Coliving in Brooklyn: Rooms to Rent, Neighborhood Guide, & More

Co-living is an unfamiliar concept to some people until they start looking for affordable living options.

Co-living involves renting bedrooms within a multi-room unit to individual renters. Those renters share common areas, such as kitchens and living rooms, while splitting the costs of utilities and expenses. Many people seeking shared housing opportunities in Brooklyn turn to this option as a means of saving money.

In addition to the financial benefits, there are many other reasons to consider co-living in Brooklyn.

As renters share the common areas of their apartments, they have a chance to get to know each other and develop strong bonds. This sense of community offers emotional support and practical insights that can only come from others familiar with New York City living.

Newcomers and locals alike prefer Brooklyn co-living because of the unique position of this historic multicultural community. Living in Brooklyn keeps residents close to JFK Airport, the New Jersey state line, and Lower Manhattan. Brooklyn also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, nightlife, dining, and recreation to anyone in the area.

Brooklyn or Bushwick co-living apartments provide affordable housing in the heart of New York, which repeatedly claims the title of most expensive city in the U.S. These locations keep renters close to valuable community resources and activities.

Shared housing in Brooklyn is ideal for university students, seasonal workers, or those relocating to the area with limited resources. In many cases, it can provide a starting point for saving up for a home or condo in a neighboring borough.

For these and other reasons, co-living is an ideal option for anyone looking for an affordable way to find out what New York City is all about.

The Benefits of Co-Living in Brooklyn

As a Brooklyn resident, you’ll be able to enjoy the many advantages of co-living for as long as you choose. While there’s practically no limit to these advantages, here are the top three Brooklyn co-living benefits:

Lower Your Cost of Living

When it comes to your overall living expenses, housing comprises the largest percentage of your monthly costs. The extremely high rent rates in New York add to that financial burden.

Fortunately, affordable co-living in Brooklyn can help reduce this sizable expense. In addition to paying less for your rent, you’ll enjoy inclusive utilities in most co-living rentals.

Build a Social Network

Although New York is a massive city with an ever-expanding population, it can also feel like a lonely place to live.

The benefits of Brooklyn co-living include access to an established social network. When you join a co-living apartment, you might have roommates who have already lived in the unit for many months. They’ll welcome you into the unit and the broader community.

Before long, you’ll likely come to think of your roommates as family. Renters share housekeeping responsibilities, discuss local news and events, and even enjoy meals together. Over time, you might begin looking for social activities to engage in with your roommates.

Enjoy Flexible Living Arrangements

Applying for a co-living room rental is fast and easy. Roomrs has a vetting process that typically provides approval within 24 hours. That means you won’t have to wait long to gain access to your new rental. Since most properties offer monthly rental agreements, you can move out just as quickly.

Moving out doesn’t have to mean cutting ties with your favorite co-living company. Let’s say you want to move closer to your college campus, or your employer asks you to relocate to a different borough. You can leave your Brooklyn rental and find a new Crown Heights co-living rental in time to meet any deadline.

Since you’ve already been through the Roomrs vetting process, you’ll be able to secure a new rental that much sooner. You’re free to move to the Upper West Side, East Village, or any prime location with ease. In this way, co-living keeps you mobile and promotes a more flexible lifestyle.

Brooklyn Neighborhoods Ideal for Co-Living

While there are many welcoming neighborhoods in Brooklyn, some communities are especially well-suited for co-living. Each neighborhood offers a different living experience, so matching your interests to the right neighborhood is essential. Here, we’ll look at a few outstanding Brooklyn co-living opportunities.

Williamsburg Co-Living

While anyone can take advantage of co-living in Williamsburg, extroverts and those with a greater interest in socializing will likely get more out of the experience.

A large number of cafes draw friendly and outgoing locals; in the evening, the neighborhood comes alive with a captivating nightlife; and the Williamsburg art scene attracts artists and art lovers alike.

