Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
If you’ve been apartment hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sticker shock of rent prices in major cities. A decent one-bedroom in places like New York, Boston, or San Francisco can easily cost $3,500+ per month – way more than most of us can comfortably afford, especially when you consider the common 3x rent rule that landlords use. That’s where shared living comes in as a game-changing solution that’s helping renters access better neighborhoods and amenities without draining their bank accounts.
What is Shared Living?
Shared living (sometimes called co-living) is when you rent your own private bedroom in an apartment or house that you share with other renters. Think of it as roommate living, but often with added perks and services that make your life easier. Here’s what you typically get with shared living:
- Your own private bedroom (sometimes with your own bathroom)
- Shared common spaces like the kitchen, living room, and dining area
- All-inclusive rent that covers utilities, WiFi, and sometimes cleaning
- Furnished spaces so you don’t need to buy furniture (learn more about what furnished apartments include)
- Flexible lease options from month-to-month to yearly terms (understand the pros and cons of flexible leases)
- Move-in ready – you can literally show up with just your suitcase
Enjoy a hassle-free, high-end rental experience for stays of one month or longer in major US cities.
Fully-furnished rooms and apartments with flexible lease. Apply today and move in tomorrow.
Why Shared Living Has Become So Popular
If you’re wondering why everyone seems to be talking about shared living these days, here are the main reasons it’s taken off:
Rent Prices Are Out of Control
Let’s be honest – unless you’re making six figures, affording a decent apartment in most major cities is nearly impossible. When a basic studio costs $2,500+ in cities like NYC or Boston, splitting a nice two or three-bedroom place with roommates suddenly makes a lot of financial sense. You can use a rent calculator to see exactly how much you can afford.
You Actually Want to Meet People
Moving to a new city can be lonely, especially if you’re working remotely. Shared living gives you built-in social connections and potential friendships. Instead of coming home to an empty apartment every night, you might find yourself cooking dinner with your housemates or discovering your new workout buddy lives down the hall. Check out these tips for breaking the ice with your new roommates.
You Don’t Want to Deal with Furniture Shopping
Remember the stress of your last move? All that furniture shopping, coordinating deliveries, setting up utilities? Shared living spaces typically come fully furnished and move-in ready, which means you can focus on settling into your new city instead of spending weekends at IKEA. This is a huge advantage of furnished vs. unfurnished rentals.
Your Job Requires Flexibility
Whether you’re a travel nurse, consultant, or just someone whose career might require relocating, traditional year-long leases can feel like a trap. Many shared living options offer month-to-month flexibility that lets you move when opportunities arise. This is especially valuable for roles like travel nursing or for any professional seeking flexible leases that can boost your career.
What Are Your Shared Living Options?
The DIY Roommate Route
This is the traditional approach where you find your own roommates and rent an apartment together. You’ll handle all the logistics yourself – finding the place, coordinating with roommates, setting up utilities, buying furniture, and managing the lease. While you have more control, it also means more responsibility and potential headaches. If you go this route, a roommate agreement template is essential.
Managed Shared Living
Companies like June Homes take care of all the details for you. You get a private bedroom in a professionally managed shared apartment where everything is included – furniture, utilities, WiFi, and often cleaning service. Your housemates are pre-screened, and there’s usually someone to call if anything goes wrong. This option is perfect for those who want a seamless experience, similar to what Claire, a registered nurse, found with June Homes.
Purpose-Built Co-Living Buildings
These are apartment buildings or houses specifically designed for shared living. They often include premium amenities like rooftop decks, co-working spaces, fitness centers, and regular community events. Think of it as dorm living for working adults, but much nicer.
Why You Should Consider Shared Living
You’ll Save Serious Money
This is the big one. Instead of paying $3,000 for a tiny studio, you might pay $1,200-1,800 for a private bedroom in a much nicer place. That extra $1,000+ per month could go toward paying off student loans, building an emergency fund, or actually enjoying your city instead of just surviving in it. Use a rent split calculator to figure out a fair division of costs.
You’ll Live in Better Neighborhoods
Ever looked at apartments in the trendy parts of town and laughed at the prices? Shared living can make those dream neighborhoods actually affordable. You could be walking to work in a best neighborhood in Manhattan or grabbing coffee in Boston’s North End instead of commuting an hour from the suburbs.
You’ll Have People to Hang Out With
Moving somewhere new where you don’t know anyone can be tough. Your housemates might become your friend group, workout partners, or the people you explore the city with on weekends. Even if you keep to yourself, it’s nice knowing there are people around.
Less Stuff to Worry About
Shared living spaces usually include furniture, so you don’t need to buy a couch you’ll have to sell when you move. Many include utilities and internet in the rent, so you’re not juggling five different bills. Some even include weekly or monthly cleaning service.
