Trending Apartments — See What’s Popular This Year

Over this past year, we have identified certain apartments that seem to be a hot pick for many. So, let’s take a closer look at the different apartments that are currently trending and see why they are so popular:

1. Smart Apartments

As we see tech integrate itself into all facets of life, it is no surprise that technology is also enhancing apartments. Smart apartments have emerged to improve the living experience beyond a single device. These luxury apartments typically integrate smart amenities, community management, and building automation systems, like HVAC and Access Control, into one connected building system. With this being the case, smart apartments are only found in recent construction developed intentionally using this integrated technology.

Smart amenities within these apartments often include devices like voice assistants, smart thermostats, smart locks, smart mirrors and smart lighting. These in-unit features provide residents unprecedented ease and enjoyment.

There is no beating the connectivity that smart apartments provide. They are wired from the inside-out to connect devices, building systems, residents, and management.

Smart apartments can streamline many property management services, creating a better living experience for residents. Features within the smart apartment platforms typically allow guests on-demand property services, from plumbing to dog walking, or access to event calendars and instant messaging. These benefits can help save time, money, and hassle.

While fully integrated smart apartments are newer to the market, as technology continues to expand and new construction continues, we expect more of these apartments to emerge.

Currently, Moment, Landmark, and 727 W Madison are some of the popular Chicago smart apartment options.

2. Junior One-Bedroom Apartment

As recent apartment seekers narrow down preferred layouts, many folks have decided on junior one-bedroom apartments. This style of apartment is a slight upgrade from a studio and is often more affordable than a one-bedroom. 

Junior one-bedrooms provide an additional alcove along with the main space. This alcove is often separated by an extra wall. While it’s common for residents to use the extra space as a spot to sleep, it doesn’t constitute a full bedroom. Usually, the nook is smaller and often without windows or a door. 

Those who may want to save a bit of money, but feel a studio is too tight, may find junior one-bedrooms to be a great compromise. The additional alcove these apartments provide allows for more physical and mental separation. 

Some find it challenging to eat, sleep, and sometimes work in one space, which is typically the case in a studio. 

Junior one-bedrooms also allow for more privacy when guests have visitors. For those who like to entertain, it’s nice to have your bedroom separated from the main space.

As this apartment style gains popularity, single working professionals and younger couples gravitate toward these units. 

3. Junior Two-Bedroom Apartment

A junior 2-bedroom apartment makes an ideal home for someone going back and forth between a one or two-bedroom. This layout offers a full-size bedroom plus an extra space that may serve as a spare bedroom. However, this extra space is typically more of an alcove. It is often smaller than a typical one-bedroom and may come without a door or with smaller windows.

Consider this popular apartment style if you don’t necessarily need a full spare bedroom but would like additional space. The extra alcove is often a pretty versatile “bonus room” and may be used for an office, workout room, reading nook, storage space or really whatever you would like to make it.

Every square footage matters when living in the city, so a junior two-bedroom provides extra space that can enhance a renter’s living experience. There are also various junior two-bedroom apartment layouts on the market, meaning you can find one that best suits your needs and preferences.

4. One-Bedroom Den

The one-bedroom den is a relatively new layout, but it is also one that is becoming increasingly popular. These layouts have come to market to meet renters’ demand for more space, but not necessarily another bedroom. Especially after Covid, many people are working or spending more time at home and appreciating a bit more room.

So, what exactly is a den in an apartment? If a one-bedroom includes a den, it typically means it comes with a separate room that doesn’t have a closet, and sometimes also without windows. This spare space is also commonly referred to as a ‘flex space.’ Two-bedroom dens are also starting to become a hot choice among renters who don’t need full three bedrooms.

One-bedroom dens are very similar to junior two-bedroom apartments and make an excellent option for single renters or couples who don’t need an entire extra bedroom but would enjoy a little extra space. The den can be great for working, hobbies, hosting and more.

With a little bit of research and creativity, you will find that there are many ways to maximize your den space. While working space may be the most popular and obvious use for a den, there are plenty of other ways a den may be beneficial, such as a workout room, creative space, nursery, entertainment space, and more. Since there is a lot of flexibility with a den, you may also find that this room transitions as your life seasons change.

If you would like to check out one of these trending 2022 apartments yourself, be sure to connect with one of our team members. Our licensed brokers will walk you through the process of narrowing down the apartment options and finding your dream home. Start your search today!