Living with 23 Roommates in NYC: One Man's Story of Shared Living

Living with 23 Roommates in NYC: One Man's Story of Shared Living

For Ishan Abeysekera, 33, finding affordable housing in New York City meant embracing a unique living arrangement: sharing a home with 23 other people.

Abeysekera, a tech expert who moved to the city from London in 2022, lives in a four-story house in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, as part of a shared living space managed by Cohabs. He pays $2,100 per month for his furnished room and access to the communal areas.

While the setup might sound similar to a college dorm, Abeysekera insists that the living experience is more respectful and offers a chance to meet new people.

The Space:

The house features several shared living spaces, including a spacious TV room in the basement with a large couch, a small gym, and a terrace and rooftop. The kitchen comes equipped with individual lockers for pantry items and six refrigerators, ensuring ample space for everyone.

The Cost:

The $2,100 rent covers Wi-Fi, utilities, a weekly cleaning service, and a monthly communal breakfast. While Abeysekera shares a bathroom with one other roommate, he says he's only had to wait for the shower once in the 18 months he's been living there.

The Benefits:

Abeysekera has found the shared living experience to be a great way to meet people and make friends. He appreciates the ample shared spaces and the sense of community the house provides. He also notes that the house has a lot of amenities and he's never felt cramped or like he's in the way.

The Verdict:

For Abeysekera, living with 23 roommates has been a positive experience, offering affordable housing and a chance to build connections in a new city. He plans to stay in touch with his roommates even if they eventually move out.