The Rise of Co-Living in New York City: The History of Co-Living

Many people assume that co-living is a relatively new practice. While the term might be unfamiliar to you, the arrangement it describes isn’t a recent innovation.

Although the reasons for co-living have changed through the years, it has roots in our most ancient traditions. Let’s take a look back at the history of co-living to understand why it seems to have become an essential facet of living in every era.

Co-Living Is Older Than You Think

The history of co-living dates back to ancient times, when civilization consisted mostly of tribes and small villages.

Early man used communal living spaces to simplify tasks and keep the community closely bonded. Villagers built large shared spaces, while smaller homes or rooms surrounded these spaces to provide privacy for individuals or families.

In modern times, choosing a co-living space involves looking for a location, amenities, or features that appeal to the individual renter. In the past, people were usually born into a co-living community, growing up in it and remaining there throughout their lives. In this way, co-living created a familial bond within entire communities.

Co-Living Thrived in Recent History

Employment opportunities, more moderate climates, and personal interests are just some of the reasons humans first began to travel far and wide.

As more people relocated away from their birthplaces, communal living became less convenient. The history of co-living evolved alongside this expansion, remaining a consistent feature during the Industrial Revolution.

The Rise of Boarding Houses

In the early 1900s, many people in the United States and the United Kingdom sought affordable housing. Without the support communal living once provided, individuals and small families found that they lacked the financial resources to buy homes. Even traditional apartments were usually priced too high for the working classes.

Boarding houses offered co-living options that fit more comfortably into most budgets. An individual could get a room for far less than a traditional apartment’s rental fee. In exchange for the rent, each renter had their own private bedroom. The homeowner prepared meals, and all renters could use the common areas within the building.

Changing Economies Led to Flat Shares 

After two World Wars, the global economy and Western society went through significant changes. Buying a home was no longer as easy as it once was, and many veterans found themselves displaced after returning home. This created the perfect conditions for a resurgence of co-living options.

Homeowners struggling with “empty nest syndrome” used the opportunity to rent out their adult children’s bedrooms. Renters found this situation advantageous since it helped them save money while living in a socially acceptable situation. Co-living also provided the opportunity to meet new friends or colleagues.

The Hippie Generation Brought Back Communes

The 1960s brought co-living back as an essential aspect of the hippie movement and the practice of free love. While there were financial benefits of co-living, the hippie generation embraced the social benefits as a primary motivation. In a co-living community, young adults could feel comfortable expressing themselves. 

Some questioned their gender identity. Others opposed the government’s role in global conflict or the confines of the traditional nuclear family. In any case, co-living offered the ability to live free from social constraints.

Denmark Needed Co-Housing in the 1970s

Denmark went through a different type of co-living evolution in the 1970s, reviving co-living out of both necessity and choice.

The primary motivation was to help multiple families save money, but the communes they created also provided opportunities for social growth. People would live and work together each day, forging a closer community.

The structure closely resembled the communes of the ancient past. Each family had their own private living spaces, but those spaces surrounded common areas. Residents in each community would gather in these common areas to socialize, share tasks, or discuss community matters.

Some California neighborhoods began experimenting with this type of communal living in the 1990s.

Modern Co-Living Opportunities

There was another spike of interest in co-living in the 1990s due to the popularity of television sitcoms that embraced the lifestyle.

New and syndicated shows like “Friends,” “Three’s Company,” and others used co-living as the premise for comedic situations. Viewers saw the appeal of living with a diverse group and sought similar arrangements in their real lives.

Hacker Houses and Remote Work Go Hand in Hand

The advent of the internet introduced an entirely new phenomenon to modern society: remote work. Professionals and entrepreneurs are no longer confined to a cubicle in a glass and steel office — they can work from anywhere as long as they have a computer and an internet connection. This trend forced the history of co-living to evolve as well.

Along with standard utilities, modern co-living rentals offer free Wi-Fi service to keep up with the needs of remote workers.

Many so-called “hacker houses” bring renters together based on a specific industry to maximize these benefits. For example, it’s not uncommon to find a home that only rents to healthcare workers or a unit that advertises exclusively to law school students.

Today, hacker houses offer additional tech-related amenities to increase their appeal, such as fully furnished business offices or outlets with USB ports.

Modern Co-Living in New York City

While most of the history of co-living revolves around necessity or cultural norms, people freely choose this lifestyle in the modern era.

Students, established professionals, or anyone simply looking for a change can use co-living to integrate into a new community with limited resources. Even if you’re a long-time New York City resident, a co-living rental can provide an opportunity to move into an unfamiliar neighborhood.

Since co-living renters share their experiences, this option makes city living more affordable. Even in the most elite neighborhoods, it’s easier to find affordable housing in a co-living situation. Renters can take advantage of the lower cost of living to save for a home purchase or another major investment.

Learn More About Co-Living

Roomrs has co-living rentals throughout every major community in New York to provide renters with a vast range of options. Each rental has state-of-the-art amenities for secure and comfortable living.

Whether you’re looking for an Upper East Side apartment or a rental in another community, you’ll find the perfect home in our listings. Start browsing today!