlord first, before the courts, but realize that your lease agreement is likely binding. Depending on local laws, however, there might be an out if the apartment has become “uninhabitable.” You might consult an attorney to determine your legal rights as a renter in this situation.

Plan a friendly follow-up
Once the deed is done, let things simmer down. If you still have to live together for a while, keep your distance until you get a sense that tensions have died down. If you want to try maintaining your friendship, wait a month and then plan a casual outing with your former roomie. Make the first meet-up short and simple, like lunch or coffee, just to find out how the other person is doing. If all goes well, you can then resume your Wednesday night trivia tournaments, for instance.

Even if you really don’t want to stay pals, it’s nice to follow-up with an email, phone call or text just to say hi and ask how they like their new place. (Try not to brag about how awesome life is without them around!)

Roommate breakups aren’t fun, but they can be manageable if you follow the golden rule: treat your future former roommate like you yourself would want to be treated!

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Melissa Ann Kilhenny

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To decide whether to fly solo or find a roommate, ask yourself these pertinent questions.

Which one is better: living alone or with a roommate? There’s no right answer to this question — it just depends on you and your preferences.

If you’re trying to decide whether to fly solo or start auditioning potential roommates, you may find some clarity by asking yourself these questions.

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How are your finances?
Finances are often the number one reason why folks decide to get roommates. Simply put, having a roommate saves money on just about all your living expenses. You can split the cost of utilities or even the food bill, when you make the proper arrangements. Maybe you can even afford a larger apartment when you split the rent with another person.

But remember, money’s not everything. There’s certainly more at stake when it comes to deciding whether to live alone or invite someone else to share your apartment.

Do you like living alone?
If you have a roommate, there’s likely little chance you’ll feel lonely. But if you crave alone time and really need to be alone to relax and recharge, living with someone else can cramp your style and may even cause stress — even if there are no particular problems between you and your roommate.

Do you like to share?
When you have a roommate, you share your life with another person — but how much you want to share is up to the two of you. Whether you’re like two ships passing in the night or you’re BFFs, you and your roommate will need to be OK with sharing. You’ll share financial details to take care of the rent and other expenses each month. And you’ll share living space, of course. (You might even share friends!)

It can be fun to have someone else to have these experiences with. If you find a roommate soulmate, you could wind up having a built-in best friend in your apartment to share meals, chat and pal around with — and that’s a nice perk!

How private are you?
Another way to think about whether or not you want to share your life is to consider the degree of privacy you need. If you live on your own, you’re free to eat peanut butter right out of the jar at 3 AM — in your Bugs Bunny pajamas. But if you live with others, you can’t necessarily do what you want when you want. Your roommate may have friends or guests over. You may have to respect your roommate’s wishes not to be loud during certain times. If you value privacy and independence, living with a roommate may not be optimal for you.

Could you use some help?
It’s definitely nice to have a roommate around who can help you out from time to time. It’s nice to be able to trade off on the not-so-much-fun duties that come with having an apartment. Don’t feel like doing the dishes tonight? You might convince your roommate to take care of that chore, for instance. And if you also live with a pet, having a trusted partner around who can watch your dog or cat when you go away for the weekend is great.

How do you deal with conflict?
Even the best of friends sometimes face conflict, whether it’s over financial issues or your roommate’s desire to play the kazoo while you’re trying to relax. No matter how carefully you screen potential roommates, you’re bound to have at least one disagreement with a roommate. The only way to completely avoid people conflicts at home is to live solo.

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Place people ahead of technology in all your interactions!

Does your apartment roommate interrupt a conversation to tweet the latest thought that popped into her head? Do you ever feel your best friend would rather bond with his phone than focus on you?

If these situations have happened to you, then you have been the unfortunate victim of poor technology etiquette. Or perhaps you have been a perpetrator?

Remember that good etiquette isn’t just for weddings and high tea. Observing etiquette rules regarding your personal technology can be just as important as respecting etiquette in any social circle.

Here are some tech etiquette tips to try whenever you are in the presence of other people and feel the urge to reach for your phone or other device — whether inside or outside your apartment space!

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Know when to turn off your phone
You’ve got to know when to put your calls on hold. Don’t take your phone out at the dinner table, during important meetings or at most social events. Don’t start texting while someone is talking to you; it shows that you are ignoring their conversation. And always put the person you are talking to first in mind. If you need to make or take an emergency call, explain the situation to the person, who will likely respect your attention and your intentions.

