Building a Strong Sense of Community in Your High-Rise Condo Association

When residents walk into their high-rise condominium, they want to feel welcomed, seen, and connected. A friendly smile from the front desk tells them they belong. A neighbor’s wave or quick hello reminds them they are part of a community. Laughter from a small gathering in the lobby or common area adds energy and warmth, making the building feel alive. It’s the same feeling you see on Cheers when Norm walks in and everyone shouts, “Norm!”. He’s recognized, valued, and welcomed home. It’s in that moment that the high-rise feels more than a collection of units; it feels like a home where people are appreciated and proud of the place they live.

Condo associations have the power to create that sense of connection, shaping a community where residents don’t just live, they belong. But this feeling doesn’t happen overnight. It takes thoughtful planning, consistent effort, and a focus on fostering engagement and pride at every level of the community.

Here are a few tips to help condo associations elevate the resident experience.

Create a Sense of Belonging

A strong sense of connection changes the way residents experience their home. People who feel seen, heard, and involved are happier, healthier, and more engaged. In a condo association, that translates into higher resident satisfaction, stronger trust in the board, and even stronger property values.

So, how do you create that sense of belonging? Start by asking residents for their input and involving them in planning activities they’ll genuinely enjoy. Sharing these experiences builds pride, strengthens connections, and nurtures a culture that makes everyone in the building feel valued and at home.

Pro Tip: Use BuildingLink to create resident polls for event dates, building updates, and more. Residents get notified, can respond directly in the portal, and results are easy to view or export.

Empower Resident Voices

Every building is full of untapped resources; residents with ideas, skills, and passions ready to be shared. Giving them opportunities to participate in committees, clubs, or resident-led initiatives helps them feel invested in their community and connected to their neighbors.

Community boards make it easy for residents to connect over shared interests, whether it’s gardening, volunteering, or planning social events. When people have a chance to contribute, pride and engagement grow naturally, creating a stronger, more vibrant community.

Pro Tip: BuildingLink’s Bulletin Board module makes it easy and rewarding for residents to participate.

Turn Community into Connection

Events and activities are more than just calendar items—they’re opportunities to help residents feel seen, valued, and connected. The key is making them personal, welcoming, and rewarding. Here are a few approaches that work in high-rise communities:

• Welcome newcomers. A small welcome committee, a casual “new resident coffee,” or a friendly follow-up after a few weeks helps residents feel at home from day one and shows that their presence matters.
• Recognize contributions. A handwritten note or a personal thank-you from the board to a volunteer goes a long way in showing appreciation and encouraging ongoing involvement.
• Create low-barrier entry points. Casual mixers, town halls, or board “office hours” give residents a friendly space to ask questions, share ideas, and ease into community life.
• Celebrate together. Shared events like holidays, building milestones, or even lighthearted “just because” gatherings spark joy and create lasting connections.
• Connect beyond the building. Group participation in neighborhood or city events strengthens both the building community and its presence in the wider area.

When boards focus on meaningful interactions, these activities do more than fill a calendar; they build traditions, spark friendships, and make residents feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Pro Tip: Use BuildingLink Event Calendar to manage RSVPs, share event updates, and send reminders so participation feels effortless for residents and easy to track for boards.

Use Technology to Strengthen the Community Connection

It might seem surprising, but technology can actually make a community feel more personal. Tools like BuildingLink handle the day-to-day logistics, including sending announcements, managing amenity reservations, and coordinating events. This lets boards and managers focus on what really matters, connecting with residents.

With the right tools in place, your high-rise community can create those small, meaningful moments that make every resident feel the same way as Norm, recognized and welcomed.

Ready to explore how BuildingLink can elevate the resident experience and strengthen your community? Book a demo today.