Apartment communities can help reduce resident loneliness by making it easy for neighbors to meet more than once: small, recurring activities, welcoming spaces, resident-led groups and a clear welcome for new arrivals. Property teams are not counselors, but they shape the places and routines where social connection can start. This guide covers what the research says, what to try and how to measure it.
How common is loneliness?
In a Gallup survey conducted August 27 to September 4, 2024, 20% of U.S. adults said they felt loneliness “a lot of the day yesterday,” which Gallup estimates is about 52 million people (Gallup, 2024).
The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory on social connection describes the health stakes. According to HHS, social isolation increases the risk of premature death by 29%, and poor relationships, isolation and loneliness are linked to a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke. Among older adults, chronic loneliness and isolation are linked to about a 50% higher risk of dementia (HHS, Social Connection).
Do renters feel less connected to their neighbors?
Survey data suggests many do. A Redfin-commissioned survey of 894 renters and 805 homeowners, reported by Inman in December 2024, found that 46.7% of renters felt a sense of community with neighbors, compared with 63.6% of homeowners. It also found 41.6% of renters said they avoid their neighbors, versus 33.1% of homeowners (Inman, 2024).
That gap is where resident programming can help. Many renters arrive in a new building without knowing anyone nearby. The community they move into can make the first introductions easier.
What the Surgeon General’s framework says about local communities
The advisory’s national strategy framework has six pillars. The first is “Strengthen Social Infrastructure in Local Communities,” which includes designing the built environment to promote social connection, establishing and scaling community connection programs and investing in local institutions that bring people together (HHS framework).
An apartment community has versions of all three: shared spaces, programs and the onsite team that connects residents with each other and with local organizations.
Seven ways to build connection at your community
1. Favor recurring, small-group activities
A single large party is a good start, but repeat contact is what turns a neighbor into a familiar face. A monthly coffee morning, a weekly walking group or a standing game night gives residents a reason to come back. Our guide to the apartment resident mixer covers formats that help people actually talk.
2. Welcome new residents on purpose
The first weeks after move-in are a natural time to invite people in. A new resident welcome program can include a personal invitation to the next event and an introduction to a resident volunteer.
3. Let residents lead
Residents who share interests, such as running, gardening, cooking or books, can make great hosts. A resident ambassador program gives them a structure and support.
4. Make shared spaces inviting
Lounges, courtyards and fitness rooms only help if people use them. Programming those spaces at predictable times is one way to do it; see our guide to apartment amenity activation.
5. Combine connection with wellness
Group fitness, walking clubs, meditation sessions and health fairs give residents a low-pressure reason to show up together. Roseway’s resident wellness programs are built around this kind of regular, shared activity.
6. Pay attention to older residents
Older adults living alone may have fewer daily contacts. Senior and 55+ communities can use regular, accessible programming and partnerships with local aging services. Our senior apartment activities guide has ideas.
7. Keep everything open to everyone
Invite all residents through the same channels and avoid targeting events at or away from any group. If a program is designed for a specific need, check it with counsel first. Our fair housing checklist for resident events explains the basics.
Know the limits of the property’s role
Community programming can support connection, but it is not mental health care. Staff should not try to diagnose or counsel residents. Keep a short list of local resources, such as the area agency on aging, local nonprofits and community health services, to share when residents ask. If a resident is in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988, 24/7 (988 Lifeline). For emergencies, call 911.
How to measure progress
You will not be able to measure loneliness itself at the property level, and you should not try to collect sensitive health information. You can track signals that people are connecting:
- Repeat attendance: How many residents attend two or more activities in a quarter.
- Resident-led activities: How many groups or events residents host themselves.
- Survey questions: Add an item such as “I know at least one neighbor I could ask for help” to your annual survey. Our resident satisfaction survey questions guide has more.
- Comments and feedback: Notes from residents and staff about new friendships or groups that formed.
Our resident engagement metrics guide explains how to report these to owners and asset managers.
Common mistakes
- Planning only a few large events a year with nothing in between.
- Relying on one channel, such as a portal post, that many residents never see.
- Ignoring residents who work nights or weekends; vary times.
- Framing events as being “for lonely people,” which can keep people away.
- Stopping a program after one low turnout instead of adjusting the time or format.
Frequently asked questions
Can resident events reduce loneliness?
Events can create chances for residents to meet and build relationships, which is the kind of community connection program the Surgeon General’s framework encourages (HHS framework). No program can guarantee a health or retention outcome.
What kinds of activities work best for connection?
Recurring, small-group activities with a shared task, such as walking groups, cooking classes, game nights or volunteer projects, tend to make conversation easier than large, loud parties.
How often should we hold events?
A practical starting point is one community gathering a month plus smaller recurring activities. The right rhythm depends on your residents, budget and staff capacity.
Should we survey residents about loneliness?
Avoid collecting health information. Ask about community instead, such as whether residents know neighbors or feel welcome, and keep surveys voluntary and anonymous where possible.
Make connection part of how your community runs
Roseway Resident Services helps property teams in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio plan recurring resident events and wellness programming, from vendor coordination and on-site hosting to follow-up reporting. To build a calendar that helps residents get to know each other, contact us or try our resident experience check.