Living with 23 Roommates in Brooklyn: A 33-Year-Old’s $2,100/Month Experience
In a city as notoriously expensive as New York, it’s not uncommon to see people in their late 20s and early 30s living with roommates to help manage the high cost of living. However, for Ishan Abeysekera, this living situation has been taken to the next level in Brooklyn, where he resides with a staggering 23 other individuals. Despite initial shock from others upon hearing about his living arrangement, Abeysekera insists that it’s actually quite pleasant.
Abeysekera, a 33-year-old engineer, currently calls a communal building in Brooklyn home, which is operated by Cohabs. This company offers fully furnished bedrooms and communal living spaces for stays ranging from six months to a year or more. In addition to locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Cohabs has properties in various European cities including Madrid, Paris, London, and Milan.
The Decision to Choose Communal Living
Initially, Abeysekera did not set out to have so many roommates, or any roommates at all. When he first moved to New York City from London in late 2022 for work, his employer provided him with accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan’s Financial District. However, when he began his search for his own apartment, he struggled to find a one-bedroom within his monthly rent budget of $2,000 to $3,000.
On a whim, Abeysekera decided to explore communal living options in Brooklyn and stumbled upon Cohabs. After touring a room in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and witnessing residents dining together in the communal area, he was immediately drawn to the sense of community and connection. Recognizing the opportunity to meet new people in a new city, Abeysekera made the decision to move in.
Living Arrangements and Amenities
Abeysekera currently pays $2,100 a month for his room, which includes WiFi, utilities, household supplies, a weekly cleaning service, and a monthly communal breakfast. While he initially occupied a smaller room for $1,850 per month, he later upgraded to a larger space when it became available.
The communal building spans four floors and houses 24 bedrooms occupied by tenants ranging in age from 21 to 36. Each resident has their own locker in the communal living area, and the six refrigerators provide ample space for individual groceries, with each tenant having a designated shelf. Shared amenities include coworking spaces, an outdoor patio, a finished basement with a large couch, gym equipment, and building-wide exercise challenges.
Abeysekera describes the experience of sharing a kitchen with multiple people as completely manageable, thanks to designated cupboards for personal belongings. Despite the communal living setup resembling that of a college dormitory, he emphasizes that the maturity and respectfulness of the residents set it apart.
Community and Friendships
While living with 23 roommates may seem overwhelming to some, Abeysekera highlights the positive impact it has had on his social life and sense of community. The shared amenities and individual living spaces allow residents to coexist harmoniously without feeling overcrowded or intrusive.
Abeysekera acknowledges that the communal living arrangement fosters strong relationships akin to those formed in college dormitories. He credits his time at Cohabs for helping him build a supportive community and lasting friendships, enriching his overall quality of life in a new city.
Conclusion
Living with 23 roommates in Brooklyn may not be the conventional choice for many, but for Ishan Abeysekera, it has proven to be a rewarding experience. Through Cohabs, he has found a sense of belonging, formed meaningful connections, and embraced a unique living arrangement that offers both affordability and a strong sense of community. As the cost of living continues to rise in urban centers like New York, communal living options like Cohabs provide a viable solution for individuals seeking affordable housing and a supportive social environment.
