Why Kansas City Works: History, Culture, and Long-Term Stability

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Alex Larson!

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Why I Came Back and Why I Stay

I returned because Kansas City made sense for the life I wanted to build. I could afford a home. I could build a career. I could have time for things besides commuting and surviving.

I’ve stayed because those things remain true.

Kansas City isn’t perfect. No city is. But it’s practical, balanced, and real. You can build a life here without sacrificing everything else.

What This Means for Buyers and Relocators

If you’re considering Kansas City, here’s what matters:

You can afford to buy. Entry points exist across multiple neighborhoods and price ranges. You’re not locked out by runaway prices.

You can afford to live. Monthly costs beyond your mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, remain reasonable. You’ll have margin in your budget.

You won’t lose hours to commuting. Most jobs are within 30 minutes of most neighborhoods. That time adds up over years.

You’ll have options. Urban, suburban, historic, new-build. The market offers real diversity. You can find what fits your stage of life.

You can participate in city life. Culture, sports, parks, dining, it’s all accessible without planning months ahead or spending a fortune.

You can stay. The market supports long-term ownership. You’re not forced to move every few years because of rising costs or market volatility.

Kansas City works because it’s built on fundamentals, not hype. Jobs support housing. Housing supports communities. Communities support quality of life.

That’s livability.

A City That Still Makes Sense

Kansas City isn’t trying to be the next Austin or Denver. It’s not chasing trends or marketing itself as something it’s not.

It’s just doing what it’s always done: providing a solid foundation for people who want to build real lives.

The same qualities that made it the gateway to the frontier, central location, strong infrastructure, practical mindset, still make it work today.

I returned in 1993. I’m still here. That’s the best endorsement I can give.

Kansas City works. For real life. For the long term. For people who want more than hype.

Considering a Move to Kansas City?

If Kansas City is on your shortlist, the next step isn’t guessing, it’s getting clarity.

Relocating well means understanding which neighborhoods fit your lifestyle, how pricing really works at different levels, and what tradeoffs matter most based on how you live day to day. That’s not something a listicle or national ranking can tell you.

I work with buyers and relocators who want:

• Honest guidance on where Kansas City actually works for them
• Clear expectations around pricing, taxes, and monthly costs
• A plan that balances lifestyle, commute, and long-term stability

If you’re early in the process or already narrowing things down, I’m happy to walk through your goals, timing, and options, no pressure, just a practical conversation.

If Kansas City makes sense for the life you want to build, the details matter.
Let’s make sure you get them right. Contact me today to get started on your Kansas City move.

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Why Kansas City Works: Neighborhoods, Commutes, and Daily Life

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Alex Larson!

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Up next: Livability isn’t just about where you live, it’s about why a place holds together over time. In Part 3, we’ll explore Kansas City’s culture, history, price resilience, and why this city supports people who want to stay.

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Why Kansas City Works: Cost, Livability, and Buying a Real Life

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Alex Larson!

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I was born in Kansas City, but I didn’t grow up here. Not exactly.

As a kid, I spent summers here with my dad and grandmother, plus the usual orbit of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those summers stuck with me. Kansas City had weight, history, character, a pace that felt grounded. Even then, it left an impression.

I returned to KC in 1993. That’s more than three decades ago now.

And I’ve stayed because Kansas City works. Not in a flashy way. Not in a “top 10 trendiest cities” way. It works in the ways that matter when you’re trying to build a real life: buying a home, keeping your commute reasonable, finding neighborhoods that fit different seasons of life, and doing it without stretching every dollar until it snaps.

That combination is rare. It’s also why people keep choosing Kansas City.

Cost of Living That Actually Works

The strongest reason Kansas City remains livable is simple: your money goes further here.

Not “cheap.” Not “exclusive.” Balanced.

Housing You Can Actually Afford

Compared to places like Denver, Nashville, or Austin, Kansas City still offers a path to ownership that doesn’t feel like a constant emergency.

• More attainable price points across a wider range of neighborhoods
• Fewer “every home is a bidding war” scenarios as the default
• More options for first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and downsizers

When I returned in 1993, being able to buy mattered. Today, it matters even more—because in many cities, the first rung on the ladder got pulled up.

In Kansas City, first-time buyers still have entry points. Young families can still find homes with yards. Professionals can still own downtown condos without needing three roommates. And for buyers who want stability, Kansas City tends to move with fundamentals, not mood swings.

