amenity

An amenity is a feature or service that provides comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. In everyday use, it refers to something that enhances the attractiveness or livability of a place, a building, or a service. The term is often used in real estate, urban planning, tourism, and public policy to describe elements that improve quality of life.

Amenities can be public, private, or natural. Public amenities include facilities and services provided for community use, such as parks, libraries, schools, hospitals, transit stops, sidewalks, waste collection, and public toilets. Private amenities are features offered by residential or commercial properties, such as on-site gyms, swimming pools, security systems, laundry facilities, and landscaped courtyards. Natural amenities refer to environmental qualities that enhance a location, such as scenic views, climate, air quality, and proximity to water or green space.

In planning and policy, amenities are valued for their contribution to livability, social welfare, and economic activity. They influence property values, tourism appeal, and equitable access to services. Governments and developers assess the availability and distribution of amenities to address needs, prevent disparities, and support sustainable growth.

Etymology traces amenity to the French aménité, from Late Latin roots, reflecting pleasantness or attractiveness. In modern usage, the word spans both tangible facilities and intangible qualities that improve the experience of a place or service, making it more desirable to residents and visitors.