Summer living brings out a cool vibe that you just can’t catch any other time of the year. Flowers are in full bloom, grills are lit, bulky winter coats are replaced with shorts and tees, and chilling out with friends becomes a frequent social activity. Yes, when summer is in full swing, the days can be long and toasty, and apartment living can start to feel a little stuffy if you don’t have access to summer perks.
When renters search for an apartment, location and price typically out-rank special features; however, apartment amenities can directly impact your quality of life for the duration of your lease. Weighing the value of amenities for the warmer months can make the difference between merely surviving the summer heat versus thriving in your summer oasis! Are summer amenities worth the cost? It depends. Let's explore.
What Are Summer Amenities?
Simply put, a summer amenity is a special perk or feature that is accessible during the warmer months of the year. Most renters tend to immediately think of apartment air conditioning (which is important), but summer amenities can encompass more than a practical convenience. Think in terms of a living enhancement, that something extra for which you are willing to pay a little more than basic rent to obtain. Examples include:
Swimming pool
An apartment swimming pool can be indoor or outdoor, freshwater or saltwater, and they can run from a wading pool to a sparkling, Olympic-sized pool. Luxury apartment perks may include a lazy river, a water slide, and they may have more than one pool on the premises. Being in or around a body of water can provide wonderful health and relaxation benefits.
Patio or balcony
A patio is an outdoor, ground-level extension of living space usually accessible via a door in the living area. A patio can be partially or completely private. Renters who enjoy sunny solitude, gardening, or spending time outside with a good book may find this perk beneficial. A balcony is essentially patio space that sits above ground level. If you enjoy decorating, your balcony can be additional space to showcase your creativity. While local fire codes may prohibit the use of grills on balconies and patios, you can still have the benefit of enjoying a bit of nature in your personal outdoor space.
Rooftop deck
You will find these on top of high-rise buildings with a beautiful view. A rooftop deck usually has lounge chairs, a pool, and/or grills. Some decks may also include a fire pit and a TV. Having access to a rooftop deck can be a great summer perk if you like to entertain guests or host events. Instead of renting space at a venue across town or cramming people into your apartment, a rooftop deck could be just the space needed to pull off a memorable summer bash.
Air conditioning
If you are looking to rent in a place that gets pretty hot in the summer months, air conditioning is a must. Ceiling fans and box fans can help, but they are no match for the intense heat that summer months can bring. If cost is a concern, many modern apartments have adjustable or smart thermostats that will allow you to efficiently operate the air conditioning unit for cost savings, especially during the hours that you are away from home. Finding ways to optimize energy use during the summer months can help you to live comfortably and affordably.
Other summer perks can include a car washing station, a community garden, a pet washing station, community movie night, and group exercise classes for little or no added cost. These amenities not only add convenience to your daily routine, but they also give you opportunities to connect with your neighbors and make your community truly feel like home.
What Are the Overall Benefits of Summer Amenities?
An improved quality of life: Summer amenities can give you space to unwind, relax your mind, and recharge.
Social opportunities: Want to meet your neighbors? Hanging out at the pool or attending a community event on your rooftop deck is an easy, no-pressure way to meet and connect with others.
A low-cost staycation: Because access to the amenities are already included in your rent, you won’t have to spend additional dollars to enjoy some fun in the sun.
Accessibility: Instead of diving back into the daily grind after a fun-filled vacation, you can savor your community’s summer perks all season long.
Are Summer Amenities Worth the Higher Rent?
When you’re hunting for a new apartment, summer amenities can feel like the cherry on top. They are usually the selling points in any apartment tour and marketing brochure. Because these perks add construction and maintenance costs to the property’s overall expenses, renters can expect to help cover these expenses by paying a higher rent price compared to the rent price at a community that lacks a swimming pool, for example.
Is the cost of summer amenities really worth it? The answer depends on your lifestyle, how much you’ll use them, and the value they add to your summer experience. In other words, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
If you’re someone who rarely swims or prefers to do takeout rather than do food prep for the outdoor grill, you might find yourself footing the bill for features you won’t fully enjoy. Additionally, the value of these perks might depend on the local climate. Renters in places with extremely short or predictably mild summers might not find central air conditioning or sunning on the rooftop deck to be worth it.
Ultimately, summer amenities are worth the extra cost if they enhance your life in meaningful ways. Think about your priorities and lifestyle. If you’ll use these features often and they bring comfort or fun to your summer, they can be a great investment. However, if they’ll just sit unused (like a wasted gym membership) because you are hardly ever home, you might want to skip the perks and save the extra cash. Whether they’re worth it comes down to how much they’ll enhance your life!
How to Find Apartments with Desired Summer Amenities
Finding an apartment with your desired summer perks does not have to be a chore. Let Apartments.com do the heavy lifting! By using our apartment search filters, you can easily discover which properties in your chosen geographical area have summer amenities such as air conditioning, a pool, or a balcony. If your search produces a long list of properties, you can save your results or you can add more filters, such as a price range and the number of bedrooms. Apartments.com makes finding your perfect summer-ready apartment simple and stress-free. Start your search today and make this summer your best one yet!