For investors, the math can still work in a way that supports stability rather than pure speculation. Rent-to-price relationships often remain more realistic than “hotter” markets, which helps keep neighborhoods from being whipsawed by hype cycles.

Kansas City doesn’t rely on buzz to grow. It grows through jobs, households, and steady demand. That’s a big deal.

Everything Else Costs Less Too

Livability isn’t just the purchase price. It’s what your monthly life costs after you move in.

In much of the metro, you’ll typically feel relief in categories that quietly control your budget:

• Utilities that don’t punish you year-round
• Groceries and services that are generally more manageable than coastal metros
• A lifestyle where entertainment and dining don’t require constant financial gymnastics

When fixed costs are lower, you gain margin. Margin is underrated. Margin is what lets you save, invest, travel, handle repairs, and breathe.

Kansas City still leaves room.

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Up next: Cost of living is only part of livability. In Part 2, we’ll look at how Kansas City’s neighborhoods support different stages of life, from downtown living to family-focused suburbs, and why that flexibility matters long term.

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Trump’s Call to Ban Some Institutional Investors From Buying Single-Family Homes

This week’s blog post comes to us from our own Miles Barkley!

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On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump sent out a message calling for a ban on “large institutional investors” buying single-family homes. For this to have any legal standing, Congress would need to act and codify it. We will have to wait and see whether any of this comes to fruition, but it certainly has people within the industry talking. Of course, there are many questions that need to be answered such as: What counts as a single-family home? Does it include building to rent? Who counts as a “large institutional investor?” And the most pertinent of all: How does this impact Auben?

To start with, the most glaring question is: what qualifies a company as a “large institutional investor?” There are many definitions that one can cite, such as the definitions provided by the American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center and Cotality, a data analytics site. Cotality defines investors in four groups with the largest being Mega, or having 1,000 or more units owned and large with 100-999 units. The American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center calls a large investor one that owns at least 100 properties. Auben would fall into the “large” investor category by each of these definitions. In the lawmaking process, there is opportunity to further differentiate who qualifies.

The main follow-up question that anyone would naturally have is: will this have any impact on the housing market? The short answer is we will have to wait and see. Of course, many are skeptical this will achieve the desired outcome. This Globe St article cites the 24 largest owners as holding roughly 520,000 homes – less than 1% of US single family dwellings¹. Blackstone has said they are a net seller of homes over the past decade. 

Institutional investors are an easy target to pin the blame on as people continue to see home prices continue to increase. To add insult to injury, that is paired with higher mortgage rates. Viewing the issue from this lens, would it seemingly do much to ban institutional investors? They have more access to capital and can certainly deploy it easier, but banning them will not solve one of the main issues for individual buyers: getting them the access to capital they need at an affordable rate. 

Inventory is also part of the conversation with housing prices increasing. Homes on market have not kept up with the number of homebuyers. As more products enter the market then prices should adjust as they will have more housing than demand, creating a softening of prices. There are certainly more direct approaches that local authorities can take that could have a lasting impact to create opportunities for families and individuals looking to buy homes. These could be adjusting the permitting process, allowing higher density and building smaller homes. 

Whether Congress acts will determine if we see anything stem from this idea. In the meantime, Auben has done a good job of positioning itself as a community-involved company that has scaled operations responsibly and remains a strong investment vehicle. 

¹ Trump’s Call to Bar Institutional Homebuyers Faces Legal, Market Uncertainty

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Together, We Are Building Something Truly Extraordinary

As we reflect on all that Auben has achieved in 2025—and all that we’ve overcome, learned, refined, and recommitted to—it becomes clear that our story is not just about growth. It’s about transformation. It’s about who we are becoming together. This past year has reminded us that our mission is lived out daily in the choices we make, the people we serve, and the culture we protect. It has shown us what is possible when a team leans into its values, leads with heart, and stays focused on the work that truly matters.

Together, we are building something truly extraordinary.

Not just a company.
Not just a portfolio.
Not just a collection of properties spread across markets.

We are building a movement—one grounded in the belief that improving people, property, and places is more than a mission statement. It is who we are. It is what we show up for. It is the promise we make to every resident, every investor, and every team member who puts their trust in Auben.

From Underdog DNA to an Intentional, Multi-Market Organization

Over the last five years, Auben has grown from a small, determined team with Underdog DNA into a multi-market organization fueled by intentionality, humility, accountability, and a relentless desire to learn.

We’ve proven that when you combine smart strategy with servant and heart-led leadership, remarkable things happen.

