Is Co-Living Right for You?

Pros, Cons, and Real-Life Stories from NYC Renters

Moving to New York City comes with plenty of decisions, and one of the biggest is figuring out where and how you’ll live. With high rents and limited space, many students, young professionals, and international renters are turning to co‑living in NYC as a smart alternative to traditional renting.

But is it the right fit for you? In this post, we’ll break down what co‑living is, the real pros and cons of co‑living, and share a few NYC co‑living stories to help you picture what the experience is actually like.

The Pros of Co‑Living

• Affordability: Rents in NYC are among the highest in the country. Co‑living helps cut costs by splitting the price of an apartment and utilities across several residents. This makes it possible to live in desirable neighborhoods without breaking the bank. Many renters find that paying a flat monthly rate for everything simplifies budgeting and prevents the shock of unpredictable utility bills.
  
   
• Community: Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know anyone. Co‑living provides a built‑in social network. Roommates often become friends, and many co‑living spaces host events or encourage group activities. Beyond friendship, this sense of community can provide practical benefits: roommates can share recommendations for local services, commuting tips, or even professional networking opportunities.
  
   
• Fully Furnished Apartments: Forget the hassle of moving bulky furniture through walk‑up staircases. Most co‑living spaces provide essentials like beds, desks, and sofas, so you can arrive with just your suitcase. Furnished apartments also save you time and money during move‑in, since you won’t need to spend weekends shopping or stress about arranging deliveries.
  
   
• Utilities Included: You don’t have to set up accounts or split bills for WiFi, electricity, or water. With everything bundled into one monthly payment, budgeting becomes simple and predictable. Many renters say this gives them peace of mind, since there’s no risk of surprise charges or disagreements with roommates about splitting costs.

The Cons of Co‑Living

While co‑living solves many challenges, it’s not without drawbacks. Here are a few realities to keep in mind:

• Less Privacy: Even with your own room, you’ll be sharing common areas with others. If you’re used to living alone, adjusting can take time. Some renters choose to set clear boundaries early, like having quiet hours or personal time in the evenings, to strike a balance.
  
   
• Shared Spaces: Kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms will need to be kept clean and used respectfully. Conflict can arise if roommates have different standards. One person may be fine leaving dishes overnight, while another expects the kitchen spotless at all times. Learning to compromise is essential.
  
   
• Adjusting to Roommate Dynamics: Everyone has different routines and habits. From noise levels to hosting guests, living with others means adapting to different lifestyles. While this can sometimes be frustrating, many renters say the benefits outweigh the occasional inconveniences, especially if expectations are communicated upfront.

Real-Life NYC Co‑Living Stories

• Quentin C.: “Roomrs made moving to NYC way less stressful. The leasing process was super smooth-fast replies, clear info, and no hidden stuff. The apartment was clean, furnished, and ready to go when I arrived Customer service has also been great.

• Anytime I needed help, they got back to me quickly and took care of it. Overall, really happy with the experience. Would definitely recommend if you're moving to the city and want something easy and reliable.”

• Femke B.: “Roomrs has been so helpful in finding a place in the city for my summer internship. Their website is straightforward to use and the customer service team was very helpful in getting me registered and ready for my move. The process was very easy as was the move.”

• Bryan L.: “Using Rooms made moving to New York incredibly easy. It's affordable and especially ideal for students like myself, thanks to the flexible short-term lease options. Even though I was abroad during the leasing process, the team was super helpful and made everything smooth and hassle-free. I arrived straight from the airport and was able to enter the building without any issues. My room was clean, stylish, and fully furnished - which made settling in so much easier. Anytime I had a problem, customer service responded quickly and was always helpful. If Roomrs fits your lifestyle, I genuinely think it offers one of the best leasing experiences in New York. For anyone new to the city, I highly recommend it.”

Who Is Co‑Living Best Suited For?

While co‑living isn’t for everyone, it’s a great fit for:

• Students and Recent Graduates: Affordable rent, flexible leases, and ready‑made social connections make co‑living ideal for newcomers.
  
   
• Young Professionals: Those working long hours often appreciate not having to worry about furniture, bills, or setting up utilities.
  
   
• International Renters: Without U.S. credit history or a guarantor, traditional leases can be tough. Co‑living provides a smoother entry point.
  
   
• Anyone New to NYC: If you’re not sure where you want to live long‑term, co‑living offers flexibility to test out neighborhoods before committing.

Is Co‑Living Right for You?

Co‑living offers a balance of affordability, convenience, and community that’s hard to find in traditional NYC rentals. While it comes with trade‑offs like less privacy and shared spaces, for many renters, the benefits outweigh the challenges. For newcomers especially, it can be the easiest way to settle into the city without the stress of moving furniture, setting up utilities, or searching endlessly for roommates.

If you’re ready for a simpler, more connected way to experience New York City living, co‑living could be the perfect choice.

Explore Roomrs’ co‑living options today and discover how easy moving to NYC can be.