Build-to-rent (BTR) homes are an increasingly popular investment trend, offering steady returns in today’s evolving housing market. By developing in areas with high labor force density, such as near military bases, universities, and hospitals, investors can secure consistent rental demand.
For over 25 years, HiLine Homes has been a trusted partner for investors seeking to develop quality rental properties in high-demand locations. Read on to discover more about Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes and why developing them near military bases, universities, and hospitals makes for a wise, strategic investment.
Why Build-to-Rent Homes Are a Smart Investment
Build-to-rent (BTR) homes are specifically designed for long-term rental purposes rather than resale. Since 2023, the BTR market has rocketed rapidly, with 112,920 new BTR homes being built—a 102% increase from 2019.
Furthermore, millennials and Gen Z drive demand for this market, making up 55% and 48% of renters, respectively. With rising affordability concerns and shifting lifestyle preferences, these generations are increasingly opting for rental properties over homeownership.
As Millennials and Gen Z become the majority of the workforce, targeting areas with high labor force density—such as military bases, university towns, and hospital hubs—can help optimize ROI for Build-to-Rent (BTR) investments.
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Military Bases:
High-Demand Areas for Build-to-Rent Homes
Military service members, veterans, and government employees receive housing allowances, making rentals near military bases a reliable and stable investment. These government-backed benefits help ensure consistent and timely rental payments from tenants. For example, the Poulsbo home rental market is rising due to its growing military community.
Military families often prefer single-family rentals, especially given their frequent relocations. However, with the current reduction in overseas deployments, demand for housing in domestic military towns is rising in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Idaho, further supporting consistent tenant occupancy and long-term rental stability.
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University Towns:
Strong Rental Markets for Investors
Universities attract large populations, supporting long-term rental demand. When BTRs are built in college towns, they appreciate in value. Universities attract large populations, increasing long-term rental demand with low vacancy rates. Students, faculty, and university staff provide a diverse tenant base.
The Pacific Northwest offers numerous strategic Build-to-Rent (BTR) opportunities near major educational institutions. In Oregon alone, Oregon State University (37,900 students), University of Oregon (24,462 students), Portland State University, and Portland Community College create strong rental demand in their respective communities. Eastern Oregon University in La Grande and Blue Mountain Community College provide BTR opportunities in the eastern part of the state.
Meanwhile, Washington state houses significant student populations at the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
In Idaho, Boise State University drives housing needs in its growing urban center. The Treasure Valley is also home to College of Idaho in Caldwell, College of Western Idaho in Nampa, Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, and a TVCC campus in Caldwell.
Northern California presents additional opportunities, with Shasta College’s multiple campuses near Redding, Burney, Weaverville, and Tehama creating demand across diverse communities. These vibrant educational hubs provide ideal markets for BTR investments where students and faculty actively seek quality housing options.
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Hospitals & Medical Centers:
A Growing Rental Market
Medical professionals often sign longer leases when stationed at a hospital for many years, providing investors with a stable and long-term rental income. This tenant demographic, backed by higher-than-average salaries from a recession-resistant industry, offers consistent financial reliability.
BTR investments near medical centers also open the door to potential corporate partnerships with hospitals, creating a steady pipeline of vetted tenants. Additionally, properties near major medical facilities tend to appreciate in value more rapidly, fueled by ongoing area development, including improved public transportation, high-quality schools, and expanding retail centers, further enhancing their appeal to prospective renters and buyers alike.
Below are key single-family homes, duplexes, ADUs, and multi-family properties to meet this growing demand.
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Bed Size: 697 beds
- Staff Population: 2,300 providers
- Location: Everett, Washington
- Bed Size: 601 beds
- Staff Population: over 1,350 medical providers
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Bed Size: 697 beds
- Staff Population: 2,300 providers
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Bed Size: 576 beds
- Staff Population: 21,300 faculty, staff, residents, and fellows
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Bed Size: 554 beds
- Staff Population: 14,000 employees
- Location: West Haven-Sylvan, Oregon
- Bed Size: 523 beds
- Staff Population: Over 3,500 employees
- Location: Redding, California
- Bed Size: 266 beds
- Staff Population: Over 518 active members
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Bed Size: 560 beds
- Staff Population: over 1,800 physicians and advanced practice providers
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Bed Size: 374 beds
- Staff Population: over 950 medical staff
How to Get Started with
HiLine Homes
Build-to-Rent (BTR) is a rapidly growing investment trend. By targeting areas with a dense labor force and high demand for rental housing, investors can position themselves for strong, long-term returns. At HiLine Homes, our streamlined building process is tailored to support your BTR success from the ground up.
Contact us today to discuss your investment goals and explore how we can help bring your vision to life!
