Trend Forecasting: Resident Field Trips

We talk a lot about the "hospitality" property approach, so naturally, we couldn't not talk about a rising trend throughout luxury apartment communities.  Meet the newest trend in resident experiences: luxury resident field trips. No, I'm not saying rent a stretch limo and caravan 50 residents to your local botanical garden. The goal is to get the residents together, offsite, and enjoy each other's company with the property management team, and it doesn't have to be at an insane premium from your budget.

Think apple-picking, horseback riding, wine tasting with 50 strangers who happen to be your neighbors.

Sounds like a nightmare to some, but to today’s renters? It’s like belonging to a social club full of neighbors, networking, and photo-worthy moments.

These curated events are about connection, camaraderie, and building a community. And in a world where reputation scores, online reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals can make or break your lease-up, this strategy is pure gold.

Why Resident Experience Is the X-Factor

Here’s the thing: the resident experience is one of those things in a multifamily new development that can feel like a footnote. We've said it before, how property managers need to stop dropping the ball after move-in day when it comes to excellent customer service and experience. 

It starts with creating memorable moments that matter. People don’t just want to rent an apartment—they want to belong to something bigger. Something that feels like an extension of themselves. A rooftop happy hour is great, but a day sailing with your neighbors or horseback riding in the park? That’s next-level. And residents at competing buildings will turn their heads in envy and fomo, which very well could bring them to your door.

When residents feel connected to their community, a few amazing things happen:

1. Renewals Skyrocket: People stay where they feel at home. Period.
2. Reputation Scores Soar: Happy residents leave glowing reviews, which means higher scores on sites like Google, Apartmentratings.com, Apartments.com, you name it.
3. Word-of-Mouth Referrals Flow: When someone loves where they live, they tell their friends. And those friends? They show up ready to sign a lease.

The ROI of Connection

Let’s talk numbers for a second. The cost of turnover is massive—marketing, cleaning, concessions, the time it takes to fill a unit—it adds up fast. But you know what costs a lot less? Keeping your current residents happy.

These resident field trips may feel like a “nice-to-have,” but they’re actually an investment in your building’s bottom line. An apple-picking trip might cost $10 per person, but if it prevents even one resident from moving out, it’s already paid for itself.

Plus, in today’s market, reputation is everything. One negative review can scare off potential renters, while a glowing testimonial about how “management went above and beyond” can bring in tenants who are ready to pay top dollar.

How to Do It Right

If you’re a developer or property manager, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Here’s how you can create resident events that people actually want to attend—and talk about:

1. Keep It Local: Partner with local businesses to create unique, Boston-inspired experiences. Food tours in the North End, wine tastings in the South End, or a behind-the-scenes brewery tour in Seaport? Yes, please.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity: It’s not about having an event every weekend. It’s about creating moments that feel special, exclusive, and memorable.
3. Create Opportunities for Connection: The goal isn’t just entertainment—it’s camaraderie. Structure your events so residents actually talk to each other, not just stand around awkwardly.
4. Ask for Feedback: Find out what your residents want. Not everyone is into apple picking, but maybe they’d love a visit from a tasting from a Michelin star chef, or a pop-up from the hottest pilates studio in your neighborhood.

Community Is the Ultimate Amenity

At the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. The stronger your community, the stronger your brand. When you create experiences that make residents fall in love with where they live, you’re not just filling units—you’re building loyalty, trust, and a reputation that will keep your building full for years to come. These experiential lifestyle events are a great way to turn heads and make a name for your community and not just your building.