The Atlanta housing market is evolving—and fast. As affordability challenges and economic uncertainty continue to keep many buyers out of the traditional for-sale market, a growing trend for developers has become an innovative solution to the housing crisis: Build-to-Rent (BTR) neighborhoods. These communities, purpose-built for renters, offer professionally managed homes in thoughtfully planned neighborhoods—no bidding wars, no down payments, no closing costs or maintenance headaches.

Recently, this trend made headlines when Clark Howard, consumer advisor and reporter with WSB-TV, sat down with Jim Jacobi, President of Parkland Communities, to discuss the BTR boom sweeping the Southeast. The segment, “Looking to buy a new home? Not in this neighborhood,” shed light on the growing demand for rental communities and addressed some of the concerns critics have raised.

If you missed the broadcast, you can watch the whole segment here: https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/looking-buy-new-home-not-this-neighborhood-new-trend-hitting-metro-atlanta/HLPQY5VHHBG5DHM7YWNMM46VQA/ 

“Being interviewed by Clark was one of the highlights of my career,” said Jim Jacobi. “He’s a trusted voice for consumers. I appreciated the chance to share why Build-to-Rent is a necessary strategy and a much-needed solution to Atlanta’s housing crisis.”

According to recent data, the South is leading build-to-rent (BTR) development. According to CRE Reports, the BTR sector secured 39,000 completions in 2024, including many Southeastern markets. As individuals seek flexible living options in urban areas, BTR developers are picking up the pace. Parkland Communities is at the forefront of this movement, actively developing neighborhoods offering attainable, quality housing for individuals and families who choose to rent instead of buy.

In the interview, Jacobi explained that BTR neighborhoods are designed with long-term residents in mind. These are not investor-owned resale homes scattered across a suburb; they are master-planned communities with professional management offering a maintenance-free lifestyle and plenty of amenities, providing renters with the feel of homeownership without the financial burden.

Clark Howard’s segment did a great job highlighting both sides of the conversation, showcasing the benefits while giving voice to those who worry about the effect on homeownership rates. For Jacobi and Parkland Communities, it’s about meeting people where they are, with housing options that work for today’s realities.

Renters by choice represent a growing segment of today’s housing market—individuals and families who have the financial means to buy but choose to rent for the lifestyle, flexibility and convenience it offers. Whether it’s avoiding the burden of maintenance, preserving liquidity for investments or travel or preferring professionally managed communities, these renters value freedom over long-term commitment. Build-to-Rent neighborhoods cater to this demographic by delivering high-quality homes with amenities that rival for-sale communities, without the strings attached.

Thank you to Clark Howard and the WSB-TV team for featuring this timely and meaningful discussion. At Parkland Communities, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home—whether they rent or own—and we’re proud to lead the charge in creating housing that reflects that belief.

For more information on Parkland Communities, its latest BTR, and for-sale developments throughout the Atlanta area, visit www.ParklandCo.com.