When you think about amenities that naturally build community and increase the perceived value of a multifamily property, your mind probably jumps to elaborate resident lounges, lavish resort-style pools and tricked out fitness centers.
However, data reveals a surprising truth: the humble coffee machine is one of the most powerful amenities for fostering genuine connections among residents. Less surprising, Drive Research’s 2024 Coffee Report reports nearly three in four Americans drink coffee daily, making a coffee amenity the perfect meeting point for your residents.
Throughout history, coffeehouses have been catalysts for human connection and intellectual exchange. In 17th-century England, coffeehouses were dubbed “penny universities,” because patrons could engage in rich discussions with people from all walks of life for the price of a coffee.
Today’s apartment communities are experiencing a similar renaissance. According to a recent survey conducted by WithMe, residents report that their property’s coffee machine is the tech-enabled amenity they use the most. The survey also found that residents view coffee as the second most valuable amenity in their community, ranking just behind fitness centers.
