5 Built-to-Rent Communities That Shine

Bozeman, Mont. 

High-density projects are necessary to help achieve attainability, but the trick is to make them look and feel open and welcoming. The Cottages at Blackwood Groves achieves this balance by nestling clusters of two- and three-bedroom detached homes around shared parklets, greenbelts, and paseos. Meanwhile, carriage homes sit atop detached garages, expanding living opportunities and density while creating welcoming streetscapes. 

The result is a comfortable and vibrant neighborhood feel that encourages social interaction, and the modern farmhouse aesthetic reflects the region and appeals to the residents.  

Greenbelts lead residents to an on-site amenity building with co-working spaces, a public kitchen, and fitness center, while bike and walking paths lead to playgrounds and outdoor fitness zones and a 115-acre master plan that offers ownership opportunities as well as retail and entertainment.  

A unique offering in the market, this built-to-rent community emphasizes connections and wellness while providing residents the opportunity to “move up” in the area they have grown to love.

Lewis Center, Ohio 

While large-scale, for-sale single-family home development has surged Delaware County, Ohio, to meet burgeoning population growth, local builder Onyx+East believed the area needed more variety in its housing options. 

The result is Greenery, a single-family build-to-rent community targeting families, empty nesters, apartment graduates, and those seeking a temporary option before making a permanent move. It doesn’t hurt that the project is sited in a picturesque location near natural elements and outdoor amenities such as walking and bike trails and a neighborhood pond for residents and nearby neighbors to enjoy. 

Overcoming initial pushback from city officials and neighbors, Greenery eventually won over both with patience and a solid plan that effectively visualized the concept to alleviate misconceptions and fears of a rental community.  

La Quinta, Calif. 

A resort-inspired community, Summerwell La Quinta harmonizes 240 single-family rental homes with the desert landscapes that evoke an ownership vibe without the upkeep.  

Encompassing a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom detached homes ranging from 1,000 to 2,400 square feet, the community attracts remote workers with smart tech and eco-conscious families with drought-tolerant xeriscaping, recycled water systems, solar-ready roofs, and EV charging. There’s also a resort-level pool with cabanas, yoga lawn, dog park, and clubhouse, curated for wellness and socializing. 

What residents don’t see was the application of technologies and innovative solutions to combat site restrictions, such as using UV-resistant formwork for concrete pours on extremely hot summer days and bulk prefab trusses, both of which reduced materials costs and cycle time; drone surveying and GPS-guided earthmoving to plan for uneven topography, custom grading, and ensure the delivery of 240 homes. Offsite construction of kitchen and bathrooms mitigated labor shortages and enabled on-budget and on-time delivery.

Broomfield, Colo. 

The vision for Finley at Baseline was to create an urban-centric and walkable rental community pairing three-story townhomes with green edges and a trail linking it to a broader array of amenities and services.  

The community’s right-sized density (25.36 units per acre) makes efficient use of land while delivering light, air, views, and privacy. Contemporary and farmhouse styles with deliberate color/material palettes help break up massing and create varied streetscapes. 

Every home includes a balcony and private patio, plus direct-access two-car garages with EV-ready capability to meet the wants and needs of professionals, singles/couples, and roommates seeking flexible layouts and lock-and-leave convenience. 

The Arboretum is a 62-acre, 292-unit community that delivers much-needed housing to one of Long Island’s most supply-constrained markets. The project features two- and three-bedroom flats, lofts, townhomes, and single-family homes, including 30 homes designated for essential workers. 

The variety created visual rhythm and a neighborhood-scale sense of belonging while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity throughout. Drawing from Long Island’s agrarian heritage, homes feature familiar forms with modern materials and detailing while also emphasizing long-term-value cost savings from durable materials and low-maintenance finishes. 

The plan integrates generous open space, walkable streets, and landscaped courtyards that encourage community interaction. At the front of the property, a seven-acre public park with walking trails, nature paths, and picnic areas provides a meaningful amenity for both residents and the greater community. A large central green space serves as the social heart, featuring the resort-style pool and cabanas, tennis and pickleball courts, and a clubhouse with fitness and yoga studios.  

Sustainable site strategies preserve natural features, enhance stormwater management, and support a pedestrian-focused environment.