AVE's roots in the furnished apartment business run deep, tracing back to the 1960s when Korman Communities founder Stephen Korman first began furnishing units at The Plaza in Philadelphia to help prospective renters envision the space. That history, combined with AVE's nationwide footprint today, gave NJBIZ's Spring 2025 Real Estate Report a rare vantage point into what's fueling demand across the furnished rentals segment — from who's renting and why, to how they find AVE and what they expect once they're home.

AVE President and Korman Communities Chief Operating Officer Lea Anne Welsh explained that renters generally fall into two groups: those navigating a "life in transition," such as a move between homes, a renovation, or a major life change, and business users relocating for work or extended travel. While business use has historically driven much of the segment, Welsh noted that individual renters have grown significantly as a share of AVE's business, a shift she credits in part to renters wanting more autonomy and flexibility in how they source and book their next home.

The feature also highlighted how AVE's approach to furnished living sets it apart from short-term rental platforms. Beyond fully furnished spaces with real kitchens, in-unit laundry, and thoughtfully designed furniture built for long-term durability, AVE residents gain access to a dedicated Resident Services team that functions much like a concierge, offering everything from local expertise to ongoing community connection. That high-touch, people-first approach has helped AVE build strong brand trust and earn Kingsley Excellence recognition as the No. 1 rated company for renter satisfaction three years running.

As booking habits shift toward shorter windows and greater digital convenience, AVE continues to evolve alongside its residents, while staying true to the hospitality-driven philosophy that has defined the brand since its founding. The NJBIZ feature underscores what has always set AVE apart: an unwavering focus on people, and a deep understanding that flexible living means meeting residents wherever they are in life's next chapter.