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The New Standard: "Table Stakes" Community Amenities
In Texas's booming multifamily market, a core set of community amenities has become non-negotiable. These are the "table stakes" that new properties must offer to even be considered by today's renters.
95%
of New Builds Offer a Swimming Pool
92%
Have a State-of-the-Art Fitness Center
85%
Feature a Community Dog Park
This chart shows the adoption rate of the top 5 most common community amenities across new multifamily properties in Texas.
The Evolution of the Modern Fitness Center
A simple room with treadmills no longer cuts it. Today's multifamily fitness center in Texas is a key selling point, often featuring dedicated zones for yoga and cross-training, on-demand fitness classes, and high-end equipment. This amenity is central to a property's lifestyle brand and is a must-have to compete for residents in major markets like Dallas and Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions: Community Amenities
- What amenities do new apartments in Texas have? Virtually all new Class A apartments in Texas feature a resort-style swimming pool, a comprehensive fitness center, a resident lounge or clubhouse, a community dog park, and controlled access or gated entry.
- Are apartment pools a profitable amenity? While pools are a significant operational expense, they are considered an essential marketing feature. In the hot Texas climate, a high-quality pool is one of the most photographed and promoted amenities, directly influencing a renter's leasing decision.
The New Standard: Essential In-Unit Finishes
Inside the apartment, a new baseline of quality and convenience has been set. These are the finishes that renters in new Texas properties now expect as standard.
98%
Include In-Unit Washer & Dryer
88%
Feature Stainless Steel Appliances
75%
Offer Quartz Countertops
This chart ranks the most common in-unit features, highlighting the finishes that have become standard in new Texas apartments.
The Shift from Granite to Quartz Countertops
Just a few years ago, granite was the luxury standard. Our data shows a decisive shift, with quartz countertops now present in three-quarters of new builds. This reflects a change in renter preference towards a more modern, clean aesthetic. For developers and asset managers, this signals that quartz is no longer a premium upgrade but the expected baseline for Class A unit finishes, particularly in competitive markets like Houston and San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions: Modern Apartment Finishes
- Are stainless steel appliances still considered a luxury? No. In new construction, stainless steel appliances are the clear standard. Properties offering white or black appliances are at a significant competitive disadvantage.
- What flooring is most common in new Texas apartments? While not universally tracked in this dataset, market trends show a strong preference for faux-wood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in living areas for its durability and modern look, with carpet remaining standard in bedrooms.
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 work-from-home, wellness, and convenience technology.
65%
Offer Electric Car Charging Stations
40%
Provide Co-working Spaces / Shared Offices
25%
Have Smart Home Features (Thermostats/Locks)
The Rise of Work-From-Home Amenities
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 Austin. These aren't just business centers; they are fully equipped workspaces with private pods, conference rooms, and high-speed internet, designed to be a true extension of the resident's home office.
Operator Q&A: The Next Wave of Amenities
- Is EV charging a must-have amenity now? With a 65% adoption rate, electric car charging stations are rapidly moving from a luxury to a standard. In Texas, a car-centric state with growing EV adoption, not offering this can be a significant leasing disadvantage for new properties.
- What are the most popular "wellness" amenities? Beyond the fitness center, amenities like dedicated yoga studios, spas, and even pickleball courts are gaining traction. These features cater to a growing resident demand for a holistic, health-focused lifestyle.
Regional Showdown: How Texas Markets Compete
While many amenities are becoming standard, Texas's major markets compete in different ways. Each city's unique demographic and economic profile shapes its amenity strategy.
Austin
Leads in Pet-Friendly & WFH Amenities
Dallas
Focuses on High-End Finishes & Pools
Houston
Competes on Smart Home Technology
This radar chart shows the unique "amenity fingerprint" of each major Texas MSA, comparing them on key differentiating features.
Austin's Focus on the Tech Workforce
The Austin multifamily market is clearly catering to its young, tech-forward demographic. Leading in both co-working spaces and community pet amenities reflects a deep understanding of a renter base that values remote work flexibility and a pet-centric lifestyle. Operators in Austin are not just providing apartments; they are selling a complete, convenient lifestyle tailored to the city's dominant professional class.
Operator Insights: Competing in Texas MSAs
- How do amenity packages differ between Dallas and Houston? While similar, the Dallas-Fort Worth MSA shows a stronger emphasis on traditional luxury, like expansive pools and high-end quartz finishes. In contrast, Houston shows a slightly higher adoption rate of practical tech amenities like smart thermostats and package lockers, reflecting a focus on convenience.
- What is the strategy in San Antonio? The San Antonio market, while still offering premium amenities, shows a more balanced approach. Its "fingerprint" is closer to the state average, indicating a market that is competitive but perhaps less prone to the intense "amenity arms race" seen in Austin and Dallas.
Amenities & Finishes: Key Takeaways for Operators
Master the Basics
Pools, fitness centers, dog parks, and in-unit laundry are no longer differentiators—they are the minimum requirement to compete in Texas.
Invest in Remote Work
Co-working spaces are rapidly becoming a standard amenity. This is a key feature for attracting and retaining high-income professional tenants.
Future-Proof Your Parking
With 65% of new builds offering EV charging, this amenity is quickly becoming a necessity. Not including it can make a property feel dated.
Compete on Local Terms
Austin competes on lifestyle, Dallas on luxury finishes, and Houston on tech convenience. Know your market's unique fingerprint to stand out.