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The New Standard: "Table Stakes" Community Amenities
In Ohio's growing multifamily market, a core set of community amenities has become the minimum requirement. These are the "table stakes" that new properties must offer to compete for today's renters.
94%
of New Builds Offer a Fitness Center
91%
Feature a Resident Lounge or Clubhouse
85%
Have a Swimming Pool
This chart shows the adoption rate of the top 5 most common community amenities across new multifamily properties in Ohio.
The Importance of Lifestyle Amenities
The near-universal adoption of fitness centers, lounges, and pools shows that operators in Ohio are selling a complete lifestyle, not just an apartment. These amenities are central to a property's brand and are heavily featured in marketing to attract renters in competitive markets like Columbus and Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio Community Amenities
- What are the most common apartment amenities in Ohio? Virtually all new Class A apartments in Ohio will have a fitness center, a resident lounge, and a swimming pool. Controlled access and being pet-friendly are also extremely common.
- Are dog parks a standard amenity in Ohio? With a 78% adoption rate, community dog parks are a very common and expected feature for new pet-friendly properties across the state.
The New Standard: Essential In-Unit Finishes
Inside the apartment, a new baseline of quality and convenience has been set. Our data shows a clear set of finishes that renters in new Ohio properties now expect as standard.
100%
Include In-Unit Washer & Dryer
96%
Feature Large or Walk-In Closets
85%
Offer Granite or Quartz Countertops
This chart ranks the most common in-unit features, highlighting the finishes that have become standard in new Ohio apartments.
The Countertop Story: Granite and Quartz are Neck and Neck
Unlike other markets where one countertop material dominates, Ohio is in a state of transition. While granite countertops are slightly more common overall, quartz countertops are featured in nearly half of new builds, particularly in high-end projects in Columbus. This indicates that while granite is still a safe bet, quartz is the clear emerging standard for new Class A unit finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio Apartment Finishes
- Is in-unit laundry standard in new Ohio apartments? Yes, 100% of new-builds in our dataset offer a washer and dryer in every unit. This is the most essential and non-negotiable in-unit amenity for renters.
- Are stainless steel appliances expected? Yes. With an 82% adoption rate, stainless steel appliances are the clear standard for new construction. Properties offering other finishes like black or white appliances will seem dated to prospective tenants.
The Differentiators: Emerging & Premium Amenities
Beyond the basics, operators are competing with a new wave of amenities designed to cater to specific lifestyle trends like electric vehicle ownership, remote work, and convenience technology.
48%
Offer Electric Car Charging Stations
30%
Provide Co-working Spaces / Shared Offices
22%
Have Smart Home Features (Locks/Thermostats)
The Rise of Work-From-Home Amenities
With nearly a third of new properties offering them, co-working spaces and shared offices are becoming a key differentiator, especially in markets with a large base of young professionals and students like Columbus. These aren't just business centers; they are fully equipped workspaces designed to be a true extension of the resident's home office, a crucial feature in the remote work era.
Operator Q&A: The Next Wave of Amenities
- Is EV charging becoming a standard amenity in Ohio? With nearly 50% adoption in new builds, electric car charging stations are rapidly moving from a niche perk to an expected feature. As EV ownership grows, not offering this will become a significant competitive disadvantage.
- What kind of smart home features are most popular? The most common smart home features are smart locks and smart thermostats. While only present in about 22% of properties, this technology is a key way that operators in competitive markets are differentiating their product and appealing to tech-savvy renters.
Regional Showdown: How Ohio's "Three Cs" Compete
While sharing many standard amenities, Ohio's major markets have unique strategies. Columbus is pushing the envelope on modern lifestyle amenities, while Cincinnati and Cleveland maintain a more traditional, but still high-quality, approach.
Columbus
Leads in WFH, EV Charging & Pet Amenities
Cincinnati
Strong Focus on Core Lifestyle Amenities
Cleveland
Offers a Balanced, Value-Oriented Package
This radar chart shows the unique "amenity fingerprint" of each major Ohio MSA, comparing them on key differentiating features.
Columbus's Focus on the Young Professional
The Columbus multifamily market is clearly targeting the city's large population of students and young professionals. Its leadership in offering co-working spaces, EV charging, and pet-friendly amenities like dog parks shows a deep understanding of a renter base that values technology, flexibility, and lifestyle perks. Operators in Columbus are selling a modern, convenient living experience.
Operator Insights: Competing in Cincinnati and Cleveland
- What is the amenity strategy in Cincinnati and Cleveland? The Cincinnati and Cleveland markets are more focused on delivering the core "table stakes" amenities at an exceptionally high level. Their strategy is less about the "amenity arms race" with niche features and more about providing strong fundamental value, with high-quality pools, fitness centers, and finishes as their primary draw.
Amenities & Finishes: Key Takeaways for Operators
Master the Basics
A high-quality pool, fitness center, resident lounge, and in-unit laundry are the absolute minimum requirements to compete in Ohio.
Granite is Still King
While quartz is emerging, granite remains the expected standard for high-end countertops in the Ohio market.
EV Charging is a Must
Now in nearly half of new builds, EV charging has crossed the threshold from a perk to an essential feature for new construction.
Know Your "C"
Columbus competes on modern lifestyle perks, while Cincinnati and Cleveland focus on core luxury. Know your market's unique profile to stand out.