Forget the bare-bones city starter apartments of previous generations—Gen Z is rewriting the rules of renting. This cohort, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, now makes up nearly half of recent U.S. renters and wants more than a roof over their heads—they want a lifestyle. From tech-enabled leasing processes to curated amenity packages, they’re choosing to live in fully loaded, high-design buildings that offer not just shelter, but a self-contained ecosystem.

According to Zillow, Gen Z values convenience, mental health, and community when it comes to where they live. At properties like Lumaire in West Palm Beach or Uniti Montrose in Houston, young renters are drawn to sleek apartments with perks like coworking spaces, yoga studios, social lounges, and even pickleball courts.

The buildings don’t just house them—they support their ambitions, well-being, and desire for seamless, on-demand experiences. As 21-year-old Max Eulenhoefer puts it, “My building is fresh, it’s new, it’s exciting. I feel really good being in my space.”

Whether it’s the aesthetics, ease of application, or ability to use shared spaces to support side hustles and personal brands, Gen Z is setting a new bar for what it means to feel at home—and the market is responding.