Range of services, amenities enhances high-rise lifestyle

The sky is nearly the limit when it comes to taking care of residents' needs, where they can find a wide variety of services from a fitness studio and gym, to a juice bar, steam rooms and saunas. The sky is nearly the limit when it comes to taking care of residents' needs, where they can find a wide variety of services from a fitness studio and gym, to a juice bar, steam rooms and saunas. Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Range of services, amenities enhances high-rise lifestyle 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Steller services and desirable amenities in high-rise living are designed to enhance your living experience with convenience and personal attention.

The goal is having these at your fingertips with minimal effort.

According to FSResidential.com's "Hottest Trends in High Rise Amenities for 2017," services have significantly evolved since the days of card rooms for poker games and bridge tournaments.

The sky is nearly the limit when it comes to taking care of residents' needs, where they can find a wide variety of services - from a fitness studio to a juice bar, steam rooms and saunas.

Personal attention

It's not uncommon to find personally attentive services at high-rise buildings in Houston such as around-the-clock concierge and valet services in addition to top-notch security for most buildings.

State-of-the-art gyms and scenic pools with eye-pleasing landscaping are also a nice addition for residents. Things like these are included in HOA fees, but maybe you want a little more and are willing to pay for the expense.

Don't miss out on services like dog walking, tanning beds, a full array of fitness classes, personal trainers or even spa and massage treatments. Some even provide on-site dry-cleaning pickup and delivery.

Erika McCann with McCann Properties said numerous high-end buildings have outside services as well, and can provide names for residents for things such as contractors and cleaning services.

"The new buildings, like The River Oaks, have super luxury services like a dog-grooming area, massage room and yoga," McCann said.

New high-rises are geared toward providing even more for residents' enjoyment and convenience, McCann said.

"They also have wine rooms, club and party rooms, and a catering kitchen," she said. "Another is the availability of guest suites that are for visitors. They're beautiful and are still in the building, but not free."

Forbes.com reported in its article, "Movin' On Up: How to Transition From a Home to a High-Rise," that what sets one building apart from another is services offered on site and the people who deliver them. It recommends keeping an eye out for amenities like pet spas, private dining rooms, wine cellars, manicured gardens, rooftop decks and premium fitness centers that come with buildings. Find out what is and isn't covered by HOA fees and what costs extra, it stated.

Angela Platsas with RE/MAX Collection Luxe Portfolio said that having choices in services and knowing exactly what those are is the first step in living comfortably in a high-rise.

"Security is a huge priority," Platsas said. "You don't have to worry about missing packages or mail. Depending on the size of the condominium development, you could have a basketball court, lighted tennis courts, volleyball court and playground. There are also those that have saunas, car wash, and deli or convenience store."

It's all about prioritizing what's important to you, Platsas said.

"The best service is the level security. A 24-hour valet service is a huge plus. There are movie rooms, game rooms and updated gyms. Some buildings have a game room for kids, dry cleaner service, outdoor cooking areas, service elevators and putting greens."