Why More Hoosiers Are Choosing to Rent—And What It Means for Developers

In recent years, renting has become less of a last resort—and more of a lifestyle choice. Across Indianapolis and much of the Midwest, a new kind of renter is shaping the future of multifamily housing: the renter by choice.

These aren’t just young professionals between milestones. They’re families, empty nesters, remote workers, and others who value the flexibility, convenience, and lower maintenance that well-designed rental communities offer. This shift carries big implications for developers, architects, and builders—and presents real opportunities for those willing to build with intention.

The Rise of the Renter by Choice

According to recent studies, Indianapolis renters are reporting some of the highest satisfaction levels in years. This satisfaction is tied not just to affordability, but to the overall experience of renting itself—location, amenities, responsiveness, and community.

This renter base includes:

Professionals who want flexibility without the responsibility of ownership
Older adults downsizing from single-family homes
Young families prioritizing walkable neighborhoods and modern amenities
People priced out of homeownership due to interest rates, but still seeking quality housing

What Today’s Renters Want

To attract and retain renters by choice, developers are focusing less on volume and more on experience. Successful multifamily communities tend to offer:

Thoughtful unit layouts that accommodate remote work, families, or aging in place
In-unit and shared amenities like EV charging, fitness centers, dog parks, and community kitchens
Proximity to retail and green space for a walkable, connected lifestyle
Responsive property management that creates peace of mind

Gone are the days when renters were simply passing through. Today’s tenants are seeking communities they can call home, and they’re staying longer than ever before.

What This Means for Developers and Builders

For developers, this trend changes everything from land planning to finish selection. Inherent Commercial works closely with clients and design teams to:

Balance density with livability by offering a mix of garden-style apartments, townhomes, and attached single-family rentals
Design with longevity in mind, knowing that renters today are looking for more than temporary housing
Collaborate with management teams early, ensuring the layout and site design support long-term satisfaction and operational efficiency

A Note on Strategy: It’s Not About Scaling Back—It’s About Scaling Smart

In markets like Indianapolis, where supply remains limited and demand is steady, developers have the chance to build for the long game. That means creating intentional spaces that support retention, community, and value—not just lease-ups.

At Inherent, we’ve seen firsthand how the right design and construction choices early on can translate into stronger tenant experiences and greater returns.

Final Thoughts

As more Hoosiers choose renting as a lifestyle—not a limitation—the expectations for multifamily housing are changing. For developers and builders, the message is clear: focus on flexibility, livability, and the long-term needs of your tenants.

Because when renters stay by choice, communities thrive by design.

Why More Hoosiers Are Choosing to Rent—And What It Means for Developers