.svg)
The New Standard: "Table Stakes" Community Amenities
In California's hyper-competitive multifamily market, a sophisticated set of community amenities is the minimum requirement for a new property to be considered by today's renters.
97%
of New Builds Have a Fitness Center
95%
Offer a Swimming Pool
92%
Feature a Resident Lounge or Clubhouse
This chart shows the adoption rate of the top 5 most common community amenities across new multifamily properties in California.
The Resort-Style Pool as a Marketing Tool
In California, a swimming pool is more than just an amenity; it's the visual centerpiece of a property's marketing strategy. New developments in markets like Los Angeles and San Diego feature expansive, resort-style pools with cabanas and sundecks. This is a critical asset for attracting renters in a state where outdoor living is a key part of the lifestyle appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions: California Community Amenities
- What are the most common apartment amenities in California? A high-end fitness center, a swimming pool, and a resident lounge are nearly universal in new Class A buildings. Controlled access and being pet-friendly are also standard.
The New Standard: Essential In-Unit Finishes
Inside the apartment, a new baseline of modern luxury has been set. Our data shows a clear set of finishes that renters in new California properties now expect as standard.
100%
Include In-Unit Washer & Dryer
98%
Feature Stainless Steel Appliances
95%
Offer Quartz Countertops
This chart ranks the most common in-unit features, highlighting the finishes that have become standard in new California apartments.
The Decisive Shift to Quartz Countertops
The data shows a clear winner in the countertop battle: quartz countertops are now the undisputed standard for new Class A properties in California, present in 95% of new builds. This reflects a market-wide shift towards modern, clean aesthetics and away from the more traditional look of granite. For developers, this signals that quartz is the expected baseline finish in any new high-end project.
Frequently Asked Questions: California Apartment Finishes
- Is in-unit laundry standard in new California apartments? Yes, 100% of new-builds in our dataset offer a washer and dryer in every unit. This is the single most essential in-unit amenity for today's renters.
- Are balconies and patios common? Yes, with an 88% adoption rate, a private outdoor space like a patio or balcony is a standard feature that renters in California have come to expect.
The Differentiators: The Tech & Wellness Arms Race
Beyond the basics, operators are competing with a new wave of amenities designed to cater to California's unique lifestyle trends, focusing on technology, remote work, and wellness.
85%
Offer Electric Car Charging Stations
65%
Provide Co-working Spaces / Shared Offices
45%
Have a Community Pet Spa
EV Charging: From Perk to Prerequisite
With an 85% adoption rate, electric car charging stations are no longer a luxury perk in California; they are a baseline requirement. Given the state's high rate of EV ownership, particularly in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, a new property without adequate EV infrastructure is at a severe competitive disadvantage.
Operator Q&A: The Next Wave of Amenities
- How important are work-from-home amenities? Extremely important. With 65% of new builds offering co-working spaces, these facilities are critical for attracting the state's large population of remote and hybrid workers.
- What is a "pet spa"? A community pet spa, now found in 45% of new developments, is typically a dedicated room with professional-grade washing and drying stations for pets. It's a high-impact, relatively low-cost amenity that strongly appeals to pet owners.
Regional Showdown: SoCal vs. NorCal
While sharing many standard amenities, California's major markets have unique strategies. The Bay Area leads on tech-focused amenities, while Southern California markets often compete on resort-style and wellness features.
Bay Area
Dominates in EV Charging & WFH Spaces
Los Angeles
Leads in Rooftop Spaces & Pet Spas
San Diego
Strong Focus on Pools & Fitness
This radar chart shows the unique "amenity fingerprint" of each major California MSA, comparing them on key differentiating features.
The Bay Area's Tech-Centric Amenity Package
The San Francisco Bay Area multifamily market is built to serve the tech workforce. Its clear dominance in providing EV charging and co-working spaces directly caters to the needs and values of this key renter demographic. Operators here are less focused on traditional resort-style amenities and more on practical, tech-forward features that integrate with a modern work-life balance.
Operator Insights: Competing in Southern California
- How do amenity packages differ between LA and San Diego? The Los Angeles market shows a strong preference for high-impact, social amenities like rooftop decks and pet spas. The San Diego market, while also offering luxury features, places a slightly stronger emphasis on core wellness amenities like expansive fitness centers and resort-quality pools.
Amenities & Finishes: Key Takeaways for Operators
Quartz is King
The debate is over. Quartz countertops are the non-negotiable standard for new Class A construction in California.
EV Charging is Mandatory
At 85% adoption, EV charging is no longer an amenity, it's a utility. New builds without it are already obsolete.
Embrace WFH
Co-working spaces are a critical feature for attracting California's large population of remote and hybrid workers.
Compete Locally
The Bay Area competes on tech perks, while SoCal competes on lifestyle and wellness. Know your submarket's unique profile to win.