Living with 23 Roommates in Crown Heights, NYC: A Unique Experience

In 2022, a Sri Lanka native relocated to New York from London and found himself living in a shared space in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, with 23 other roommates. This unique living arrangement, reminiscent of college dorms, costs him $2,100 per month, which includes Wi-Fi, utilities, a weekly cleaning service, and a monthly communal breakfast. The shared living experience was appealing to him as it provided an opportunity to meet new people in a city where he was unfamiliar with the social landscape. The building features four floors with 24 bedrooms and various communal amenities, such as a terrace, rooftop, small gym, and a basement equipped with a large couch and TV. Despite the challenges of sharing a living space with so many individuals, he reports that the ample shared amenities and personal room space have minimized conflicts. He shares a bathroom with only one other person, which he finds manageable. Abeysekera appreciates the respectful atmosphere among housemates, which has contributed to a positive living experience. He believes that the communal living arrangement has enriched his life, allowing him to forge friendships and connections with his roommates. He plans to maintain these relationships even after some of them move out. Overall, the experience has been largely positive, and he expresses little desire to move out, indicating that the benefits of shared living have outweighed any potential downsides.