Renters are looking for multifamily communities that support their lifestyles and provide connections, according to Greystar’s 2025 Design Survey Report.
Drawing on insights from more than 137,000 of its residents, Greystar drills down on the must-have amenities as well as emerging and regional trends.
Topping the list for residents are walk-in closets, with 88% of survey respondents expressing interest and 38% saying they wouldn’t rent without them. Spacious closets are especially important to renters in Southeast markets like Miami and Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where over 90% expressed interest.
Large windows and abundant natural light rank second for renters, with 87% prioritizing this feature. New York renters showed the strongest interest at 93%, followed by 91% of renters in Boston and San Jose, California.
Coming in as the No. 3 most desired amenity is fresh air ventilation, with 85% expressing interest and high demand in West Coast markets. However, the survey finds that while fresh air ventilation and energy-efficient lighting remain popular features, the willingness for renters to pay for these sustainability features has decreased by an average 24% year over year.
Secure parking, whether covered or garages, ranks fourth; 84% value this feature, with it being a priority for urban and Sun Belt renters, and it has an average expected rent premium of $78 per month.
Fitness centers round out the top five: 83% consider them important or essential. In addition, 68% report using them regularly, with high demand for free weights, 24/7 access, and water stations.
“Our 2025 Design Survey shows a clear pivot in renter priorities,” said Quinn Eddins, managing director of research and analytics services at Greystar. “For the first time, fitness centers have entered the top five amenities, while interest in paying premiums for sustainability features has softened. That balance of wellness, lifestyle, and cost-conscious decision-making reflects how renters are reshaping what ‘value’ means in housing today.”
Eddins adds that emerging trends are signaling that renters want experiences along with the traditional must-haves.
Some of the largest gains on the survey include outdoor cinemas, clubhouses, and gaming rooms. Outdoor cinemas jumped nearly 7 percentage points and are favored by half of renters nationwide. In addition, controlled community access, smart locks, and managed Wi-Fi also rank in the top half of preferred features for renters.
According to Eddins, the data also shows that Greystar can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach on its developments nationwide.
Large windows as well as walkability and proximity to grocery stores are valued in the Northeast, while renters in the Midwest prefer side-by-side washers and dryers and built-in storage near bedrooms in their units as well as indoor coworking with private, bookable offices.
Renters in the Sun Belt prioritize pools and fitness centers, while outdoor cinemas gained traction in markets such as Atlanta and Tampa. Elsewhere in the South, residents want walk-in closets, especially in Dallas, while outdoor amenities such as pools, grilling stations, and green space rank high.
Sustainability is key in the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest. In the Mountain West, fitness centers and nearby green space are desired. Renters also want energy efficiency and have a higher interest in recreational amenities such as hot tubs and lawn games. In the Pacific Northwest, renters are looking for fresh air ventilation and eco-friendly pest control. Technology adoption also is higher than in many other regions, especially for managed Wi-Fi and smart locks.
And in California, indoor-outdoor living is a priority, with renters valuing personal balconies and patios. Pools remain popular; however, they take a back seat to natural light and outdoor space.
“Walk-in closets and natural light remain universal, but we see sharp regional differences,” Eddins notes. “West Coast renters emphasize sustainability and ventilation, while Sun Belt residents demand pools and shaded outdoor space. The takeaway is clear. Localizing design decisions is now a competitive advantage.”