8 Incredible Apartment Amenities You Didn’t Even Know You Wanted
Think apartment perks like a doorman, a washing machine—even a roof deck—are pretty exciting? How about a private movie theater? Or a climbing gym? Or a rooftop vegetable garden?
Across the country, buildings and condos are upping their game with a slew of pretty choice new apartment amenities. And while many of ’em might require dropping a solid chunk of change, they have us looking forward to the day when in-building spas and libraries are the new normal. (That’ll happen soon…right?)
1) MOVIE THEATER
Snacks, cushy seats, and a big screen make for a fantastic personal cinema experience. Photo courtesy of parfyonov/iStock.
Looking for a way to upgrade your Netflix set-up? You could just choose a building that has its own movie theater—big screen and comfy seats included. For those living in the Lorenzo in LA, it’s only one of several entertainment options. There’s also the karaoke room. And the coffee lounge. Oh, and the outdoor amphitheater. (Who needs to spend time in an apartment anyway?)
2) SPA
Bliss out in your apartment building’s own spa. Photo courtesy of PeopleImages/iStock.
It’s not every building that’s got its own spa. And it’s especially not every building that has its own Turkish-style hamam—complete with heated marble, a relaxation room, and even a so-called ice room, equipped with its own snow machine. That’s what’s in store for residents at the ultra-luxurious Halcyon in Midtown Manhattan. Repeat after us: breathe in, breathe out…
3) CLIMBING WALL
A climbing wall’s an exciting upgrade from too-thin apartment walls. Photo courtesy of Chris Pecoraro/iStock.
Yup, that climbing gym wasn’t an exaggeration. Increasing numbers of spendy condos are installing rock walls that would rival Brooklyn Boulders in scope. Like the one at The Aldyn on the Upper West Side, which soars up to 38 feet high. Plus, if you’re sore afterwards, you can just go for a dunk in the building’s Jacuzzi. Easy breezy.
4) WINE CELLAR
In-house vino? We’ll toast to that. Photo courtesy of zhudifeng/iStock.
Is your wine collection outgrowing your apartment? If so, you might want to look into Highgrove in Stamford, Connecticut. The climate-controlled community cellar accommodates 100 bottles per resident, and even has an adjacent tasting room for when you wanna get your sniff-and-swirl on. Bonus: Since the drinks happen on site, there’s no need to pick a designated driver.
5) ROOFTOP FARM
If you don’t have acres of farmland or a backyard garden, a rooftop farm should do the trick. Photo courtesy of linephoto/iStock.
For city-dwellers, growing your own fresh fruits and veggies can feel like a luxury—especially when you don’t have to leave your pad to do so. A number of buildings are making rooftop farm access one of their highlight apartment amenities, including Hunters Point South Commons in Queens. Residents have access to the 660-square-foot garden and apiary (whaddup, 20,000 bees?).
6) LIBRARY
Get your read on at a private(ish) library. Photo courtesy of skynesher/iStock.
When it comes to insane apartment amenities, a library might not be the first thing to come to mind. But just picture it: cozy reading nooks, shared shelves, and a place for you to get work done without being tempted to chill on the couch in your PJs all day. A number of buildings are beginning to add libraries to the top of their amenities offerings, including the likes of the luxe Grand Plaza Chicago (which also serves free coffee). Cue the Beauty and the Beast-style library fantasies.
7) FITNESS CENTERS
Save on gym fees—and, like, actually go and work out—with fitness centers that come to you. Photo courtesy of The Victor.
Some apartment buildings have indoor fitness centers with a few treadmills and weights. Others, like The Victor in Boston, up the ante with a swank indoor basketball court on the side. Or The Vermont in LA, which has its own indoor spinning studio. Or The Metropolitan in Seattle, which houses an indoor putting green, dance studio, and cardio studio. Your excuses for not schlepping to the gym just got squashed. In a good way.
8) OUTSOURCED CHORES
Why should you get all the perks? Services like dog grooming ensure that Fido feels swanky, too. Photo courtesy of Zinkevych/iStock.
Beyond the giant entertainment centers, the spas and libraries, the farms and fitness hubs, some of the most awesome apartment amenities are the ones that just make daily life that much simpler. Like the buildings that promise to do your grocery shopping for you. Or the ones that have “dog cities” that care for your pooch while you’re stuck in the office. Now: anyone wanna go in on one of these sweet pads with us?