Choose what you share wisely
With online social networks like Twitter and Facebook a part of everyday life, people seem to share every thought that crosses their minds as a tweet or a status update. Think before you share, however. Do you really want everyone knowing about this? Ask yourself, if I post this, will it seem too much like bragging? Am I going to hurt someone by posting? Update your privacy settings on Facebook so you can share certain news with select groups. And when in doubt, don’t share!

Re-read before you hit send
When sending a private message or e-mail, always re-read it before you hit send to make sure that you have not made any inadvertent errors. With AutoCorrect second-guessing our words, we have all made a funny faux pas or two, but remember that careless errors might make messages appear unprofessional.

Also, re-read your words to make sure your intentions and meanings are clear. An idea might sound one way in your head, but be taken a completely different way by the reader, if not communicated in clear language.

Know when a conversation should happen in person
Use your best judgment to determine when technology is not the best method of communication. Sometimes a conversation should not happen via e-mail or over the phone, but should take place face-to-face. Think before you dial or boot up your computer. Is what I have to say important enough that I should share it in person?

Knowing your technology etiquette shows that you have style and indicates that you care enough about the person with whom you are communicating to put his or her needs first. Remember to place the human ahead of the high-tech in all your interactions!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / imageegami

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Gather volunteers together in your community to celebrate a day of service in honor of the work of Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year, make your Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday a day on, instead of a day off!

Step up to plan an MLK Day project in your community, and gather fellow volunteers together for a day of service.

Here’s how to do it.

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Approach an agency
MLK Day is a popular volunteer holiday, and many charitable agencies have community projects planned. As you rally your community to pitch in, do a little research and find a local agency in the area that could use a few extra hands.

Your local United Way chapter is a good place to start. This organization will likely have several pre-planned projects for the holiday weekend that you and your fellow participants can join in for service to your community. It’s easy to sign up a group to participate.

You may also want to reach out to your neighborhood food bank, homeless shelter or children’s shelter to see if they need help. Churches are yet another great resource to find out about local MLK project plans. Finally, there are fantastic online resources like Points of Light and their affiliate organizations, as well as the National MLK Day of Service site which lets you search for local volunteer projects or register an MLK project that you’ve created from scratch.

Connect with your community
Once you’ve selected a project (or a few!) to participate in, it’s time to drum up some fellow volunteers in your community. Why not use your apartment community bulletin board to post the details of your service idea? You can share the information in status updates on your community’s Facebook page or broadcast your plans via Twitter. You might also create a simple flyer with the date, time, project information and your contact information. (A flyer is especially handy because you can leave it on your neighbors’ doorsteps and ask them to email you to register. Don’t forget to post extra flyers by mailboxes and in the clubhouse community area.) Your apartment manager might also help you post signs about the event and find other ways to get the word out in your community.

Dream big
Martin Luther King, Jr., encouraged people to dream, so honor him by taking your day of service to the next level. Invite neighboring communities to participate alongside your apartment community’s team so that you can have an even bigger impact with your project. Once you get the ball rolling, you may even want to plan monthly volunteer days to observe the spirit of service all year long. Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn’t afraid to make his mark in history, and neither should you be!

To learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr., and his legacy, check out online resources like The King Center. You might plan a visit to the MLK National Historic Site, one of many educational attractions in Atlanta, GA. The National Civil Rights Museum is also a great source for information and inspiration.

Photo Credit: L. Kragt Bakker / Shutterstock

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Create the neighborhood you want to live in by paying attention to your neighbors.

Apartment living can offer just as much of a community feel as living in a stand-alone home. It’s even easier to get a sense of community in an apartment when, after all, you live closer to your neighbors.

Here are some of the key elements that help to establish a community vibe for you and your apartment neighbors. You can create the neighborhood you want to live in by paying attention to these qualities.

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Find great decorating tips in the Top Five Apartment Decorating Blogs.
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Comfortable places
Comfort and community starts on the inside, which means creating an apartment home where you feel safe and comfortable. As soon as you move in, make an effort to personalize your space and make it your own. Hang your favorite artwork, add fresh flowers or cheery houseplants, and decorate your front door or outdoor space. The faster you feel at home in your apartment, the more you’ll want to explore your apartment community and get involved.

