NEED TO KNOW

  • A new living space is bringing people together to experience community on a different level
  • Cohabs spaces have a number of cohabitants who share common living spaces, while also getting space to call their own
  • In addition to living together, the young professionals and creatives are also socializing together, both spontaneously and in planned group events

Unusual living arrangements are part of what gives New York City its charm.

Cohabs is taking the concept to the next level with a community living space in the East Village, just steps from NYU and Tompkins Square Park. Established in 18 cities around the globe, the living arrangements provide a heightened and aesthetically pleasing cohabitation space where personal areas are smaller, focusing instead on common spaces.

PEOPLE spoke with three of the current tenants at the East Village location about their experience living with 17 other strangers.

For Sophie Angel, the living situation presented an opportunity for something new and different.

“In college, I lived in a student residence at first, then I moved into a shared apartment with roommates. Once I started working, I experienced living alone, which was different, but I also enjoyed the independence. Each setup taught me something different, but Cohabs has been a new experience for me,” Sophie tells PEOPLE.

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Breakfast in the living space.

Alonso Pradenas

Kaleb Davenport had experienced more varied living situations and was recommended Cohabs as a way to break into living in New York City.

“I grew up in East Tennessee in a small parsonage in the mountains. I moved to a hacker house in San Francisco after high school. For the last few years, I’ve been living in an apartment in Boston, but I decided this was my chance to go to the Big Apple,” he tells PEOPLE.

Originally from Chile, Alonso Pradenas has lived in several countries before moving to the US. “I lived in Houston until the end of 2023. In March 2025, I moved to New York City, one of my favorites in the world. I was looking to join a community of people that is looking for their place in the world, and I believe here in New York, you can find everything in the world, literally everything.”

While all three came from different backgrounds, they were all intrigued by what Cohabs has to offer.

“A good friend stayed at a Cohabs house during her internship in Brussels and had a great experience, so she recommended it to me,” Sophie shares.

“What drew me in was how easy it all was — no complicated paperwork, no guarantors or credit score stress like most NYC rentals require. It was super straightforward, which honestly felt like a breath of fresh air.”

Cohabitants out for drinks.

Alonso Pradenas

Similarly, Kaleb “had a career mentor who lives in Europe, who recommended Cohabs as a way to break out of my shell and meet new people.”

The social aspects offered by Cohabs’ spaces were intriguing to all three of the cohabitators.

“It’s great to have a social life by default — especially in a city like New York. Honestly, looking for an opportunity to make friends who want to do things around the city was 100% of the reason. I didn’t want to go to a hostel where it would all be visitors, but if I looked for roommates, it’s a gamble,” Kaleb points out.

“I love meeting new people, and in a city like New York, which can feel overwhelming at times, it’s nice to come ‘home’ to a space where you can relax, cook together, or just chat on the couch. It brings a kind of balance I didn’t expect but appreciate,” Sophie says.

Alonso points out, “Most of us here agree that if you want to live in New York, you have to really want to because to [experience] all of the benefits the city has, you have to somewhat leave your comfort zone.”

Cohabitants enjoy cooking together.

Alonso Pradenas

The built-in events that are designed to bring everyone in the space together have also helped foster friendships.

“Everyone who’s part of the community shows up — you can tell during events. Most people are open and genuinely willing to connect. There’s a great vibe and energy overall that makes the space feel warm and alive without ever being too much,” Sophie says.

“I have found that I connect on a much deeper level with some people than others. Some people I will call and talk to for hours, or get to know their whole life story. Other people I see at lunches and events, and I might not hit it off as much,” Kaleb says.

He continues, “But everyone is kind and a pleasure to be around. It’s all people who want to make the most of New York City, and I really, really love that about the Cohabs community.”

Cohabitants enjoy dinner together.

Alonso Pradenas

Socializing is important to many, and so too are finances. The pricing encompasses not just the space, but the overall dynamic of the living experience, Kaleb says.

“I have always felt that the price of Cohabs is much closer to the market price than haters claim. I have in-unit laundry. I have amazing heat and AC. I can host people and host parties, I have a rooftop. I think Cohabs is paying for rent and then also paying for the community and network of friends, but to me, that’s exactly what living in Manhattan or a nice area of Brooklyn is,” he argues.

“I don’t take for granted that it might not be accessible to everyone, but I know some people living with roommates in the East Village, and it’s very similar.”

“Cohabs includes a lot,” Sophie agrees. “It really depends on how much you value comfort nd convenience. For me, it was worth it to not have to worry about a million little things.”

Alonso adds, “This was a good way to explore and live the city, while I’m meeting new people. The price was very similar to what I was paying for a one-bedroom apartment in Houston.”

All three cohabitants say that this isn’t forever, but they’re enjoying the experience while it lasts.

“I always saw this as a temporary setup, but it really depends on the people in the house, and right now, I’m genuinely happy. The mix of independence and community is working well for me,” Sophie says.

“I think I would like to stay for six to eight months in this space. I don’t have a deadline in mind, but I think that time would be good to find a long-term space,” Alonso reasons.

“I see myself living here through the summer,” Kaleb says. “Living in a Cohabs for more than a year would be hard because people start leaving. But I think something close to 6 months is perfect. It’s enough time to make friends and get on your feet, maybe find some more permanent roommates in the house.”