Built-to-Rent Housing is Soaring in North Carolina
The housing market still hasn’t cooled down across the United States, and North Carolina is no exception. As it turns out, built-to-rent housing is a major trend in North Carolina. If you aren’t familiar with built-to-rent housing, here’s the scoop.
So, what is built-to-rent housing? It involves a new, single-family residence with the benefits of property management. Also, it involves no need for a down payment or long-term commitment, according to Axios’ Felix Salmon.
According to National Rental Home Council via Axios, more than 1,000 built-to-rent homes are planned or under construction per million of North Carolina residents. That might sound low, but that’s very high compared to the national average of 345. These housing options are popular among would-be buyers who can’t afford, or locate, a single-family home and those who don’t want to buy for lifestyle reasons, Doug Ressler of real estate research firm Yardi Matrix tells Axios.
The trend is also national. According to RentCafe, national construction of new built-to-rent homes hit a record high last year. It had more than 14,500 houses completed and three times as many under construction. Locally, “built-to-rent neighborhoods have sprouted across North Raleigh and the suburbs in recent years, as the Triangle’s rapid population growth makes it attractive to investors,” Axios says. A specific example of this in North Carolina is that in the past month, two big national builders with multiple communities in the Triangle each submitted plans to build hundreds of built-to-rent homes in north Raleigh and Wake Forest, according to the Triangle Business Journal. The popularity, in part, is because the shortage in new construction has impacted the Triangle’s housing market. That’s resulting in higher prices and rents. Find more information on the data via Axios here.
So, is the built-to-rent housing trend here to stay? We’ll have to wait and see. If the housing market starts to decline in North Carolina and nationally and home costs decrease, then built-to-rent housing could be a trend that doesn’t last.
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