Friendly faces
You can personally have a huge impact on the sense of community between your neighbors. All it takes is a smiling face and a simple hello to create bonds that will lead to a rich community sense for everyone.

Don’t wait for neighbors to speak to you first. Become the MVR (Most Valuable Resident) by practicing consistent, friendly behavior. Wave to fellow residents as you drive through the parking lot, say hello to neighbors you pass in the hallway, stop and pet a dog or two and take a moment to play with the kids.

This kind of generosity and kindness is contagious. By making the first move, you’ll naturally build an apartment life that feels close-knit. Try being extra-friendly for a full week and notice the effect it has on you and your neighbors.

Shared spaces
Don’t be afraid to settle in, both inside your own apartment and in common areas. Shared spaces are a hot spot for community living. Make the most of areas like the pool, fitness room, clubhouse and dog park. The more you hang out in these spots, the easier it will be to make friends and feel like you belong in your community. Even if you don’t have a dog yourself, you might take a quick walk by the pet area and say hello to the folks walking their dogs, for instance.

Also, get involved in any community-sponsored activities and organizations that bring members together. Your community may sponsor social events that are great for mingling and meeting new faces. The support of neighbors is always needed to make events like these successful. When many participate, the energy can really make a difference to the experience of sharing life together in a community.

If you want to take your apartment’s community feel to the next level, host a party of your own. Plan a simple potluck dessert party in a common space and invite everyone to join in. If you live in a building that doesn’t have much shared space, organize a meet-up event for your neighbors at a local coffee shop. If you have a good turnout, make it a monthly gathering or expand it into a book club or wine tasting group.

When you’ve created a cozy living space in your apartment, enjoyed using community spaces and shared a friendly face with your fellow apartment dwellers, the time will come to relax and enjoy being an important part of the wonderful community you helped create!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / kurhan

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Don’t miss out on the life that’s going on around you! Follow these tips to feel more connected via social media after a move.

If your recent move has left you feeling lonely and a little isolated, you can keep in touch with friends from afar and find new ones right where you are.

With social media tools like Twitter, Facebook and Google+, you can access a world of connections in seconds. With these tools readily available through your smartphone, tablet and home computer, you’ll always feel connected — even in a new place.

Don’t miss out on the life that’s going on all around you! Use these tips to feel connected and make new friends fast.

Stay connected
Moving to a new place can be really exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. You might feel cut off from your family and friends. When you get a case of the moving blues, it can be helpful to turn to social media to stay connected with your loved ones. With the power of Facebook and Twitter, everyone you want to keep up with is right at your fingertips.

There are many ways to use social media to stay connected beyond merely reading your feed and checking friend updates. If you’re lonely, you might want to set up a time each day or every few days to interact in “real time” via social media. Set up a Twitter party, Skype with your family, or arrange a video hangout on Google+. Set a time to chat over Facebook Messenger or G-chat with your best friend. Participate in a live chat session with several buddies during your favorite TV show, for instance, so you can all share the experience just as if you were physically close together.

Get connected
Social media can help you make and maintain friendships in the off-line world, too. When you nurture new online relationships, you might develop a digital friendship into one with a person who’ll go to the movies with you or hang out in your apartment. It all starts with making one connection online.

Try, for example, reading a local blog. Start following a person you find interesting — one with ties to your community — and engage in conversation with him or her. Post meaningful comments on his or her blog; send an email. Offer to be helpful, and add valuable information to the conversation. You may find that — with time, trust, and mutual interests — your online connection blossoms into a face-to-face connection.

Just as in real life, people in the online world respond to kindness and positivity. Use these keys as your guiding principles in online interactions, and you’ll find that you really can make actual, non-digital friends online.

Explore
When you’re making new connections online, you’ll start to learn about your neighborhood just by following others. Take note of the places they check in, the events they join and the local publications they read. In no time, you’ll get the inside scoop on great places to eat, shop, relax and meet new people. When you want to know what’s going on in your neighborhood, for instance, look no further than posts and pages about local events and landmarks.

Unplug to make real world connections
Social media can be a great tool to help you feel more connected, but it’s important to remember that it can also make you feel MORE isolated, too. And that’s why it’s a good idea to train yourself to stay away from it for at least a few hours a day. Make a conscious effort to “unplug” yourself from technology: don’t look at your computer or touch your phone — for a few hours each day. Try using that time to get out of the digital world and into the physical one!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Marish

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