October 2, 2026 - Trends

Active Lifestyles Reshape Real Estate

New digs.
Birds-eye view of a neighborhood with a tennis court

Younger consumers are putting fitness on the map.

New digs. For Gen Z, gym access is the top lifestyle factor influencing where they live – with 32% willing to pay more to live nearby.

With tree-lined streets and walkable neighborhoods feeling like someone else’s dream, gyms are the new third place and proximity is a status symbol.

Redistricting. Attracting young, affluent tribes, high-rises are building out fitness centers, malls are making room for medspas, and developers are designing wellness districts.

Street view. Alongside schools and safety, some people are consulting Strava heatmaps when deciding where to live. Using popular running/cycling segments as a proxy for an active lifestyle, the data can also offer insight into property values.

Takeaway: Moving from amenity to expectation, fitness infrastructure is a social and economic asset.

Ryan Deer
Ryan Deer
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