• We’ve seen teammates rise from entry-level roles into leadership.

• We’ve seen teams navigate challenge after challenge with resilience.

• And we’ve seen a culture built not on ego, but on service.

In the past two years alone, we have acquired three management companies (while consulting on two others) totaling more than 2,300 new doors, bringing our AUM to over 3,500 doors—all while onboarding 25 new team members into the Auben family.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. And it doesn’t come without growing pains, missteps, and failures. It happens because people believe in what we are building.

Investors believe in us.
Residents rely on us.
And our internal teams—seasoned veterans and newly hired teammates alike—continue to give their best in pursuit of something bigger than themselves.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and the Chapter of Elevation

As we look ahead to 2026, we begin a new chapter.

A chapter defined not only by expansion, but by elevation.
Not just by numbers, but by nurturing—nurturing our people, strengthening our processes, reinforcing our operational foundations, and recommitting to the essentials that ensure we grow with integrity, purpose, and excellence.

In short: Back to the Basics.

Extraordinary things are never built overnight. They are built through steady effort, courageous leadership, shared vision, and teams who care deeply about the work they do and the people they serve.

And that is who we are at Auben.

Our Values: The Blueprint for What We’re Building

We are forever learners.
We are intentional and team-first.
We are humble yet confident leaders.
We seek constructive criticism.
We push to completion.
We are never deterred by obstacles or interruptions.

These values aren’t just words. They are the blueprint of something extraordinary unfolding right now.

As we prepare to welcome another 5,000 AUM in 2026, we stand on the shoulders of every moment that brought us here—every long night, every problem solved, every handshake, every property turned, every resident helped, and every teammate who chose to grow with us.

Extraordinary, Together

So yes, together, we are building something truly extraordinary.

A company where people thrive.
A team that leads with compassion and clarity.
A portfolio that reflects quality, stability, and care.
A mission that improves lives in real and lasting ways.

And one day, when we look back, we won’t remember the spreadsheets or the KPIs or the acquisition timelines.

We’ll remember the people.
The growth.
The transformation.
The culture.

The belief that we could build something meaningful—
and the proof that we did.

2026 Is Our Moment

2026 is our moment.
Our turning point.
Our opportunity to take everything we’ve built and elevate it further than ever before.

Together, we’re not just managing homes.
We’re shaping the future of housing.
We’re strengthening communities.
We’re creating pathways for people—inside and outside Auben—to rise.

Together, we are building something truly extraordinary.
And the best part?
We’re just getting started.

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It’s a Wonderful Life

This year the holidays have been different. My father went into the hospital on November 18^th in Atlanta, GA and he has been there since. For someone like my father who loves this time of the year and all of the traditions, decorations and family gatherings, being isolated in a hospital away from his loved ones has been really difficult. 

His medical journey began with a routine procedure but after several complications we were in the treacherous terrain of extreme pain and difficult conversations about life and death. 

As challenging as it was to see my dad struggle in this condition, I was fortunate to be able to be there (along with my brother) for him as he has been countless times for me (us). 

Our days over the Thanksgiving break were spent with long hospital hours trying to keep his mind strong and positive to combat the intense physical pain he was experiencing.

While at some of his lowest points, there were many signs of positivity from friends and family, mainly consisting of messages and photos of hope, love and encouragement. 

Being partially responsible for sharing these messages with my dad was an awesome opportunity to witness the impact he has had on so many and see a real Wonderful Life reception. It was a reminder for him and me on what is important and how this time of year gives us a chance to stop and take note. 

To him, I know it didn’t feel Wonderful. However, I know there were times when his mind took him to other places like our holidays growing up and all of the traditions big and small he has always loved so much. 

As a kid growing up in Louisville, KY the beginning of the fall and winter holiday season was always marked by defining events small but significant:

One of the first indicators was always a calendar schedule of all the holiday TV shows that was included in the Thursday edition of Louisville’s Courier Journal newspaper. From Christmas Story to Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas, my siblings and I looked forward to the arrival of this newspaper every year, planning what shows we would be able to record on blank VHS tapes for repeated future viewings.

One of the second indicators of the season change was the arrival of a long rectangular box at our family’s house around Thanksgiving. Set randomly on our family’s large, covered cement porch, the package signaled the beginning of the season.  

And Inside the cardboard box was a more decorative box always full of an assortment of multiple rolls of wrapping paper (ranging from solid color to decorative Christmas patterns), bows and ribbons. This oversized parcel was like a wooden Russian doll of layers of boxes for which the ritual of opening was always a much greater reward than the contents.When it arrived, we knew Christmas was close.

