Regardless of whether or not it's actually worth a Millennial's time and budget to live in Washington, D.C., there are still plenty of pluses. For one, developers all over the D.C. area have been creating more amenities that should appeal to those between the ages of 18 and 34.
Because Millennials are so transient, less tends to be more, at least when it comes to parking spaces. For the Blagden Alley project in Shaw, there are zero parking spaces. Originally, the prospect of such a thing was described as simple "wishful thinking," but the Board of Zoning Adjustment gave the okay for a number of reasons: the developer planned on building a 27-dock Capital Bikeshare station, providing memberships to each resident, and having each resident be Millennials.
The Fort Totten Square apartment development similarly features transit options that allow residents to ditch their four-wheel vehicles. Residents are able to access an on-site Capitol Bikeshare station, ZipCar and Car2Go spaces, while able to enjoy a close location to a Metro station. Other less transit-oriented, but still super swoon-worthy amenities include the two-tiered resort-style pool, indoor-outdoor yoga studio, and Wi–Fi connected interior courtyards.
Speaking of Wi-Fi, developers should also consider providing similarly connected spaces if interested in attracting a younger generation. In fact, having free Wi-Fi might attract every generation at this point. The Northeast D.C. neighborhood, NoMa, is one noteworthy example of how this is true. With 18 blocks of free outdoor Wi-Fi and a massive development boom along with it, NoMa has become one of the main destinations for Millennials.
In order to boost their wow factor, The Commons at McLean also plans on completing the installation of a direct fiber network similar to Google Fiber by the first quarter of 2017. By doing this, the apartment development will create a significantly higher speed Wi-Fi network. Millennials should also be pleased to know that there is a 24-hour, on-site Starbucks and Safeway at the development as well.
At the Southwest Waterfront, The Lex and Waterfront Station has similarly jumped on the Wi-Fi bandwagon. This project—the sixth largest apartment development opening of 2015—offers a myriad of amenities, one of which being a shared workspace and a Wi-Fi lounge. The Lex and Waterfront Station also goes all out with a LEED Silver certification, 360-degree city and river views, and a fitness center.
Other striking amenities that have caught the attention of Curbed DC before include City Market at O's rooftop dog park, The Boro's planned luxury movie theater, and 2M Street Apartment's communal dog. Are pet salons and swimming pools really necessary, though?
In the end, laying on the luxury might not be the way to go. In August 2015, mobile apartment search app RadPad reported that the top five amenities that Millennials truly desire are dishwashers, pools, parking, garages, and stainless steel appliances. Anything after that is just an add on.
But, hey, add ons can make the difference between a yes and a maybe.
• See the Amenities Every Millennial Wants Most in Their Rental [Curbed DC]
• For Millennials, Is Living in Washington, D.C. Worth It? [Curbed DC]
• 1,000 Tiny Homes Proposed for Millennials in Washington, D.C. [Curbed DC]