Ishan Abeysekera, a 33-year-old engineer living in New York City, has taken communal living to the next level by sharing a building with 23 other people. He chose to live in a space operated by Cohabs, a company that offers fully furnished bedrooms and communal living spaces in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as in European cities such as Madrid, Paris, London, and Milan. Abeysekera initially did not plan to have roommates but stumbled upon the idea of communal living in Brooklyn and decided to give it a try to meet new people in a new city.
Abeysekera pays $2,100 a month for his room in the building, which includes amenities such as WiFi, utilities, household supplies, a weekly cleaning service, and monthly communal breakfast. Each resident has their own room but shares living spaces such as kitchen, coworking spaces, outdoor patio, and a basement with gym equipment and exercise challenges. The building houses tenants ranging from 21 to 36 years old, and each resident has their own locker and designated space in the communal living areas.
Living in a communal building with 23 housemates may seem chaotic, but Abeysekera finds it to be quite nice and reminiscent of living in a college dorm, with the key difference being that residents are more mature and respectful of each other’s space. Despite the similarities to dorm life, Abeysekera has built strong relationships and a sense of community with his housemates, enriching his life in the process. The communal living experience has helped him make friends and form connections in a new city, providing a supportive environment for personal growth and social interaction.
The communal living arrangement in the Cohabs building allows residents to have their own private spaces while also fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Abeysekera and his housemates share amenities and common areas, allowing for social interactions and bonding experiences. The building’s amenities, such as the outdoor patio, gym equipment, and shared living spaces, provide opportunities for residents to engage in group activities and challenges, creating a dynamic and vibrant living environment.
Living with 23 housemates may seem overwhelming, but Abeysekera finds that the shared amenities and space in the Cohabs building prevent residents from feeling crowded or in each other’s way. Each resident has their own cupboard in the kitchen and locker in the communal living areas, allowing for personal storage and organization. The communal living setup enables residents to have a balance between privacy in their own rooms and social interactions in shared spaces, promoting a sense of community and camaraderie among housemates.
Overall, Abeysekera’s experience with communal living in the Cohabs building has been positive, helping him to build a community and make friends in a new city. The affordable rent, inclusive amenities, and shared living spaces have enhanced his quality of life and provided a supportive environment for personal and social growth. Despite the initial apprehension of living with 23 roommates, Abeysekera has found that the communal living experience has enriched his life and provided valuable connections in a bustling and expensive city like New York.