Bushwick Co-Living

Up-and-coming artists and other creatives often seek Bushwick co-living arrangements since this community offers more affordable options. In addition to lower rent rates and a more sustainable cost of living, Bushwick offers a strong sense of community. Residents welcome newcomers while forging strong bonds with long-time locals.

Park Slope Co-Living

Finding vacant co-living rentals in Park Slope can be a challenge since people rarely leave the area.

This community feels more like a small town than a segment of a large city. Tree-lined residential streets create a sense of familiarity and peaceful living. Prospect Park is close by and, combined with other family-friendly resources, helps attract young people and growing families.

Downtown Brooklyn Co-Living

Finding a co-living home in downtown Brooklyn can help you stay close to the action. The accessibility of subway lines keeps all of NYC at your fingertips, and the neighborhood provides plenty of appeal on its own, with live entertainment, nightlife, dining, shopping, and more.

Who Should Consider Co-Living in Brooklyn? 

As Brooklyn co-living grows in popularity, more people will start to think about whether this option is right for them.

While any single adult can take advantage of Brooklyn or Bed-Stuy co-living, young professionals and those who are new to the city may find this option particularly beneficial. Co-living offers an easier way to get settled into a new neighborhood.

Along with professionals, co-living for students in Brooklyn has tremendous appeal. A co-living rental offers more space than a college dorm, and the rent rates are typically lower than what most universities charge for housing. Additionally, students can stay in their co-living rentals longer if they don’t plan to travel home after finishing a semester.

Remote workers will find that they have everything they need with these arrangements. That’s because co-living for digital nomads provides workspaces as well as living spaces.

Many co-living room rentals feature computer desks in each bedroom. Alternatively, the household might have common workspaces for every renter to use. Together with free Wi-Fi, this can provide the perfect setup for online work.

When it comes to creative co-living spaces, Brooklyn also offers numerous ideal rentals for artists.

Many are close to museums, studios, and other art venues. Some co-living apartments offer rooftop lounges, lush courtyards, and more common gathering areas that can inspire creativity. Whether you’re interested in writing, sketching, or composing music, you’re bound to find a perfect co-living space that allows you to indulge in your craft. 

Types of Co-Living Spaces in Brooklyn

There are several different Brooklyn co-living options to consider when deciding to try this lifestyle. Familiarizing yourself with the distinct traits of each option will help you choose the best rental for your situation.

Fully Furnished Apartments

This is one of the most recognizable types of co-living among people new to the shared housing movement. With this arrangement, each renter has their own private bedroom and shared access to common areas. Since the apartments are full-sized, the living spaces are larger and come complete with basic furnishings and appliances.

Private Room Rentals

With this Brooklyn co-living setup, each renter has their own private room or suite. Every room comes with a bed, kitchenette, and full bathroom. Although the rooms tend to be smaller than full-sized apartments, they offer more privacy. Renters also share community-wide common spaces, such as picnic areas or swimming pools.

Luxury Co-Living in Brooklyn

Clinton Hill co-living and shared housing in other Brooklyn neighborhoods offer varying levels of comfort.

Luxury shared housing starts with a furnished apartment occupied by multiple renters, who can expect more communal amenities. These typically include common areas, such as workspaces, fitness centers, rooftop lounges, and resident clubhouses.

How Co-Living in Brooklyn Works

Roomrs makes participating in co-living as effortless as possible. The goal is to offer a simple way to secure a new place to live, whether you’re moving a few blocks or coming from across the country.

Applying for Brooklyn Co-Living

The first step is to browse co-living listings until you find a rental that appeals to you. When you select a rental, you’ll complete a short application and provide some basic information. We’ll use the information in your application to conduct a brief background screening. This step helps us determine your eligibility and may take up to 24 hours.

Rent and Pricing Structures

Every listing features the monthly rent along with utility fees and service fees, giving you a transparent price to help you determine your move-in date.