Also around Thanksgiving but always after the actual holiday, was our family’s Christmas Decoration ritual. In the attic at the top of our house, repurposed book boxes from my parents’ book store held a never-ending assortment of knitted Christmas decorations my grandmother never tired of making.  And also decorations my parents accumulated of rural Vermont Christmas scenes, Colonial Williamsburg covered in snow and figurines of Dickens’ London as a backdrop for Christmas Carole on a mantle. 

These decorations became reminders in every corner of how much my family, and my father in particular, loved this time of year. 

This year, my father’s hospital room was far more barren except for a knitted turkey, some decorations my daughters’ made and get-well cards from friends and family. His Thanksgiving meal was ice and a little Diet Pepsi. But even without any of the normal indicators of the holidays, by spending time with my dad, he gave me a stark reminder on the value of life and love. This experience and my father’s medical improvements are holiday gifts I will remember for a long time to come.  

From the Auben Family to yours, here is hoping you find your own Wonderful moments in less extreme circumstances.

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End of 2025 Jacksonville Market Overview

This week’s blog comes to us from our Residential Experience Manager for our Jacksonville market, Taylor Moore.

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As we close out 2025, Jacksonville continues to present a market defined less by short-term volatility and more by long-term fundamentals that remain relevant to residential investors. 

Jacksonville Market Overview 

Jacksonville has remained a consistent destination for in-migration over the past several years, driven by a combination of relative affordability, job growth, and quality-of-life factors. While transaction activity across the broader housing market has moderated compared to recent peak years, underlying demand for housing — particularly rental housing — continues to be supported by population growth and economic diversification. 

Major Investments & Development Signals 

Several large-scale initiatives underway or advancing through planning stages point to continued confidence in Jacksonville’s future: 

• Downtown redevelopment, including the planned modernization of the Jaguars’ stadium, represents a significant public-private investment in the city’s urban core. 

• Park, riverfront, and infrastructure improvements continue to enhance livability and long-term market appeal. 

• The expansion of the University of Florida’s Jacksonville campus is expected to bring additional students, faculty, researchers, and healthcare professionals to the area over time, further diversifying the local employment base and housing demand. 

These projects are not short-term market drivers but rather signals of sustained commitment to Jacksonville’s growth trajectory. 

Rental Housing Context 

As the for-sale market has adjusted in response to interest rate conditions, demand for quality rental housing remains steady. Newer build-for-rent communities are positioned to benefit from: 

• Households seeking flexibility 

• Renters priced out of homeownership 

• In-migrants prioritizing location, layout, and move-in readiness 

This environment continues to support well-designed, professionally managed single-family rental communities. 

Cedar Creek Estates 

Within this broader market context, Cedar Creek Estates reflects the type of product increasingly favored by today’s renter demographic: new construction homes with functional layouts, private outdoor space, and proximity to employment corridors and daily conveniences. 

Rather than relying on speculative growth assumptions, the community’s positioning aligns with Jacksonville’s steady population growth, expanding employment base, and evolving housing preferences. 

Looking Ahead 

As we move into 2026, Jacksonville remains a market to watch for investors focused on long-term fundamentals. While broader economic conditions will continue to influence short-term performance, continued institutional investment, educational expansion, and demographic trends provide a stable backdrop for residential rental assets.

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Why Human-Centered Service Still Matters in a Tech-Driven Rental World

This week’s blog comes to us from our Market Director for Kansas City and Texas, Brandie Mejia.

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The multifamily industry is in a constant state of evolution. Technology, automation, and AI-driven tools have rapidly reshaped how prospective and current residents interact with property management teams. The recent GlobeSt. article, “From Move-In to Renewal: How Experience-Led Operations Keep Residents,” highlights this shift and makes several strong points about the need for transparency, convenience, and connection throughout the resident lifecycle.

And while much of that insight rings true, there’s a critical piece of the conversation that is rarely emphasized: the irreplaceable value of real, human customer service.

Because despite the rise of automation, people still want people.

According to a recent national online survey, 93.4% of people prefer to interact with a live person—not an automated system—when they need help or want information. This isn’t a small statistic. It’s a massive signal that in an increasingly digital world, human connection isn’t just appreciated… it’s expected.

