With the rise in housing prices and the skyrocketing cost of rent, young professionals are looking for new and less solitary ways to find housing in big cities. Especially in the age of digital nomads and remote work, coliving offers an affordable and convenient way for anyone to live in major urban hubs like New York, Miami and Toronto.

What is coliving? 

You might already be familiar with a similar concept—coworking—where those in need of their own workspace share an office with other professionals. In that same way, coliving gives you the ability to find your own room in a shared, move-in-ready home—allowing you to foster a sense of community and save both time and money when looking for housing wherever you decide to plant your feet. 

If you’re curious to learn more, here are 11 facts about coliving you’ll want to know.

What does coliving mean?

Coliving refers to an alternative form of living that allows you to share a home with other professionals. With coliving, you’ll live in an apartment that’s more attainable and more social than ever before, with the convenience of added amenities. 

With Sociable Living, in particular, you can find coliving spaces across North America at an all-inclusive flat rate. Common coliving spaces usually include:

• A fully furnished private bedroom
• Fully furnished shared suites
• Basic household essentials
• In-suit or in-unit laundry
• Wi-fi 
• Utilities 
• Central heat and air conditioning
• Free weekly cleanings of shared spaces

Coliving at Common entails more than just a “room rental.” Rather, it’s an entire experience: a private room, large shared spaces, incredible amenities, access to community events, and discounts at notable national and local brands.

The people you’ll meet through coliving are diverse, but they often have one thing in common: they value comfort and convenience in a home. There is no one type of person that is right for coliving. We welcome all people to the Sociable Living community, from international students and young professionals to digital nomads, couples, and more.

Why should I consider coliving?

Coliving is a great option for those who want to move to a new city but don’t want to undergo the costly and stress-inducing process of regular apartment hunting. With coliving, you can attain the look and feel of a high-end apartment at a budget price. Not to mention, you get the added bonus of a social atmosphere and convenient amenities.

Wondering if coliving is right for you? Here are a few reasons why you should consider coliving:¹

• You’re moving to a new city on a budget
• You’re a digital nomad and want to explore new areas
• You’re a young couple looking to settle into a new home and neighborhood
• You’re looking to socialize and build a community
• You want to live and work in a city and benefit from what the local community can offer
• You don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving furniture or splitting the bills with roommates 

How does coliving compare to other housing options?

Compared to other options, coliving offers more affordability, community, and convenience. 

Living at Sociable Living can save you up to $500 a month. Your rent will cost less than the average traditional studio and Facebook  room in that city, when adding up all the utilities, supplies, WiFi, and monthly costs.

In fact, Sociable Living spaces are often under new 1 bedroom apartment rent in the area. This means when you choose Sociable Living, you’ll not only be getting the amenities of a luxury townhome, but you’ll also be able to afford it on a budget. 

Sociable Living also goes above and beyond other apartment complexes to promote coliving’s community aspect. With our WhatsApp group, you’re empowered to engage and coordinate with your fellow community members in a way that’s easy and convenient. 

When it comes to moving in and paying rent, you won’t have to struggle with the tedious work of setting up your living space or trying to split costs. With Sociable Living, you pay a single rate for your room, which you can move into in less than 30 minutes, thanks to Sociable Living keyless access and move-in guides from our Member Support Team.

What if I’m an introvert?

At Sociable Living, you’re always invited but never obliged to mingle with fellow residents. Everyone’s a little bit different—that’s what makes our Sociable Living community amazing. We respect members who value alone time and private space. You will always have your own quiet, private bedroom.

Being introverted doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy being around people. It means you like to choose when, how long, and at what event you want to hang out with others, and that’s completely reasonable. 

When you live with housemates at Sociable Living, it’s easy to hang out and do things you want to, when you want to. There will always be something going on, whether it’s a movie night with your suitemates or a wine tasting event put on by our Member Experience Team, so you can join and be social whenever you want.

What if I don’t get along with my roommates?

Sociable Living’s coliving townhomes and offerings are designed to mitigate the most frequent roommate issues, like splitting the bills and deciding whose turn it is to buy toilet paper. However, disagreements still happen. If your roommate’s behavior is in direct violation of their lease agreement, our member support team is there to help. Like any other property manager, we’re unable to solve interpersonal roommate conflicts, but can work with you to find a new room in your home, or a new home in your city.

Will I have any privacy?

Absolutely. All of our apartments contain a private, fully-furnished bedroom just for you. You’ll be able to unwind and rest easy at the end of a long day in your own private space beyond the common areas. Some of our homes even have a private bathroom, allowing you even more privacy during your stay.

Ultimately, our homes are designed with a “know your neighbor” mentality. This means you’ll be able to host a potluck with your roommates, crash on the couch, or catch a movie, but still enjoy time to yourself without interruptions when you’d rather be left alone. How and when you choose to join the Sociable Living community is entirely up to you.

How are the coliving spaces designed vs. traditional apartments?

Most multi-bedroom apartments don’t consider a shared living space when handling multiple roommates. The kitchens are often cramped, and the bedroom sizes are often cut into multiple rooms, leaving little space for privacy.

Common’s coliving homes are designed with community living in mind, with shared spaces specifically crafted to be more comfortable. 

What exactly are the differences between a coliving space and a traditional rental?

• Bathrooms aren’t shared with more than three people
• Large fridges can fit everyone’s groceries
• Our kitchens are spacious enough that you can cook at the same time as your roommate
• The living room has plenty of seating
• Our furniture and appliances are built to last
• Our bedrooms can comfortably fit a full-sized bed and nightstand, while still offering an ample amount of closet space

The bottom line is you don’t have to worry about intruding on someone while sharing the common area in any of our coliving spaces. 

What are the perks of living at Sociable Living?

On top of getting a beautiful coliving space and high-quality amenities, weekends at Sociable Living consist of an exciting list of curated activities around the city. Some of our favorite community events from the past have been group CrossFit, wine and paint night, musicals, distillery tours, and ramen-making classes. Common members can also organize their own events, like Super Bowl parties, and get funding for food, drinks, and other party essentials.

Members also receive a wide variety of discounts. Categories include:

• Home services
• Shopping
• Experiences
• Food and drinks
• Health and wellness

This way, you can take advantage of everything your city has to offer without breaking the bank. 

What are some of the cities available with Sociable Living?

Sociable Living has  homes across the continent—from the east coast to the west coast, you’ll be able to find a home in a neighborhood that’s right for you. 

If you want to explore our available cities further, check out our blog, which has in-depth neighborhood tips and moving guides for each city.

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