Growing Population of "Homebody" Renters Finds Fit with Redwood's BTR Homes

Redwood Living, Inc. • October 6, 2023

A lifestyle that at first appeared to be a temporary pandemic shift now seems to be sticking. 

According to Lia Nichole Smith of ApartmentRatings.com and SatisFacts Research, introverts and extroverts alike are embracing more time at home, treating their living spaces as sanctuaries and fueling a movement she calls “the rise of the homebody.”


In fact, data suggests that by 2025, more than 70 percent of Americans will continue with the at-home habits that were adopted during the pandemic.


Those who choose apartment living increasingly are opting for properties that surround them with the features and services they desire as they spend more time at home – leading to positive outcomes for apartment communities that deliver for this changing lifestyle.


For a variety of reasons, Redwood Neighborhoods cater perfectly to those who want to spend more time at home.


Residents enjoy the feeling of home

While many apartments refer to their living spaces as “units,” that’s not the case with Redwood. We see them as “apartment homes” as many of the amenities and attributes feel like those you enjoy in a single-family home. Most notably, all Redwood Neighborhoods feature single-story apartment homes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. This horizontal format eliminates the need for shared hallways, common areas and noisy neighbors above or below. Plus, private entrances and individual street addresses make it easy for guests and deliveries. 


Another popular perk of living in a Redwood apartment home is the attached garage that comes standard with leases. A rarity in the rental world, there are many reasons to appreciate this amenity and creative ways to utilize the space. 


A host of other advantages make prolonged time at home a joy, including eat-in kitchens with large pantries, full-size appliances, in-suite washer and dryer hookups, open floor plans with vaulted ceilings and personal patios. And furry family members are not just permitted, they are fully embraced at Redwood’s neighborhoods. So much so that Redwood allows up to three pets per apartment, and the neighborhoods offer plenty of green space for daily walks. 

They can work from home

Perhaps one of the most palpable shifts from the pandemic was the transition to more permanent work-from-home or hybrid work arrangements. In turn, an increased number of workers have migrated out of downtowns to suburban living. 


Redwood Neighborhoods are strategically located in prime locations within commuting distance of metro areas but outside city limits. Convenient highway access allows for easy work commutes and makes leisure trips to local shops, restaurants, parks and more a breeze. Residents can make a quick trip to the gym or grocery store over lunch and pull back into their attached garage without worrying about finding a parking spot. 


In addition to an ideal location, residents living in a Redwood apartment home enjoy spacious and flexible floor plans that provide plenty of room for a well-appointed home office. Numerous windows plus doors out to the personal patio help fill the space with natural light, and single-story floor plans help eliminate the distraction of noisy neighbors.

And also personalize their space inside and out 

There is no shortage of ways to personalize space in a Redwood apartment home. Most Redwood Neighborhoods boast anywhere from five to eight different floor plans that all feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attached garage. Ample storage provides space to keep and rotate seasonal décor and extra square footage means residents can arrange (and re-arrange!) furniture in different configurations. 


Just as important as how an apartment looks is how it functions, and flexible floor plans allow residents to get creative in how they use the extra bedroom and living areas. Redwood residents appreciate the opportunity to create home offices, personal gyms or carve out a special spot for hobbies.


Personal patios allow every Redwood resident to enjoy dedicated outdoor living space, plus the freedom to choose how to use it. Everyone’s exterior oasis looks a little different, but many include comfortable patio seating, potted plants, container gardens and outdoor décor. 


Residents can call Redwood home for as long as they want

Whether circumstances call for a short six-month lease or a resident is looking to settle into an apartment long term, Redwood offers flexible lease terms that meet them where they are in life. 


For many, the decision on how long to stay greatly depends on the service they experience as a resident – and if someone is staying home for extended periods of time, exceptional service becomes even more critical. Richard Berger of GlobeSt.com points out that, “Apartment operators…must be aware that their daily operations are now being observed by their residents, who aren’t simply leaving their apartments at 8 a.m. and coming home at 5 p.m. on weekdays.” Redwood places the highest priority on the resident experience and is continuously identifying ways to demonstrate resident appreciation.


For those invested in a Redwood Neighborhood, this comprehensive approach to site selection, apartment design, operations and service leads to strong occupancy and ongoing demand. The more residents value being at home, the more they appreciate the Redwood experience.


To learn more about Redwood Neighborhoods' BTR strategy, the resident experience or to find out about investment opportunities with Redwood, fill out a contact form.


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