More Flexibility for Your Career
If you’re early in your career or in a field where opportunities can pop up anywhere, long-term leases can hold you back. Many shared living arrangements offer month-to-month options or shorter-term commitments that let you take that promotion in another city without breaking a lease.
The Reality Check: What You Should Know Before Committing
You’ll Have Less Privacy
While you get your own bedroom, you’ll be sharing kitchen, living room, and possibly bathroom space with others. If you’re someone who values complete control over your environment or needs total quiet to focus, shared living might feel restrictive.
Roommate Drama is Real
Even with the best intentions, living with other people can get complicated. Different cleanliness standards, varying social preferences, and lifestyle differences can create tension. You might love cooking elaborate meals while your housemate survives on takeout and leaves containers everywhere. Solid roommate etiquette and rules are key to harmony.
You Can’t Control Everything
In your own apartment, you decide everything from the thermostat setting to what goes on the walls. In shared living, you’ll need to compromise on these decisions and adapt to group preferences rather than just your own.
People Move Out
Your favorite housemate might get a job in another city or decide to move in with their partner. Turnover is common in shared living situations, which means the dynamic can change frequently as new people move in and out.
Where to Actually Find Shared Living Spaces
Managed Co-Living Companies
If you want the easiest experience, companies like June Homes handle everything for you. They provide furnished rooms in shared apartments, screen your potential housemates, include all utilities and WiFi in your rent, and handle maintenance issues. You literally just show up with your clothes and start living.
Roommate-Finding Apps and Websites
These platforms connect you with other people looking for shared living situations. We’ve compiled a list of the best roommate finder apps to start your search.
- SpareRoom: Focuses specifically on room rentals and matching people with compatible roommates
- Roomies.com: Offers roommate finding services in major cities across the US
- Roomi: A mobile app that’s popular with young professionals for finding rooms and roommates
- Facebook Groups: Search for “[Your City] Housing” or “[Your City] Roommates” groups
Traditional Rental Websites
Sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist often have room rental listings. The downside is you’ll need to vet potential roommates yourself and handle all the logistics of setting up utilities, coordinating furniture, etc. Be sure to read these tips for how to find a roommate in a new city.
Tips for Successful Shared Living
- Set Clear Expectations: Before moving in, discuss and establish ground rules about cleaning, guests, and quiet hours. A roommate chore chart can be a game-changer.
- Communicate Openly and Respectfully: Regular house meetings can prevent small issues from becoming major conflicts.
- Respect Personal Space and Belongings: Maintain clear boundaries around personal items and bedroom space.
- Contribute to the Community: Participate in house activities when possible and contribute to shared responsibilities.
- Plan Your Finances: Budget carefully for your share of rent and utilities. Having a clear financial arrangement prevents money-related conflicts.
Shared Living in Major U.S. Cities
New York City
The high cost of living in NYC makes shared living particularly attractive. From Brooklyn’s trendy neighborhoods to Manhattan’s prime locations, shared living options allow residents to experience the city without astronomical housing costs. If you’re considering a move, our ultimate guide to rental housing in NYC is a must-read.
Boston
With its large student population and high rent prices, Boston has embraced shared living as a practical housing solution. Many options cater specifically to young professionals and graduate students looking for the best neighborhoods in Boston. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of living in Boston first.
Chicago
Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods offer numerous shared living opportunities at more affordable price points than coastal cities, while still providing access to urban amenities and culture. Explore options in areas like Logan Square or Wicker Park & Bucktown.
Washington D.C.
The transient nature of D.C.’s professional population, combined with high housing costs, makes shared living an ideal option for young professionals, interns, and government workers. Consider neighborhoods like Columbia Heights or check out the pros and cons of living in D.C..
The Future of Shared Living
As urban populations continue to grow and housing costs rise, shared living is likely to become an increasingly mainstream housing option. Innovations in property technology, community building, and service provision are making these arrangements more appealing and accessible to a broader demographic, including Gen Z renters who are changing the market.
Making the Right Choice for You
Shared living isn’t suitable for everyone, but for those who value community, affordability, and flexibility, it can provide an ideal housing solution. Consider your priorities, lifestyle preferences, and financial situation when evaluating whether shared living aligns with your needs.
The key to successful shared living lies in choosing the right arrangement and housemates, setting clear expectations, and maintaining open communication. With the right approach, shared living can offer not just affordable housing, but also lasting friendships and a true sense of community in an increasingly disconnected world.
Whether you’re a recent graduate starting your career, a professional relocating to a new city, or simply someone looking to reduce housing costs while building meaningful connections, shared living represents a modern solution to age-old challenges of urban housing and community building.
