The Importance of Amenities in New Home Communities

Image of a master-planned community's large park with several sports courts
rendering of a sports court and park at a planned community

Amenities are beneficial and crucial in increasing interest in new homes, townhomes, upscale residences, and active adult communities. They add value to the homes in a community and attract homebuyers.

The type of community will affect the additional value homebuyers are willing to pay for amenities, but there's no doubt that homebuyers prefer amenities; a community with amenities that fit the lifestyles of its intended residents will attract more buyers.

Community Amenities Are Crucial, The Right Mix in a Neighborhood Adds Value

Over the years, home builders and property management companies have learned that amenities greatly enhance a community's appeal and impact buyers' choices. Communities with the right mix of amenities and conveniences can quickly become the talk of the town and the first destinations for real estate agents when they bring their buyers home shopping. Many buyers value convenience and peace of mind, and an amenity-rich neighborhood offers both.

In this article, we'll explore the amenities and features of new home communities and how they increase demand and the value of homes in a development.

Amenities Available in Neighborhoods and Master-Planned Communities

A rendering of a two-story clubhouse in the middle of a community. Community pool and tennis courts
A large clubhouse inside a master-planned community with pool and tennis courts, aerial view

Buyers will find a long list of amenities when buying a single-family home, townhome, luxury residence, or empty-nester house in an active adult community. Nearly every new home community has amenities; smaller ones will have open spaces, kids' playgrounds, and walking trails. Master-planned developments and active adult neighborhoods will have many more, including a clubhouse, multiple parks, ramadas, sports courts, picnic areas, splash pads, fitness centers, community pools, golf courses, and more. Amenities attract buyers and add value to homes within neighborhoods; let's look at the different types of amenities buyers can expect to see when home shopping.

Educational Amenities that Buyers Value

an exterior rendering of a middle school within a community of new homes, its an amenity
A rendering of the outside of a middle school in a new housing development

The closeness of a property to well-regarded schools is a vital consideration for families, greatly influencing demand and property values. Communities with schools nearby have many benefits, including improving neighborhood relationships and increasing parent volunteer time.

Regions with schools that have excellent or outstanding ratings tend to have higher property prices than those in locations with poor educational opportunities. These price differences illustrate the value buyers place on easy access to high-quality education, especially in areas where students can't attend schools outside of their school zone.

Properties near top-tier universities also command higher prices. Buyers are okay with paying for convenience or quality education; if you're looking for amenities that add value, consider the value of quality education.

The Value in Health and Wellness Amenities

Fitness lovers will value the proximity of gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centers. Access to these health and wellness facilities can be a significant advantage, appealing to buyers who emphasize a healthy way of living. These buyers can save hours a week by working out near home. Homes near health and wellness centers offer busy professionals, parents, and individuals dedicated to daily fitness an easy and convenient way to stay in shape; the extra money they pay for quick access to health and wellness is easy to justify if they save time every day. Not to mention the added benefit of living near neighbors that reinforce a healthy lifestyle.

Parks, Open Spaces, Sports Courts, and Outdoor Activities

aerial image of a park with walking-trails in a new home community
Community park and open green spaces with walking trails in a new home community

Green areas and recreational facilities significantly improve residents' well-being and quality of life. Golf course communities are in demand, just like neighborhoods with small lakes. Access to these amenities down the street gives parents peace of mind; they feel better knowing their kids are playing at a nearby park or basketball court. Families can enjoy time together outside at a park or playing sports, leading to healthy bonds and giving families more time to spend with each other. It promotes healthier lifestyles and much-needed time away from smartphones and online streaming services.

Neighborhoods with a well-balanced offering of open spaces, parks, and outdoor activities appeal more to prospective buyers and subsequently increase the market value of properties.

Transportation Connections, Quick Commutes Save Time and Money

New home communities and developments close to reliable transport networks tend to have higher values because residents can easily reach job centers, schools, downtown areas, and other essential services. This convenience is crucial for buyers, particularly outside major cities where travel times can greatly influence daily living. Studies show that the highway system has helped increase home values; homebuilders know that time is money, and buyers pay more for convenience.

Some home builders of affordable new homes further from city centers make it a point to build their communities near freeways, making it easy and quick for homeowners to drive to downtown areas for work. Building a community outside of town is an easy way for neighborhoods to offer more value and lower-priced homes.

Hubs for Socializing and Convenience

Neighborhoods near a lively blend of shops, eateries, and cafes draw individuals searching for convenience and those wanting a vibrant social atmosphere. Planned communities often have small shops like these, making it easy for residents to grab a coffee, meet with friends, or spend the day working at a coffee shop near home. These facilities enhance a location's attractiveness, leading to increased demand and rising property values.

Nearby Healthcare and Emergency Services are Priceless

Entrance to a emergency clinic. Hospital computers, plants, tile flooring and the entrance
The interior of an emergency clinic near a new home community, rendering

The availability of healthcare facilities and emergency services is essential for many homebuyers, particularly seniors and families with young children. Being close to hospitals, clinics, and emergency responders can enhance a neighborhood's attractiveness, providing an added sense of security and convenience that can increase demand for their homes, increasing property prices.

Safety and Security Amenities Provide Peace of Mind

Safety and security are paramount concerns for all homebuyers, regardless of age or life situation. Areas with low crime statistics and noticeable security features, like well-lit streets and neighborhood watch initiatives, are more desirable. Gated communities are particularly appealing and often have a higher price tag because homeowners and guests are only allowed inside the neighborhood. A safe environment enhances property values significantly, as safety assurance is invaluable.

Community Services and Cultural Centers are Built-in Attractions

Cultural and community facilities, such as libraries, museums, community centers, and theaters, can significantly influence property values. These amenities enrich the cultural landscape of a neighborhood and promote a sense of community, making the area more appealing to prospective buyers seeking an active and vibrant community life. A robust community spirit can elevate property values, as individuals are inclined to spend more on living in areas where they feel a sense of connection and support.

Visual Appealing Communities Built to Match Nature

Neighborhoods featuring well-kept gardens, tree-lined roads, white picket fences, and appealing spaces that blend in with the area's natural beauty can experience increased property values. Pleasing environments leave a favorable impression and enhance the overall attractiveness of the neighborhood. Prospective buyers frequently influence their buying decisions based on stunning views, often paying thousands more for mountain or scenic views they find relaxing, highlighting the significance of designing neighborhoods that fit their surrounding's comprehensive perspective on property valuation.

Amenities Attract Buyers and Add Value, That's Why Builders Include Them

Leaving acres of land undeveloped for parks, golf courses, sports courts, and picnic areas results in fewer homesites for builders, which means less profit for them. If amenities weren't crucial to families and did not offer value, home builders wouldn't spend time, money, and resources incorporating them into neighborhoods.

Amenities are costly, but they add to a new homeowner's experience and give residents places to play and socialize near home. Well-known master-planned communities are among the most popular developments in town due to their size and abundance of amenities; they often include as many amenities as possible.

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