Christopher Todd Communities is bringing opening its latest build-to-rent community in Mesa.

Mesa-based Christopher Todd Communities at Ellsworth is being built by Taylor Morrison, one of the nation’s largest home building operations.

The community is in pre-leasing mode and phase one is 70% leased. Rents start at just under $1,600 a month. The first residents will be moving into the community in April.

The 144-home community at 250 N. Ellsworth Road in Mesa is near Loop 202 and University.

The company is targeting a new demographic of renters. A total of 43% of Gen Z — the generation born between 1997 and 2012 following the millennials — want to rent single-family homes following the completion of their university education, according to a survey from the National Apartment Association.

“That’s a huge shift in preference to renting homes rather apartments,” said Todd Wood, CEO of Christopher Todd Communities.

Madison Murphy is working on her nursing degree at Arizona State University and searching for a rental that would provide her a more peaceful setting as she has a busy schedule.

When she discovered Christopher Todd Communities at Ellsworth in Mesa, she knew she had found what she was seeking; a place convenient to school and to a hospital where she will be gaining valuable on-the-job training, the release states.

“Having a gated community with smart home technology and resort-style amenities will make my life easier and provide a place to destress. I’m excited to have a place of my own so I can focus on my goals while also enjoying the pool and fitness studio in my free time,” she said.

Christopher Todd Communities at Ellsworth is a single-story rental community, a niche within the build-to-rent real estate sector.

It features a smart gated entry, single-story one- and two-bedroom smart homes with private backyards, pet doors, upgraded interiors with all appliances including washer and dryer.

For information, go to ChristopherToddEllsworth.com.