Why are schools being converted into apartments in cities like Seattle?

Declining K-12 enrollment has led to school closures, prompting cities to repurpose these buildings for housing.

How much did school-to-apartment conversions increase in 2024?

Conversions of school buildings into apartments increased by a significant 296% from 2023 to 2024.

What states are seeing the most school-to-apartment conversions?

Ohio, Washington state, and Pennsylvania are projected to have the highest number of these conversions.

Home / Business and Economy / Schools Become Homes: 2,000 Apartments Created

Schools Become Homes: 2,000 Apartments Created

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Nearly 2,000 apartments were made from former schools in 2024.
Conversions surged 296% from 2023 to 2024.
Declining K-12 enrollment drives this rapid conversion trend.

Schools Become Homes: 2,000 Apartments Created

A significant surge in repurposing former school buildings into residential apartments occurred in 2024, with nearly 2,000 new units created nationwide. This marks a substantial 296% increase in such conversions compared to 2023, indicating a rapid adoption of this adaptive reuse strategy. The trend is closely linked to a steady decline in K-12 student enrollment across the country.

States like Ohio, Washington, and Pennsylvania, along with Washington D.C., are at the forefront of this housing transformation. Major cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, Seattle, and Pittsburgh are expected to see the highest numbers of these unique apartment complexes. This repurposing trend represents 7.9% of all adaptive reuse apartments, making it the fastest-growing category.

Factors such as the rise of alternative schooling options and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to decreased public school enrollment. Projections indicate a continued downward trend, potentially leading to further school closures and a reduced need for traditional educational facilities, thus fueling more adaptive reuse projects.