Tips for Remote Workers: What to Look for in Your "Work From Home" Space

Working from home isn’t just a perk; it’s become a lifestyle. When your living room doubles as your office, your apartment needs to do more than look good. It needs to work just as hard as you do.

This isn’t just about finding a desk-shaped corner or checking if the Wi-Fi is “adequate.” It’s about identifying the right layout, atmosphere, and features to help you thrive during your 9-to-5.

Here’s what remote workers should really be looking for in an apartment, and why it matters.

1. Natural Light Is Ideal

Eight hours under fluorescent lighting isn’t anyone’s idea of "living well," especially if you're already staring at a screen all day. Ample natural light is one of the most underrated productivity tools, helping regulate sleep cycles, boost mood, and reduce screen fatigue. Look for:

• Large windows (especially in living or flex spaces).
• East- or south-facing units for better daylight.
• Minimal obstructions like neighboring buildings or overhangs.

Natural light keeps you mentally alert, reduces eye strain, and enhances video call lighting without a ring light.

2. Layouts That Fit Your Work Style

Your space needs to support multiple roles: office, lounge, dining, and more. An open concept might seem appealing until your Zoom background includes your kitchen sink. Ideal floor plan features for remote workers include:

Pro tip: Those hunting for studio apartments should look for layouts with alcoves or L-shaped footprints to visually divide your workspace.

3. Amenities That Extend Your Workspace

Sometimes, working from home doesn't mean working in your apartment. Properties with community lounges or coworking spaces let you mix up your routine without packing up your entire desk. Some remote work-friendly amenities to look for include:

• Co-working lounges or private work pods.
• Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor courtyards.
• Business centers with printing, scanning, and meeting rooms.
• Quiet seating areas in clubhouses or lobbies.

Search for properties that actively promote these spaces in their listings, not just “business center” as a bullet point.

4. Reliable Internet (But Not Just That)

Fast internet is essential, but so is your apartment’s infrastructure to support it.

Bonus: Properties offering tech support or Wi-Fi troubleshooting through a resident portal are gold.

5. Daily Movement Options Without a Commute

Sitting at a desk all day can be pretty uncomfortable. While a lot of remote workers invest in functional in-office workout appliances like desk bikes or walking pads, proximity to fitness and movement options in your greater apartment community is key to avoiding burnout. Look for:

• On-site gyms or yoga studios.
• Nearby walking trails, parks, or bike paths.
• Properties with scheduled fitness classes or partnerships with local studios.

Taking a quick break to get in a workout at one of your apartment community's fitness amenities is a great way to reset midday.

6. Design Details That Influence Your Mood

How your apartment feels affects how you function. Consider finishes, ceiling height, color palette, and even the vibe of common spaces. Clean, open, well-lit environments support mental clarity. Underrated design features include:

• Neutral paint tones (avoid dark or heavily saturated walls if you’re working from home full-time).
• Window shades that let in light without glare.
• Minimalist fixtures for less visual noise in your periphery.
• Space for art or personal inspiration without cluttering your workstation.

7. Proximity to Real-World “Third Places”

Working from home doesn’t mean never leaving your apartment. Being within walking distance of coffee shops, cafes, libraries, or gyms can give your brain the change of scenery it craves. Even a 10-minute walk to a café can feel like a mental reset button.

8. Storage That Supports a Work-Life Balance

Your desk doesn’t have to be your dining table. Look for layouts and features that give your work tools a home, so you’re not constantly staring at your laptop after hours.

• Walk-in closets or storage nooks for hiding office supplies.
• Built-in shelving to house monitors, printers, or gear.
• Kitchen islands that double as working lunch spots (but not your full office).
• Furniture layouts that make sense with your preferred desk setup.
• Unique "Murphy desks" that fold away when not in use.

9. A Management Team That Gets It

This one’s intangible, but important. Management that responds quickly to maintenance requests, keeps public areas clean, and maintains Wi-Fi-equipped amenities makes your remote work setup easier day to day. Things to look for:

• Online maintenance request systems.
• Resident events during lunch hours or non-traditional times.
• Clear communication through an app, portal, or email.
• Respect for working hours when entering your unit (with notice, of course).

Your Apartment Is Your Office (and So Much More)

In a world where home is where the Wi-Fi connects automatically, remote workers need more than square footage—they need support, structure, and a space that reflects their rhythm. Whether you're hopping on back-to-back video calls or reclaiming your lunch break on a balcony, your apartment should give you options.

Ready to find a work-from-home place that works the way you do? Explore Greystar apartment communities designed to support remote work with flexible layouts, smart amenities, and wellness-forward design.

The information presented on or through this Website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to this Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. Any reference to amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures at a Greystar apartment community is general in nature, and each Greystar apartment community may have amenities, services, rules, policies, and procedures that differ from those referenced on this Website. Please consult with your Greystar apartment community for the exact amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures applicable.

This Website may include content provided by third parties, including materials provided by other users, bloggers, and third-party licensors, syndicators, aggregators, and/or reporting services. All statements and/or opinions expressed in these materials, and all articles and responses to questions and other content, other than the content provided by Greystar, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. These materials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Greystar. We are not responsible, or liable to you or any third party, for the content or accuracy of any materials provided by any third parties. The information contained within does not relate to Greystar Investment Group, LLC’s investment advisory business.