The service fee is the only upfront cost — you won’t pay the rent or utility fee until we approve your application. The utility fee is a one-time payment. Once you move in, utility fees and amenity usage are included with your co-living rent in Brooklyn.

House Rules and Expectations

The rules might vary slightly from one rental to the next, so you’ll receive a list of guidelines upon moving into your rental. These will address how co-living works in Brooklyn to ensure that every renter knows their responsibilities. The rules address cleaning common areas and maintaining a respectful volume, among other policies.

Amenities and Extras

In addition to the basic utilities, your co-living rent includes access to and use of various amenities. Typically, this includes free cable and Wi-Fi access. Depending on the property’s features, you might also have access to swimming pools, fitness centers, lounges, study areas, and other common spaces.

Highlighted Co-Living Listings: Browse Rooms for Rent in Brooklyn

To help you with your search, we’ve provided a snapshot look at some of our available rooms for rent in Brooklyn. Roomrs listings go quickly, so don’t delay when you find a rental that appeals to you.

North 11th Street #2R

For rent, co-living Brooklyn roommates each pay $2,200 a month for this North 11th Street rental.

The unit is located in Williamsburg, offering opportunities for meeting local friends and enjoying an award-winning cup of coffee. It features 626 square feet of living space, including three bedrooms. There’s also a rooftop deck and on-site laundry machines.

Stockholm Street #1A

This Brooklyn co-living rental offers affordable Bushwick living at $1,650 per month. It’s perfect for writers, painters, and other creatives who want to stay close to the thriving NYC art scene. Stockholm Street #1A is a spacious duplex with on-site laundry machines, a roof deck, smart locks, and two bedrooms.

Carroll Street #1A

The Carroll Street #1A duplex is one of the few Brooklyn co-living listings that offer private backyard access. The four-bedroom unit boasts a total of 1,063 square feet and is available for $1,650 per month. It has in-unit laundry machines, a smart TV, and one-and-a-half bathrooms.

Pros and Cons of Co-Living in Brooklyn

Co-living may not be the right choice for everyone — it’s a unique living experience that comes with its own share of advantages and disadvantages. Every individual should research this option to determine whether it’s something they’ll enjoy. With that in mind, here’s a look at the pros and cons of co-living in Brooklyn.

Pros

Since each rental is unique, some properties may offer different benefits than others. Typical perks include:

• Lower rental rates
• Flexible rental terms
• A sense of community
• Fully furnished rooms
• Close proximity to prime locations

You’ll likely discover other benefits upon moving into a co-living apartment. Researching multiple properties can help you choose the best one to match your needs and interests.

Cons

With that being said, some of the potential drawbacks of co-living include:

• Limited privacy and quiet time
• Potential for disruptive roommates and conflicts
• Strict management rules

When weighing the downsides to Brooklyn co-living, keep in mind that conflict and restrictive rules are rare.

As long as you communicate openly with your roommates, you can easily resolve most disagreements. Similarly, property managers establish rules to ensure that every renter can enjoy their time as a member of a small and intimate community. 

FAQs About Co-Living in Brooklyn

Many people new to the co-living experience share similar concerns. We’ve provided answers to some of the most common Brooklyn co-living FAQs to give you a better idea of what to expect during your first stay in shared housing.

What Is the Average Rent for Co-Living in Brooklyn?

To calculate an average co-living rent, Brooklyn renters must choose their preferred type of shared housing experience.

For example, a private bedroom in a traditional apartment averages $1,650 per month. Shared bedrooms can reduce that amount by half in some neighborhoods. For larger units with three or more bedrooms, renters can expect to pay $2,000–$3,000 per month.

How Do Leases Work in Co-Living Spaces?

Most co-living spaces use monthly rental agreements rather than requiring long-term leases. Each renter signs their own rental agreement, taking sole responsibility for their rent payments and fees, property damage, and other responsibilities.

What Should I Expect in Terms of Amenities?