The Customer Service Crisis

Think about the last time you personally had a great customer service experience:

• A time when you were out shopping
• A meal where the service felt exceptional
• A moment when a customer service representative on the phone truly helped you

If you’re like most people, those moments are few and far between.

And that scarcity is exactly what makes authentic, human interaction so valuable today.

In property management—especially in single-family and multifamily rentals—the stakes are even higher. A resident isn’t buying a burger or returning a pair of shoes. They’re trusting you with their home, their family’s safety, and their biggest monthly expense.

Technology can support that relationship, but it cannot replace it.

The First Touchpoint Matters More Than Ever

One of the most important takeaways from the GlobeSt. article is that the “resident experience” doesn’t begin on move-in day—it begins at first contact.

And this is where the industry has drifted too far into automation.

We’ve created self-showing locks, automated follow-ups, chatbot leasing agents, and digital-only move-in experiences. While these tools have value, they must be used to enhance the resident journey—not replace the human component.

Imagine the difference if…

• The resident was greeted in person at move-in
• Or, if distance prevents that, they had a live FaceTime or Teams call with their manager
• Someone walked them through the property, helped them locate utilities, answered questions, and ensured they felt supported from day one

That single interaction sets the tone for the entire tenancy.

It builds trust, reduces move-in issues, and ultimately increases renewal likelihood. Residents who feel personally taken care of are significantly more likely to stay—no automated system can duplicate the warmth and reassurance of real human engagement.

Experience-Led Operations: A Human-First Approach

The article emphasizes how experience-led operations can drive renewals. I agree—but I believe the modern definition of “experience” needs to shift.

It’s not just about smooth online portals or automated reminders.

It’s about personalized, relationship-centered service at every stage:

1. First Contact

A real person responding quickly, answering questions thoroughly, and creating rapport.

2. The Showing

Even if the industry leans on self-showings, we can still insert human moments:

• Live virtual tours
• Welcome calls
• Follow-up texts from a real team member

3. Move-In Support

Meet them onsite—or greet them virtually if distance is a factor.
This is often the step that makes or breaks a resident’s long-term perception.

4. Ongoing Maintenance Communication

Most residents don’t get frustrated by the repairs—they get frustrated by lack of communication.

A phone call instead of an automated message can change everything.

5. Renewal Time

Renewals should never feel transactional. Residents stay where they feel valued.

The Future of Resident Experience: Tech + Humanity

AI and automation should continue to support efficiency. They absolutely have their place.
But the future of exceptional property management belongs to companies who use technology as a tool—not a replacement—for human interaction.

Those who bring back:

• Empathy
• Connection
• Human follow-through
• Personal service

These will be the teams who stand out in 2025, 2026, and beyond.

Because the data is clear — 93.4% of people still prefer a real human.

And in housing, that preference becomes a need.

Final Thought

If we want to elevate the resident experience—from inquiry to renewal—we must lead with human connection first. Technology should enhance the experience, but it should never replace the warmth, care, and accountability that only a person can provide.

In a world where customer service feels increasingly rare, the companies who bring it back will be the ones who win.

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First Tenants moving into Cedar Creek Estates in Jacksonville, Florida

Ellavoz Impact Capital (EIC), a leading real estate impact investment and management firm, together with Auben Realty, a multi-state management firm specializing in single family rentals, announced today that the first tenants are moving into their new community, Cedar Creek Estates.

The project began vertical construction this April. Located within an Opportunity Zone in Jacksonville, Florida, this innovative build-to-rent single-family residential community will help satisfy the growing demand for affordable, high-quality housing in Jacksonville. The project, with an estimated cost of $14 million, is transforming nine acres into 45 comfortable, single-family homes. EIC is committed to creating a living environment that not only provides much-needed housing but also encourages a strong sense of community for its residents.

“The progress on this project has been tremendous,” said Chris Ferry, Vice President of Ellavoz Impact Capital. “We are excited about our first tenants moving into Cedar Creek Estates and by the positive reception of the Jacksonville community.”

“With our first residents now moving in, Cedar Creek is quickly evolving from a construction site into a vibrant community,” says Taylor Moore, Auben’s Resident Experience Manager. “It already feels more like a true neighborhood than a typical rental development — a testament to the thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, and collaborative vision with the Ellavoz ownership group.”

Key highlights of the Cedar Creek Estates project include:

Diverse Home Sizes: The community features a variety of living spaces to suit the needs of different families and individuals. The single-family homes range in size from 1200 to 1650 square feet, offering residents flexibility and choice in their living arrangements.

