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The New Standard: "Table Stakes" Community Amenities
In Tennessee'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.
96%
of New Builds Offer a Swimming Pool
93%
Have a State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
88%
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 Tennessee.
The Importance of Lifestyle Amenities
The near-universal adoption of pools, fitness centers, and lounges shows that operators in Tennessee are selling a 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 Nashville and its surrounding submarkets like Franklin.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Community Amenities
- What are the most common apartment amenities in Tennessee? Nearly all new Class A apartments in Tennessee will have a swimming pool, fitness center, and resident lounge. A community dog park and controlled access are also extremely common.
- How important are pet amenities? With dog parks present in over 80% of new builds, being pet-friendly is a baseline requirement. Emerging differentiators in this category include pet washing stations, which are becoming more common in high-end properties.
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 Tennessee properties now expect as standard.
100%
Include In-Unit Washer & Dryer
95%
Feature Stainless Steel Appliances
90%
Offer Granite Countertops
This chart ranks the most common in-unit features, highlighting the finishes that have become standard in new Tennessee apartments.
Granite Remains the Countertop King in Tennessee
Unlike other markets that have shifted decisively to quartz, granite countertops remain the dominant luxury finish in Tennessee, present in 90% of new builds. This reflects a regional preference for a more traditional, high-end aesthetic. For developers and asset managers in Tennessee, granite is still the expected baseline for Class A unit finishes. Quartz is present but has not yet become the market-wide standard.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Apartment Finishes
- Is in-unit laundry standard in new Tennessee apartments? Absolutely. Our data shows 100% of new-builds offer a washer and dryer in every unit. This is the most essential and non-negotiable in-unit feature.
- What kind of closets do new apartments have? Large or walk-in closets are standard, present in nearly every new property. This is a key feature for renters and a major focus in modern floor plan design.
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 and convenience technology.
60%
Offer Electric Car Charging Stations
45%
Provide Package Lockers or Services
20%
Have Smart Home Features (Locks/Thermostats)
The Rapid Adoption of EV Charging
The rise of remote work has made co-working spaces and shared offices a must-have amenity, not just a perk. Previously a niche feature, these spaces are becoming a key differentiator, especially in markets with a high concentration of tech and professional jobs like Nashville. These aren't just business centers; they are fully equipped workspaces with private pods, conference rooms, and high-speed internet.
Operator Q&A: The Next Wave of Amenities
- Is EV charging a must-have amenity now in Tennessee? With a 60% adoption rate in new builds, electric car charging stations are quickly moving from a luxury to a standard. In a state with a growing automotive sector and increasing EV adoption, not offering this can be a significant leasing disadvantage.
- What kind of smart home features are most popular? The most common smart home features are smart locks and smart thermostats, offered in about 20% of new properties. These technology packages are a key way that operators in competitive markets like Nashville are differentiating their product.
Regional Showdown: How Tennessee Markets Compete
While sharing many standard amenities, Tennessee's major markets compete in different ways. Nashville's focus on emerging tech and lifestyle amenities sets it apart from the more traditional packages in other cities.
Nashville
Leads in Tech & Lifestyle Amenities
Knoxville
Focuses on Core "Table Stakes" Amenities
Memphis
Offers Strong, Traditional Value
This radar chart shows the unique "amenity fingerprint" of each major Tennessee MSA, comparing them on key differentiating features.
Nashville's Push into Tech and Wellness
The Nashville multifamily market is clearly targeting a younger, high-income renter. Its dominance in offering EV charging, co-working spaces, and pet-friendly amenities shows a deep understanding of this demographic. Operators in Nashville are selling a complete lifestyle package that aligns with modern work and wellness trends.
Operator Insights: Competing in Knoxville and Memphis
- What is the amenity strategy in Knoxville and Memphis? The Knoxville and Memphis markets are more focused on delivering the core "table stakes" amenities at a high level. Their strategy is less about the "amenity arms race" and more about providing strong fundamental value, with high-quality pools, fitness centers, and unit finishes as their primary draw.
Amenities & Finishes: Key Takeaways for Operators
In-Unit Laundry is King
With 100% adoption, in-unit washer and dryer is the most critical amenity. A property without it is at a severe disadvantage.
Granite Over Quartz
Unlike other markets, Tennessee renters still expect granite as the standard high-end countertop finish in new builds.
EV Charging is a Must
Now present in 60% of new communities, EV charging has crossed the threshold from a perk to an essential utility for new construction.
Nashville is Different
Nashville's amenity packages are more advanced and targeted at tech and lifestyle trends than the rest of the state. Compete locally.