Living in one of the world’s priciest cities, New York, can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to renting apartments. Ishan Abeysekera, a 33-year-old engineer who relocated to the U.S. from London in 2022, discovered a unique housing option to maintain his financial balance. In an interview with CNBC Make It, Abeysekera discussed his decision to share an apartment with over 20 others, costing him $2,100 (around ₹1.76 lakh) in monthly rent.
Many young people in New York opt for shared living spaces to cope with high rent while enjoying a sense of community. Abeysekera echoed this sentiment, explaining that renting solo would result in an unmanageable financial burden. He currently lives in a building operated by Cohabs, where the rent covers essentials like WiFi, utilities, weekly cleaning, and communal meals.
Initially, upon moving to New York, Abeysekera stayed in a one-bedroom apartment in the Financial District, arranged by his company. After a few months, he realized maintaining such an arrangement on his own would be unsustainable, prompting him to explore alternatives.
Eventually, Abeysekera found a communal living arrangement in Crown Heights within a $2,000-3,000 budget. Sacrificing personal space, he saw it as an opportunity to connect with others. “How do you really meet people when you’re new to a city? This seemed like a great way to do that,” he shared with CNBC Make It.
The four-story building houses 24 bedrooms, with most tenants in their 20s and 30s. Despite private bedrooms with walk-in closets, common areas like the kitchen and bathrooms are shared—one bathroom per two people. Nevertheless, Abeysekera emphasized the apartment’s spaciousness: “There’s so much shared amenities and space that you’re never really in each other’s way.” The property also includes workout areas, co-working spaces, and a patio.