Amenities vary from one property to the next. Most rentals offer safe co-living in Brooklyn through smart locks, video surveillance in common areas, and other security technology. Additional amenities might include free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, energy-efficient appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers.

Luxury co-living rentals generally offer a larger number of amenities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, business centers, and outdoor lounge areas. High-end co-living options offer exclusive features and services as a means of delivering a more sumptuous experience.

Is Co-Living Safe?

In many ways, Brooklyn co-living offers more safety and security than traditional apartments. When you share a rental unit with multiple roommates, at least one of them will usually be at home, and criminals are less likely to break into an occupied space. 

Furthermore, building entrances, individual apartment entrances, and other entry points are equipped with access-control technology, such as smart locks. This ensures that only authorized renters and maintenance personnel can get in.

What Neighborhoods Are Best for Co-Living?

Roomrs offers rentals in many different Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill, Williamsburg, and Bushwick. Each community delivers a unique living experience.

When choosing the best neighborhood for your preferences, start by considering its location. The prospect of staying close to your college campus, work site, or cultural venues could be the deciding factor.

How to Choose the Right Co-Living Space in Brooklyn

There are several factors to consider when choosing co-living in Brooklyn. Depending on your situation, one might be more important than the others. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which of these factors take priority for you.

Budget

Many renters opt for co-living in Brooklyn as a means of saving money. Even so, it’s important to recognize that rental rates can vary widely from one property to another. A larger or more luxurious living space will cost more per renter than more modest shared housing options. Calculate how much rent you can afford before starting your search.

Neighborhood Selection

Every Brooklyn neighborhood offers something different. You’ll want to stick to downtown if you want to live in a bustling community. If you’re looking for a slower pace, try Park Slope. Similarly, Bushwick is an exciting hub for artists and other creatives. Look for a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle.

Amenities and Services

Think about how you’ll spend your downtime and look for amenities that will provide the resources you need to enjoy your time at home. Community clubhouses, rooftop lounges, fitness centers, and other perks can enhance your quality of life in Brooklyn.

Community Vibe

You should feel welcome in your new community, so look for a neighborhood that seems friendly and inviting. This might mean living in an area with more career-focused professionals or one with more families. When choosing the best co-living spaces, Brooklyn renters should look for a place that feels like home.

Testimonials From Brooklyn Co-Living Residents

As you prepare for your first shared housing arrangement, it can help to read some Brooklyn co-living reviews and consider other people’s experiences. As you can tell by reading testimonials for co-living, Brooklyn offers more rental opportunities than most newcomers realize.

Talena L. (Yelp)

“Zack went the extra distance to help me get my daughter set up while going to school in New York. We live on the other side of the U.S., so getting housing through Roomrs was perfect. They have short-period lease options, completely furnished houses, flexible options for changes... ideal for college students!”

Ben B. (Yelp)

“Roomrs had a profound impact on my move to NYC. Their seamless process for leasing and exceptional customer service truly eased my transition to the city. From the very beginning, their team made the leasing process straightforward and stress-free. Their sales representatives were incredibly helpful, guiding me through the available options and finding the perfect match for my needs. I met with Zach, who was very helpful and available a couple of times.

I highly recommend Roomrs to anyone seeking a hassle-free (the apartment is already furnished) welcoming experience while navigating the move to the city.”

Zack H. (Yelp)

“I spent the last three months living in New York completing an internship in the city. Working with Roomrs was a breeze. They facilitated everything — all I had to do was pay rent and everything was taken care of. The keyless entry worked great! If you are looking for housing, start with Roomrs and see what availability they have.”

Is Co-Living in Brooklyn Right for You?

Now that you have a better understanding of the Roomrs co-living experience in Brooklyn, you can decide whether it’s the right move for you. Lower rent, a strong sense of community, and the ability to move into a prime location are just a few of the many benefits you stand to enjoy.

Search for specific amenities and features when you compare our room rental listings today!