What is coliving and how is it changing the lives of digital nomads?

In recent years, coliving has become one of the most sought-after living formats, especially among millennials and digital nomads. We decided to take a closer look at this lifestyle, its unique features and characteristics, and we also spoke with a digital nomad who willingly shared their experience of living in colivings.

What is coliving and its relevance?

In this article, we will discuss what the concept of co-living is and its relevance in our time, as well as what aspects attract people to co-living spaces.

Recently, we spoke with an architectural expert who detailed the modern trends in housing and spatial solutions, among which co-living holds a special place. But where does this format of communal living come from, and how is life organized within it? What are the differences between co-living spaces and traditional communal apartments or dormitories? Our specialist will answer these and other questions in the first part of the article. In the second part, we will explore the experience of a digital nomad who will share his impressions of living in co-living spaces, talk about where he has traveled, and how much money he needs for a comfortable lifestyle.

Definition of coliving

“The idea of co-living, while not new, is becoming relevant again in today’s conditions,” noted Maria Onuchina, the CEO of the hospitality operator 25/7. She talked about what co-living is and what its unique features are.

“Co-living is a rental model that offers shared living for people united by a common idea, project, or interest. The central concept of this format is micro-living — minimal personal space that is compensated by shared infrastructure: coworking spaces, relaxation areas, and cultural and entertainment events.”

The history of co-living.

When did this concept start to emerge? There are several well-known projects that served as the foundation for this direction. Prototypes of co-living began to appear in the UK in the 1930s.

In a space called "Izokon" in England, the intelligentsia and emigrants lived. The residents of this space had access to shared amenities in addition to their private bedrooms:

• laundry
• restaurants,
• rooftop terrace.

Staying in such places was not a cheap pleasure.

Modern co-living spaces

Over time, in the context of economic crises and transformations in the real estate market, interest in co-living spaces has begun to grow rapidly. A modern embodiment of such housing is excellently demonstrated by the project "The Rainbow Mansion," which opened in Cupertino, California, in 2006. This place has come closer to what is now commonly referred to as co-living.

All conditions for comfortable cohabitation have been created here:

• public areas for work and relaxation,
• opportunities for sharing experiences and knowledge.

The essence of coliving

This format is based on the principles of community and mutual assistance. Each co-living space has its own unique atmospheric vibe, brought in by its residents with their hobbies and interests, thereby enriching the shared experience.

Various events held for both co-living members and guests contribute to creating a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Advantages of co-living

Thus, coliving represents an alternative to traditional living arrangements, offering not just a place to live, but also a space for development, creativity, and finding like-minded individuals. This is especially important for digital nomads who value communication and collaboration with creative and active people.

Therefore, co-living is becoming increasingly popular among young people who are striving for continuous self-improvement and seeking new opportunities in open spaces.

The history of co-living

At the very beginning of its existence, the concept of co-living emerged thanks to five friends who decided to rent a mansion upon arriving at the NASA Ames Research Center. Their goal was not only to save costs but also to create an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas and creative collaboration. Since then, this project has evolved into a widely popular movement that remains relevant today.

The pandemic became a catalyst for its rapid growth, as many people began to seek a lifestyle where they could live and simultaneously develop their projects in collaboration with others.

Advantages of co-living

Co-living is significantly different from regular communal apartments: it offers not only financial benefits but also stylish, comfortable living conditions. Unlike dormitories, co-living provides a higher level of comfort, including:

• Coworking zones;
• A wide range of services;
• Organizing exciting events for all community members.

Life in co-living

Living in a co-living space is filled with diversity and a creative atmosphere. It is a place where collaboration, communication, and professional growth thrive. There are two main formats of living in such houses:

• Open format:provides access to everyone and becomes a place for finding like-minded individuals.
• Closed format:brings together people focused on implementing specific projects.

A key aspect of such communities is communication and interaction, which foster the creation of new connections and collaborative creativity.

Modern co-living spaces

What does modern co-living include today? Mainly, it consists of:

• Separate living spaces for residents;
• Common spaces: cafes, coworking spaces, gyms;
• Additional amenities: cinemas, swimming pools, and even spa centers.

The management company takes on all utility expenses, ensuring safety, cleaning, and maintenance. It's also important to note that many quality co-living spaces have a community manager on their team who creates a friendly atmosphere that fosters communication and creativity.

Global development of co-living

As of today, the concept of co-living is actively developing and is reflected in various corners of the planet.

Pros and cons of co-living.

Co-living can take the form of an exquisite mansion or a multi-story building that offers areas for fitness, relaxation, spa, and coworking. This living format provides the opportunity to live, work, socialize, and unwind simultaneously, freeing individuals from everyday worries and the need to spend time commuting. However, it should be noted that the popularity of this lifestyle is mainly characteristic of large cities, as co-living is a relatively new concept that is actively developing in metropolises. It is likely that in the future, similar residential formats may emerge in regional areas, offering services for company employees.

The main audience of co-living spaces.

The desire for co-living arrangements is primarily expressed by millennials and earlier generations. In the 21st century, there is a noticeable increase in the number of independent individuals; young people are demonstrating their self-sufficiency, starting their careers early, postponing family creation to a later date, and becoming less dependent on strong social ties. Despite this, the need for communication remains relevant, and co-living offers wonderful opportunities for interaction with like-minded individuals, as well as options for solitude. Thus, while the concept of co-living is not new, it is once again becoming in demand.

Financial aspects of life in co-living spaces

Is living in co-living spaces expensive? How is the payment made? Living in co-living spaces can be 10-15% more expensive compared to regular apartment rentals. However, these 15% cover a variety of additional services, high-quality maintenance, and various events, making this lifestyle quite beneficial.

• Residents usually sign individual leases.
• Each tenant is responsible only for their portion of the property and the associated payments.

Maria's personal experience

“I absolutely love the activity and positive atmosphere that prevails in co-livings,” shares Maria about her experience living in this format. She says, “I was born in Bulgaria, but I spent my childhood in various corners of the world. For the past five years, I have been living the life of a digital nomad, constantly on the move, working on projects in the USA and Europe. My professional focus is on digital marketing and management in the fields of tourism, travel, and adventure. The first place I tried co-living was CoWorking Bansko in Bulgaria. This community remains my favorite place on earth, where I made wonderful friends.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that coliving is not just another trendy phenomenon, but a conscious choice that resonates with an increasing number of people, especially among millennials and digital nomads. Living in a coliving space means not only sharing a living environment but also forming a community based on common interests and goals. It is a space where you can find like-minded individuals and focus on projects, while also remembering to take time for rest and entertainment.

As the experience of the digital nomad I mentioned in the article shows, such places offer a unique opportunity for professional and personal growth, as well as for forming long-lasting connections and friendships. Open spaces, access to modern amenities, and organized events make life in co-living vibrant and exciting.

Advantages of co-living

• Comfortable housing:modern living conditions with necessary amenities.
• Community of like-minded individuals:the opportunity to find new friends and partners.
• Balance support:the combination of work and rest to enhance productivity.
• Creative atmosphere:favorable conditions for self-expression and creativity.

An important point is that colivings not only offer comfortable housing but also support a balance between work and leisure, harnessing the creative potential of their residents. The number of such spaces is growing every year, and they are becoming an integral part of urban culture, especially in large metropolises.

Conclusions

Thus, if you are looking for a new living format that combines freedom, comfort, and opportunities for creativity, coliving might be exactly the solution you are seeking. I hope this material helps you better understand all the advantages of this format and perhaps inspires you to embark on your own experiments in the world of shared living.