The Ups and Downs of Coliving in NYC
Learn about this disruptive rental phenomenon that has become popular in the city
4 Min Read
4 Min ReadAre you moving to NYC and looking at living options? Have you considered coliving? It’s a modern alternative to traditional house shares. You can either find candidates through an ad or you can simply move in with friends. People who colive in NYC are typically young independent-minded professionals. Although the idea of sharing your home with a stranger may not sound appealing, many times it is preferable over a shared hostel or stuffy studio. 
What is coliving?
Coliving has been compared to a supportive living environment designed for young professionals to live with a purpose and share their passions. Self-branded coliving spaces have evolved from the coworking scene. They have cheekily been described as ‘dorms for adults’ that provide an extended family of fellow digital nomads.
These spaces are a breeding ground for networking and building professional connections that are in your field as well as in other industries. They are very much a group experience. Activities and events often bring renters together to create a readymade community and social scene. You’ve basically got built-in friends upon arrival.
Everything required to work, rest or play is provided onsite. Coliving comes in beautifully designed living spaces with the hallmarks of a boutique hotel. It’s fully connected for a device-focused living experience. Alongside high-speed WiFi and utilities, cleaning and maintenance are also covered.
What are the pros of coliving in NYC?
Coliving spaces are often centrally located in the best areas of NYC nearby business hubs and local tech scenes. They also tend to be close to public transport. The ease of moving without furniture is ideal for traveling light. To show up in a city and start living, using a move-in ready coliving space can be a godsend
No need to find a roommate, buy furniture, set up utilities, or sacrifice a huge deposit. Coliving covers it for nominal fees upfront. The flexibility that coliving in NYC offers helps you go with the flow. Whether you need a home for a week, a month, a year or longer. From resident-only apps and social networking to smart house technology including wireless door locks, it’s very tech-friendly
What are the cons of coliving in NYC?
With everything rolled into one, coliving spaces that are inclusive of utilities, amenities and cleaning costs can add up to more than the sum of the smaller parts. Also, coliving comes compact in terms of having your own personal space outside the bedroom (since the living areas are shared). Naturally, random doesn’t always work when it comes to a group of strangers being thrown into one living space.
Keep in mind that leaving personal items around communal areas is a risk. Living somewhere that is set up for working night and day, while sandwiched between productive people can really blur the boundaries and prevent having a work/life balance. Sometimes it’s hard to switch off, so you’ve just got to stay vigilant and have enough discipline to know when to wind down.
Is coliving right for you?
Getting your accommodation right can make or break your Big Apple experience. Depending on your circumstances and what stage of life you’re at, coliving may or may not be ideal for your lifestyle.
Coliving is a smart living solution if you’re looking to live in new places for a short stay that comes with the comforts of home. Or if you want to work while you travel and share a living space with like-minded people. It makes it easier to share ideas and boost your business contacts.
However, coliving is definitely not compatible if you prefer your own space and don’t want to ever take work home with you. Similarly, if you’re looking to settle down long-term or start a family, you’re better off living alone.
Alternatives to coliving in NYC
Now that you’ve gotten a better understanding of what this space-sharing concept really means, here are a few other ideas to help you sort out your accommodation.
Blueground
Rent a fully-furnished, equipped and serviced apartment with flexible lease terms, that is located nearby the best coworking spaces and coffee shops. Want to bring your pet along too? No problem! Blueground provides all this and more. The apartments are beautifully designed, and come stocked with everything you need for a stay of one month or more.
For instance, high-quality linens, Marshall speakers, and smart TV. Best of all, guests have access to a mobile app from which they can learn all about the apartment and neighborhood. This tool is also how to schedule cleaning and arrange maintenance.
Mobile coliving
Families that play together, stay together. Therefore, coliving in groups takes on a new meaning with a concept called itinerant coliving. You can also consider taking a remote year, so you can travel abroad and work from anywhere with a solid internet connection.
Retreats
There are many retreats out there catering to people who work independently, offering an intensive coliving experience. These types of short but sweet getaways connect like-minded people and cover a specific course or craft. If you’re looking to dip your toes into working remotely or want to take a deep dive with a determined objective off-the-grid, this could be perfect for you.
