I bet you've heard all about coworking by now, right? But guess what? There's something new and exciting on the horizon: co-living! It's like coworking but for finding a place to live. This trend is gaining popularity among young folks in cities all over the country. It's actually a pretty cool solution to the whole affordable housing problem. Plus, it's a great way to keep growing both personally and professionally beyond the confines of the office. How awesome does that sound?

Have you ever heard of co-living? It might sound a little unfamiliar, but trust me, it could be the ideal way for you to discover a community that's exactly what you're looking for.

What is Co-living?

So, have you heard about this new trend called co-living? It's when a bunch of people live together in a space and actually encourage each other to hang out and collaborate. This whole concept came about because there are so many young folks flocking to pricey cities in search of job opportunities. Co-living is basically a fresh and modern way of living where people who have things in common and similar goals share a living space. It's kind of like living with a big extended family!

Co-living is all about being open and working together, with the people who live there often having similar beliefs. In this type of housing, you'll usually have your own bedroom and bathroom, but you'll share common spaces like the kitchen and living room. It's a practical choice because everyone splits the costs. This means it can be a more affordable option compared to regular rent. The price of a co-living space will vary depending on where you are, but it'll always be cheaper than the usual way of renting.

If you're thinking about communal living, don't picture some run-down hostel or hippie commune. This type of shared living space is actually meant for young professionals like yourself. It's not limited to any specific location, but for now, it's mostly popular in urban areas. Basically, you and other residents would share a house, building, or apartment that's usually owned and managed by a company.

Is co-living the same as coworking?

Co-living and coworking are actually pretty similar, beyond just their names. They're both about working together and building a community, and they offer a cool new way to go about our daily lives, whether it's where we live or where we work. In fact, a bunch of coworking spaces, like WeWork, are now starting to offer co-living options too. And a ton of co-living spaces around the world also have coworking spaces included. So it seems like these collaborative and community-based concepts are becoming more and more popular across the board.

You know, even though they're not exactly the same thing, they actually have a lot in common - especially when it comes to attracting younger users. But here's something interesting: they both have the potential to totally revolutionize how we approach work and life.

A lot of these co-living places also have a coworking area, which is perfect for people who work online or from home. It's great because you've got a good Wi-Fi connection and a place to get your work done, all in one spot.

Coworking and co-living are pretty similar because they make it super easy for folks to connect with each other. You can meet like-minded people and build relationships in both types of spaces. They often have cool events and activities that give you an opportunity to naturally mingle with others. A lot of people choose to work in a coworking space instead of a coffee shop or their own home because they want that sense of community. It's the same reason why folks choose to live in a co-living space.

Why is co-living so popular?

Co-living is becoming more popular because people love the perks and the community aspect. Instead of isolating themselves, co-livers mingle with the outside world while living with others who have similar interests. That's why co-living options are popping up all over the place, from the United States to cities worldwide. In fact, there are tons of co-living spaces available, thanks to various companies offering multiple locations. It's a great way to have a supportive community while enjoying cool amenities.

Co-living has become so popular because a lot of people just want to be around others and make connections. In a co-living space, you can easily open your door and make new friends or even find business opportunities. Plus, there are other perks like saving money, having a supportive community, participating in group activities, and feeling like you belong. Right now, co-living mostly attracts younger generations, especially digital nomads who love the idea of traveling without the stress of a mortgage or lease. This lifestyle is all about being flexible and not feeling tied down to one place, which can be really liberating for some folks.

Co-living spaces are great solutions for digital nomads and millennials who deal with a lot of challenges. Normally, when you move to a new city, you have to sign a lease for a whole year, buy furniture, set up utilities, and then decide whether to move or stay when the lease is up. However, co-living spaces offer a different approach. They often don't require a lease or any long-term commitment, which makes them perfect for those who frequently move from city to city for work or personal reasons.

Co-living offers some additional perks as well. For one thing, you can say goodbye to security deposits and the hassle of setting up utilities. Since you're living in a communal setup, all the expenses are shared among everyone, meaning it's easier on your wallet. Another great thing about co-living spaces is that most of them come fully furnished, saving you the trouble of hiring movers or buying furniture. On top of that, living in a co-living space might even boost your productivity, especially if there's a coworking area nearby.

Exploring co-living spaces

Did you know that there are literally hundreds of co-living spaces popping up all over the world? One of the most popular ones is called The Collective, which was established in 2012. They're rocking both co-living and coworking vibes in London and New York City. Their spaces come with all sorts of cool amenities like movie theaters, libraries, gyms, and even restaurants. And get this - they have a shared kitchen on every single floor, so you'll never go hungry! Oh, and if you fancy a little adventure, check out Sun and Co. They're located in Javea, Spain, and they've converted a 19th-century home into a super cool co-living space. You can choose between sharing a room or having your own private sanctuary. Isn't that fantastic?

So, there are these companies that are pretty big and have different places where they do their thing. For instance, there's Roam, and they have places in London, Bali, Miami, Tokyo, and San Francisco. And get this, all the rooms there have their own bathrooms and they even have cleaning services! Then there's Common, and they're like Roam but in nine cities across the U.S. And wait, there's more! WeLive, which is like a co-living thing from WeWork, has spaces in New York and D.C. They're not quite like hotels or apartments, though. You can stay there for just a few nights or even a few months if you want!

In the past few years, there have been these services that help people find co-living spaces. One of them is Medici Living, based in Berlin, which got a huge investment of $1.1 billion last year to make its co-living platform even better. Another one is CoWoLi, which specifically caters to digital nomads who are always on the move and need assistance in finding the perfect co-living space. And now, there are also some companies that are getting into co-living in the United States, such as Quarters Holding and Khosla Ventures, who are investing in expanding this concept. It's an interesting trend!

Is co-living safe?

Co-living spaces, you know, those shared living arrangements, are still pretty new to a lot of folks. And it's natural to have worries about stuff like safety, scams, and whether it actually makes sense. But hey, remember how Airbnb seemed super weird at first, and now it's changed the whole hotel game? Co-living could be headed in the same direction. So yeah, just do your homework before moving in somewhere, and you should be good to go.

Before you make any decisions, it's a good idea to do a quick search on each company you're considering. Make sure they have an active website and are a legitimate business.
When you're checking out potential places to live, take some time to really explore and imagine how it would feel to come home to that space every day. Think about the specifics that are important to you, like whether you want a private room, an open kitchen, or amenities like a gym or pool.
Another great idea is to chat with the people who already live there. Find out what their interests are and get a sense of how they feel about co-living at the property. They'll be able to give you some insider insights.
By doing your due diligence and taking these steps, you'll be able to make a more informed decision about whether a place is safe and the right fit for you.

Is coliving the future of housing?

So, you know how housing costs just keep going up, especially in cities? Well, it's making the whole renting vs. buying thing way more complicated. And guess who's really into this new trend called co-living? Yep, millennials. Turns out, they're all about sharing stuff, so it makes sense they'd be into sharing living spaces too. Co-living is becoming a big deal these days. It's not just a cool way to live, it's actually a solution for younger folks who are trying to find affordable housing.