10 luxury apartment amenities residents look for

What is a luxury high-rise?

In Alabama, a luxury high-rise is a residential building designed to offer a higher standard of living through elevated service and premium amenities. These properties are typically located in dense, high-demand urban areas and require hands-on management by experienced teams who understand both resident expectations and board priorities. What sets a luxury high-rise apart isn’t just the finishes — it’s the combination of personalized service, operational consistency, and a resident experience that feels effortless.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

What are luxury apartment amenities?

Luxury apartment amenities are high-end features and services added to residential properties to improve comfort, convenience, and resident satisfaction. There are typically four categories of luxury apartment amenities:

• Community amenities: Shared spaces like fitness centers, rooftop pools, coworking areas, spas, concierge desks, game rooms, and kitchens that offer comfort and convenience for residents.
   
• In-unit amenities: High-end features inside the apartment, such as smart home technology, gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and finishes that signal quality and attention to detail.
   
• Service-based amenities: Personalized support offerings like valet parking, package handling, cold storage, and on-site retail.
   
• Outdoor features: Rooftop terraces, fire pits, landscaped courtyards, and outdoor dining areas that can extend livable space and offer a sense of retreat within the building.

10 luxury apartment amenities residents are looking for 

1. Rooftop lounges and terraces

   Rooftop spaces offer residents a place to relax, connect, or simply enjoy some quiet. While some buildings add outdoor kitchens or grills, others keep it simple with garden-style furniture and open views. Either way, it’s one of the most-used amenities in luxury apartment buildings.
    

2. Smart home technology

   Keyless entry, smart thermostats, and app-based lighting controls are increasingly expected as luxury apartment amenities. These tools don’t just offer convenience — they can also improve energy efficiency and potentially reduce maintenance calls to building staff.

   "We're starting to see a lot in technology with artificial intelligence. For example, as you pull into your high-rise, the security camera may use facial recognition to grant property access. This type of technology allows residents to have a better experience."
   
   Landy Labadie, vice president of community solutions for FirstService Residential

3. Fitness centers

   Residents expect clean, modern equipment, spacious layouts, and dedicated areas for different types of workouts, from strength training to yoga or stretching. Thoughtful additions like hydration stations, natural lighting, and sound insulation can enhance the experience. In some properties, wellness programming or access to trainers adds another layer of value. A well-designed fitness center signals the building’s commitment to quality and resident wellbeing. The right professional Alabama property management company will work with your board to choose the best wellness program for your community.

   "Whether it's a swimming class or a Zumba class, fostering the feeling of community is an important way to help create a sense of wellbeing for our high-rise building residents."
   
   Mindy Anderson, director of lifestyle at FirstService Residential

4. Front desk and concierge services

   Front desk teams are often the first and most frequent point of contact for residents and guests. A capable concierge or desk associate can streamline building operations and serve as a reliable resource for day-to-day resident questions. That consistent presence also adds a sense of professionalism and security that makes a lasting impression.
   
   Remember that good service, including the attentiveness of your high-rise staff, can be your best amenity. A professional property management company will be able to assist your association with hiring the right people, and properly training them to deliver a service level that meets your residents’ expectations.
   
   “As industry leaders, we are the most advanced when it comes to emulating a full-service hotel experience, since many of our team members have an extensive background in hospitality,” said Labadie. “We understand that a high level of service enhances our residents’ experience.”
    

5. Pet-friendly spaces

   Caring for your residents' dogs and cats isn't just a trend. Most people consider their pets members of the family and treat them as such. Many communities are increasingly offering pet-focused amenities to lure and keep pet lovers. From pet spas and training classes to pet-washing stations and even fully equipped dog parks, a strong pet program is essential for lifestyle-oriented, luxury building communities.
   
   Boards should assess their resident needs and pet population to determine solutions that work best for their community.
    

6. Coworking areas

   With remote and hybrid work now the norm for many, residents expect more than a spare table and Wi-Fi. Dedicated coworking areas with ergonomic seating, soundproofed rooms for calls, and reliable connectivity have become essential in high-end properties. These workspaces give residents flexibility and help maintain clear boundaries between home and work, which is especially important in dense urban living. When done right, they can create value without taking up unnecessary square footage.
    

7. Parking and EV readiness

   Secure and well-managed parking is a priority for many residents. Valet services, EV charging stations, and assigned spaces can help reduce day-to-day friction for drivers. Clear policies around guest parking and loading zones may also improve traffic flow and minimize confusion. For boards, parking planning should be seen as a long-term strategy, especially with increasing demand for EV infrastructure and rising expectations for convenience and reliability.
   
   Looking to leverage your community’s existing amenities to create revenue? Read our complete guide to creating revenue with your community amenities in Alabama.
    

8. Community programming and events

   Resident events allow residents to socialize and get to know each other. The “living room experience,” which refers to a common area in the building where residents can enjoy events while mixing and mingling with other residents, is a perfect example of community programming. Holiday events, watch parties, special-interest clubs and game or movie nights — all resident-centered events — help create a sense of community.
   
   “We think about the needs of our residents, providing options to fit every demographic, from parents with small children to single residents and those with partners and spouses; we expertly curate lifestyle amenities for every group,” said Anderson. “Our structure supports property lifestyle directors in producing unique events and activities for everyone in our communities.”
    

9. Kids’ amenity spaces

   Many luxury high-rises feature kids' amenity spaces and clubs to appeal to families with children, allowing them to play and be active and creative. Clubhouses and all-purpose rooms that feature arts and crafts classes, games, sports, and camp-like programming can be attractive to residents with limited indoor space or no backyards where their children can play. Investing in kids' clubs can enhance associations' reputation as a place where young families can grow and thrive.
    

10. Sports programs

    Previously thought for homeowners associations only, sports facilities in high-rises are a growing trend, perhaps a little differently than in single-family home communities but still offering residents recreational opportunities to interact with one another. High-rises feature a number of sports programs including indoor basketball, racquetball, tennis courts, and even golf (often in the form of a simulator, allowing residents to practice their strokes in a virtual golf environment). Sports programs can also feature swimming competitions or resident tournaments.

It’s not always easy for boards to stay on top of the latest amenity trends, but partnering with an experienced management company can lighten the load. The right company will have its finger on the pulse of the latest lifestyle and amenity trends, and can help you bring the right ones to your community.

To find out more about how luxury apartment buildings in Alabama can implement the latest amenity and lifestyle trends, contact FirstService Residential, North America’s leading property management company.