Making a Move?

5 Great Cities for 2015

By Yardi Blog Staff on May 1, 2015 in News

Major metros are great, but the U.S. is  also home to dynamic second and third-tier cities that offer strong economies, booming job markets and unique local culture. Many of the nation’s smaller metro centers are brimming with business opportunities and the chance to be part of positive change. The Huffington Post recently nominated five such cities as the it travel destinations of 2015: Portland, Ore.; San Antonio, Texas; Raleigh, NC; Albuquerque, NM; and Denver, Colo. Of course, the movers and shakers of the multi-family industry have already taken note, so Portland, San Antonio, Raleigh, Denver and Albuquerque boast excellent apartment communities.

1. Raleigh
   

   Amelia Station Apartments

With over $2 billion in apartment sales and $3.6 billion in commercial sales, according to Colliers International data, it’s no wonder the Research Triangle is a hot place to be. Among the hot new tickets in town is the 216-unit Amelia Station Apartments, which had its grand opening in December 2014. Part of the Drucker & Falk Real Estate portfolio, this luxury apartment community comprises one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging between 700 and 1,300 square feet. Amenities include a resort style pool complete with poolside entertainment plaza, outdoor grilling pavilion, 24-hout fitness center, 24-hour business center, 24-hour billiards room, children’s playground, leash-free bark park, concierge services and a car wash station.

 

2. Portland

Banking on Portland’s growing popularity, Wood Partners entered a development partnership with Hoyt Properties in late 2012 to develop Block 17, the newest addition to Portland’s LEED-certified Hoyt Yards neighborhood. Set to open in fall/winter 2015 in downtown Portland’s Pearl District, the 281-unit luxury community is steadily rising near the three-acre Fields Park, which will provide ample outdoor green space for future residents. Comprising a 16-story high-rise and a five-story mid-rise and featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, Block 17 will provide panoramic views of Mount Hood and the Willamette River. Community amenities will include a 1,000-square-foot rooftop clubhouse, 1,500-square-foot rooftop deck, 3,000-square-foot plaza courtyard, 800-square-foot lobby and entertainment area, two levels of below-grade parking and 422 bicycle parking spaces. As an added bonus, residents will also enjoy easy access to mass transit, such as streetcar, MAX and Amtrak.

 

 

3. San Antonio

Opened just over two years ago in Brooks City-Base, the up-and-coming San Antonio neighborhood, the 300-unit The Landings at Brooks City Base Apartments boasts proximity to high-tech research and medical facilities as well as name-brand shopping. The community comprises one- and two-bedroom units ranging between 571 and 1,044 square feet. Amenities include a 4,166-square-foot hangar-style community center, state-of-the-art fitness center, a full demonstration kitchen, gaming area, pool table, cyber café, a resort-style swimming pool and a pool with fountains and LED lighting. The Landings at Brooks City Base also features bike racks and parking ranging from breezeway garages to carports.The community is managed by BH Management Services.

 

4. Albuquerque

Undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in the U.S. and not just because of Breaking Bad, the ABQ features a mix of apartment communities. A notable project is the $16.3 million Casitas de Colores, a 71-unit mixed-income, affordable, green community developed by Jonathan Rose Companies. The community targets families with children earning 30, 40 and 50 percent of the area median income as well as market-rate renters. Casitas de Colores features amenities such as a fitness center, learning center, below-grade parking and courtyards. A notable feature of Casitas de Colores is the prevalence of green features, including Energy Star-appliances, water efficient fixtures, solar panels, rainwater collection and recycling system. In fact, the community is expected to earn Energy Star, Enterprise Green Communities and LEED Platinum certifications. The Dekker/Perich/Sabatini-designed project has already earned the American Institute of Architects’ New Mexico Chapter General Design Award of 2014 as well as the 2014 NAIOP Annual Award of Excellence in the Multifamily Residential Category.

 

 

 

5. Denver

Greystar’s Elan Union Station is one of the most anticipated apartment projects in Denver. Currently under development, but already leasing, this downtown apartment community will entice renters with a swimming pool, fitness center complete with yoga/barre studio, bocce ball court, bike and ski maintenance shop, work stations and a pet washing station. Apartments will be decked out with nest thermostats, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom closets and frameless showers complete with benches. Units will come in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations and range between 715 square feet and 1,463 square feet. Rents start at $1,420 and hit $3,750.