A review of Zonda’s April Homebuyer Outlook, a report based on consumer search activity on NewHomeSource.com, shows that across the top 50 markets, pools remain the most searched-for community amenity by a wide margin. Nationally, interest in pools has grown meaningfully over the past two years as buyers prioritize usable lifestyle features they can enjoy every day. That preference becomes even more pronounced when looking at individual markets, where pool demand frequently captures a majority of all amenity searches.
Pools Dominate in Affordability-Driven and Southeast Markets
Several Southeast and secondary markets stand out for exceptionally high pool search share. In Spartanburg, South Carolina, pools accounted for nearly nine out of every 10 amenity searches, the highest concentration among the markets reviewed. Raleigh, North Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, followed closely, each posting pool search shares well above 80%.
These markets share a common thread: strong affordability appeal combined with warm climates where pools function as both a lifestyle perk and a perceived value enhancer. Builders operating in these metros may find that even modest community pool investments carry outsized marketing impact, particularly for entry-level and first move-up buyers weighing trade-offs between home size, price, and amenities.
Waterfront Interest Peaks in Select Midwest and Legacy Metros
While interest in waterfront communities has lost some share at the national level, it remains a powerful differentiator in select markets. Detroit stands out as the clearest example, where waterfront-related searches tied pools as the top amenity, accounting for 35% of all searches and reflecting the region’s deep connection to lakes and rivers. Minneapolis also posted elevated waterfront interest at 22% of searches, alongside strong demand for golf communities. In these metros, waterfront lots and proximity to natural water features may justify premium pricing even as buyers elsewhere become more cost sensitive.
Golf Communities Retain Niche but Meaningful Appeal
Golf consistently ranks among the top three most-searched amenities across a wide range of markets, though it rarely claims the top spot. Markets such as Provo, Utah, (30%), Seattle (39%), and Salt Lake City (45%) show relatively higher interest in golf, often paired with pool demand. This combination suggests buyers are looking for lifestyle-oriented communities but remain selective, favoring amenities that support both recreation and social interaction.
Strategic Takeaways for Builders
Amenity strategies are most effective when highly localized. Pools remain near-universal crowd-pleasers, especially in affordability-sensitive and warmer markets. Waterfront access commands outsized demand where geography allows, while golf is best positioned as a complementary feature within a broader lifestyle offering.
As buyers grow more financially constrained, the data suggests they are willing to give up exclusivity or views before sacrificing everyday usability. Builders that align amenity investments with local demand signals will be better positioned to capture buyer attention and sustain absorption in a competitive environment.
The insights in this article were taken from Zonda’s more in-depth research report: Homebuyer Outlook.
