The Importance of Community Events for Residents
For many people, the word “community” evokes images of a physical space, like a neighborhood or town. But community can also refer to a group of people with shared interests or experiences. Regardless of how you define it, community is an important part of our lives.
A sense of community has been linked to increased happiness, improved health outcomes, and a longer life span. If you’re looking to tap into those benefits, hosting community events is a great place to start. Here are a few reasons why resident community events are important.
Resident Events Bring People Together
In today’s world, it’s easy to go through life without ever interacting with your neighbors. But when you host community events, you give people an opportunity to come together and get to know one another.
And when people feel connected to others, they tend to be happier and more fulfilled. In fact, one study found that social relationships are just as important to our health as exercise and quitting smoking! So if you’re looking for a way to improve your residents’ health and happiness, hosting community events is a great place to start.
Enhance Your Multifamily Property Value
Not only do community events improve residents’ well-being, but they can also enhance your property value. That’s because residents who feel connected to their community are less likely to move away—and potential residents will be more likely to want to live in a neighborhood that hosts regular gatherings.
So if you’re looking for a way to increase your property value—and keep your existing residents happy—community events should be at the top of your list.
Build Relationships with Local Businesses
Hosting community events is also a great way to build relationships with local businesses. When you partner with businesses in your area, they can help promote your event to their customers—which can help you attract more attendees. And after the event is over, you can continue working together on future projects. These are just a few of the reasons why resident community events are so important. If you’re looking for a way to bring people together and enhance your property value, look no further than your own backyard!
Event Ideas for the Holidays:
Pumpkin Spice Up Your Community
Set up or enhance your existing coffee bar with a few fall editions. Put out some pumpkin spice or cinnamon-flavored syrups, and top it off with some cute fall decor like mini pumpkins or fall garlands. If you’re feeling extra generous in the holiday mood, grab some delicious fall sweet treats, like muffins or donuts, to go along with your new setup. Snap a picture & share it with your residents on social media or in an email blast, inviting them down for some fall-flavored fun.
The Reading Nook
Chances are, your clubhouse is already designed to be the perfect reading nook. If the cool weather & fall spirit doesn’t scream sitting by the fire with a nice book, I don’t know what will! Host a book club, or even a book drive, offering residents the chance to mix & mingle while finding their next great read.
Santa Meet & Greet
For communities with lots of young families, hosting your very own Santa Meet & Greet is a great way to host your youngest residents. Plus, the photos generate great property content to share all over social media (with permission of course). Want to engage even more of your surrounding community? Open up the event to guests & find new prospects with ease. Santa Clause is coming to town!
A Classic Ugly Sweater Contest
We all know and love the ugly sweater contest. Encourage your residents to dress up & have fun while competing for a small prize. Be sure to have refreshments & holiday appetizers on hand. Watch them mix & mingle with neighbors in the jingling feet! Have each resident pose in front of your holiday-themed backdrop and post the pictures to social media or your resident app. Then, let the community decide whose sweater was the best (worst) one!
Canned Food Drive
We all have those cans that have been sitting around a while, time to put them to use! Encourage residents to give back during the holiday season by donating some non-perishable items to your local food drive. While this event is not as interactive, it promotes community and is a great way to get involved and make a difference.
Event Ideas for the Year:
Yappy Hour (for pet parents)
We can’t forget our furry friends! Pet friendly happy hour events are a great way to further your pet-friendly community. Not only is it a great way for residents to meet other pet owners and socialize their pets, but you can also support and promote local pet-friendly businesses. Simply choose a pet friendly location such as a lawn area, dog walk, or nearby park. Be sure to include pet-friendly activities such as pet photo booths, pet contests, and pet-themed prizes. And of course, don’t forget the dog-friendly beverages! By hosting a pet friendly happy hour event, you’ll create an enjoyable experience for both pet and pet owner alike.
Wine Down Wednesday
Looking for a fun and easy way to get to know your residents and neighbors? Host a wine down Wednesday event at your community leasing office! Invite residents to stop by after work (or work-from-home) for some wine and cheese. This is a great opportunity to chat and get to know one another in a relaxed setting. Don’t forget to promote the event in your monthly newsletter and on your community bulletin board. We’re sure your residents will appreciate the chance to unwind with some wine down Wednesday!
Food Truck Friday
We’ve all heard of First Friday, but what about Food Truck Friday? Invite a few local food trucks to set up shop in your community, and encourage residents to come out and enjoy the food. This is a great opportunity for residents to get to know each other and try some new foods. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses. To make the event even more fun, consider hosting a theme night. For example, you could have a Italy-themed night with pasta and pizza trucks, or a Dessert night with ice cream, acai, or donut trucks. Whatever you do, make sure to promote the event ahead of time so that residents can plan to attend.
Movie Night
Get out the popcorn machine, it’s movie night! There is nothing better than an outdoor movie when the weather is perfect. Block off the parking lot for a “drive-in” inspired movie night or place your party in the lawn. You can rent an inflatable movie screen and projector for an easy night to remember. For cooler nights, light the fireplace and head indoors into the lobby or club room. Encourage your residents to bring snacks and blankets! Movie nights are always a hit and easy to put together.
Pool Volleyball Tournament
Everybody loves a bit of friendly competition! Looking for something fun and different for the summer? Why not host a pool volleyball competition? Start a sign-up sheet for all residents and promote a prize! Teams of six participants can compete against each other in a bracket-style tournament, with the winning team members each taking home a special prize. Not only is this a great way to beat the heat, but it’s also a great way for residents to meet new people and get some exercise.
Super Bowl Party
No matter what teams are playing in the Super Bowl, hosting a party for the big game is always a blast. As the big game approaches, many people are looking for ways to watch it. One great option is to host a Super Bowl party for residents. This can be a great way to bring people together and create a sense of community.
Make sure to have plenty of food and drink on hand. Super Bowl parties are all about good times and good eats, so make sure your spread is up to the task. Pot lucks work great, but so does incorporating food trucks or a quick Costco run! Set up a TV in a common area so that everyone can watch the game together. This is also a great opportunity to set up some decorations that show support for your teams. Encourage residents to wear their favorite team’s jerseys or other gear. This will add to the festive atmosphere and get everyone into the spirit of the event. Don’t forget to snap some photos to promote your community!
Start Building Your Community
Community events are essential for bringing people together and improving overall well-being. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your property value and build relationships with local businesses, consider hosting a resident community event at least once a quarter or once a month!