Popular Build-to-Rent Model: Ellavoz Impact Capital recognizes the rising popularity of the build-to-rent model and Cedar Creek Estates is designed to meet this demand. This approach offers renters the opportunity to enjoy a modern and well-maintained living space combined with the flexibility of leasing.

Commitment to Community: Ellavoz Impact Capital is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all residents within Cedar Creek Estates by incorporating energy efficient features and well-designed public spaces with the goal of fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Homeownership Assistance Program: A unique home ownership assistance program will give long-term veteran and first responder residents the opportunity to earn a downpayment assistance grant from Ellavoz when these families purchase their homes.

About Ellavoz Impact Capital:

Ellavoz Impact Capital, LLC, (EIC) is a social impact investor, advisor, asset manager, and real estate developer focused on creating and preserving workforce and affordable housing and other community-oriented real estate properties. EIC’s strategy concentrates investments into price-attainable housing and economic development projects by working with socially aligned operators, local nonprofits, and governmental agencies to deliver positive community outcomes and double bottom line returns.

With locations in Florida, New Jersey and the Carolinas, Ellavoz currently has total managed and controlled assets with a value approaching $300 million. EIC is comprised of certified public accountants, attorneys, as well as real estate, finance, and economic development professionals. The team has both private sector experience and decades-long experience leading large community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations. Collectively, the management team has led transactions with a total capitalization value of nearly $3 billion.

For more information about Ellavoz Impact Capital, visit our website at Ellavoz.com

For media inquiries, contact Chris Ferry @ 732.616.8847

About Auben Realty
Auben Realty is a vertically integrated real estate investment and management firm specializing in single-family rentals (SFR), multifamily (MF), and build-for-rent (BFR) communities. With operations in Augusta, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Columbia, Greenville, Kansas City, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Jacksonville, Auben combines deep local expertise with a resident-first approach to create long-term value for investors and residents alike. Learn more at www.aubenrealty.com.

To Schedule a Tour or Contact Auben Realty, click the links below:

TOUR:

https://www.cedarcreekrentalhomes.com

CONTACT:

https://www.cedarcreekrentalhomes.com/contact-us

Announcing Auben’s Expansion into Jacksonville

and a First Post in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) Series

At Auben Realty, we believe in creating places where people thrive, where homes are more than a roof overhead, but a stepping stone to a better future. That’s why we’re proud to announce our official expansion into Jacksonville, Florida as the professional property manager for Cedar Creek Estates, a new Build-for-Rent (BFR) community developed by Ellavoz Impact Capital  (article here).

This milestone marks more than just geographic growth—it reflects a shared goal: to meet the growing demand for workforce housing and drive long-term value for investors.

Cedar Creek Estates, located in Jacksonville’s Westside, offers 45 brand-new single-family homes with private yards, garages, and modern finishes—features often out of reach for renters in today’s market. Even in a city like Jacksonville, where the BTR sector is growing, the supply of new, single-family homes for lease remains limited compared to demand. 

In fact, at the recent IMN East conference, it was reported that while there are approximately 168,500 existing BTR units nationwide, they account for less than 1% of the total multifamily inventory—an estimated 19 million units.

The takeaway? BTR is a growing segment, but it’s still just getting legs. There’s a significant opportunity to deliver high-quality residential rentals for the workforce—especially in cities like Jacksonville, where options like Cedar Creek Estates bring the benefits of homeownership (space, privacy, community) within reach of renters today. At Cedar Creek, long-term residents also have the unique opportunity to earn incentives that support their path toward homeownership.

For Auben, this project is the perfect alignment of our expertise and mission:

1. Stewarding high-quality residential rentals for workforce housing
2. Providing responsive, professional property management that builds long-term value
3. Partnering with visionaries like Ellavoz Impact Capital to make an impact where it matters most

As Robert Hutchins, Founder and CEO of Ellavoz, shared with the Jacksonville Business Journal:

“We need to invest in communities that help working families thrive.” (article here). We couldn’t agree more. 

This announcement also kicks off our BTR series—where we’ll explore:

The market trends behind BTR

• How BTR fills a critical gap in the housing ecosystem

• How impact-driven BTR investments can deliver long-term value for investors and residents alike

• Stay tuned as we explore what makes BTR a compelling investment strategy—and how Auben is your local expert in managing these communities across the Southeast and Midwest.

Interested in learning more about Auben’s services or how we partner with investors to maximize value in BTR communities? Let’s connect. Together, we can build something that lasts. 

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