In today’s world, people are more “connected” than ever and yet, loneliness and isolation continue to rise. In fact, the CDC has declared a public health crisis over the current loneliness epidemic. For residents living in apartment communities, the difference between simply having a place to live and truly feeling at home often comes down to one powerful human need: belonging.
At Apartment Life, we see firsthand how intentional community-building transforms not just properties, but people. Understanding the psychology behind belonging helps explain why resident engagement isn’t just a “nice extra,” but a foundational element of healthy, thriving communities.
Belonging is the deep sense that we are known, valued, and accepted within a group. Psychologically, it directly impacts emotional well-being, resilience, and overall life satisfaction.
When people feel they belong, they are more likely to:
Experience lower stress and anxiety
Show higher levels of trust and cooperation
Engage positively with their environment
Stay committed to the people and places they’re connected to
In contrast, a lack of belonging can lead to withdrawal, dissatisfaction, and even physical health consequences. In apartment communities, where residents may be far from family, new to a city, or navigating life transitions, this need becomes even more pronounced.
Apartment communities are uniquely positioned to foster belonging because they bring diverse people into close proximity. Apartments cultivate a lifestyle where neighbors can organically overlap on a daily basis, whether that's at the mailbox, by the pool, or simply walking down the hallway. However, without intentionality, proximity alone can't create connection. It's possible (and common) for residents to live side by side for years without ever knowing one another.
A sense of belonging emerges when residents feel seen, not anonymous, and when interactions go beyond transactional encounters. Things like neighbors knowing your name, lending a hand during a time of need, or shared experiences create the type of community where belonging can thrive.
When residents experience belonging in their community, they’re not just attached to their unit. They’re attached to the people and the culture of the place they call home, and they're more likely to stay. According to a study done by RealPage, "a resident is 8 percent more likely to renew if they made one friendship or connection within their community." The average renter, who doesn't know any of their neighbors, is 29 percent likely to renew their lease. However, residents who know seven or more people in their community are 47 percent likely to renew their lease.
In other words, community creates a culture where people naturally want to stick around.
We're passionate about cultivating thriving communities. Apartment Life addresses the need for belonging throughout the resident experience, starting on day one and continuing through renewal. Warm, personal welcomes help new residents acclimate and feel at home. Fun and engaging monthly events create a consistent rhythm for friendships to form and develop. Acts of personalized care help residents to feel seen, celebrated, and cared for by their coordinator(s) and neighbors. And renewal check-ins provide a warm touchpoint to gain feedback and remind residents that they are a valuable part of the community.
At the end of the day, people aren't just looking for a place to live. They're looking for a place to call home. Apartment Life exists to help turn apartment complexes into flourishing communities, and to turn neighbors into friends. We're experts at building community and we're experts at caring, one neighbor, and one community at a time.
Want to learn more? Whether you're a multifamily professional interested in bringing us to your community or would like to learn more about serving with us as an Events and Ministry Coordinator, we'd love to chat. Let's connect!