Chicago

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Co-Living and Shared Housing

An overview of shared accommodations, roommate options, and co-living apartments popular in Chicago.

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Comprehensive Guide to Co-Living and Shared Housing in Chicago, United States

Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with a wide range of housing options. Co-living and shared housing have become increasingly popular in Chicago, especially among young professionals, students, and immigrants looking for affordable and community-oriented living arrangements. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate co-living and shared housing in Chicago.

1. What is Co-Living and Shared Housing?

Co-living refers to a modern housing concept where individuals rent private rooms in a shared space, often with communal areas like kitchens, living rooms, and coworking spaces. Shared housing, on the other hand, typically involves renting a room in a house or apartment with roommates, but without the structured amenities and services that co-living spaces often provide.

Co-living spaces in Chicago often include utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning services, and community events in the rent, making them a convenient option for newcomers to the city.

2. Available Co-Living and Shared Housing Options in Chicago

Chicago offers a variety of co-living and shared housing options, ranging from professionally managed co-living companies to informal roommate arrangements. Below are some popular options:

Co-Living Companies

  1. Common

    • Locations: Multiple neighborhoods, including West Loop, Wicker Park, and Logan Square.
    • Features: Fully furnished rooms, utilities included, weekly cleaning, shared kitchens, and community events.
    • Price Range: $1,000โ€“$1,800 per month, depending on the location and room size.

  2. Quarters Co-Living

    • Locations: River North and Fulton Market.
    • Features: Fully furnished apartments, coworking spaces, utilities included, and social events.
    • Price Range: $1,200โ€“$2,000 per month.

  3. Bungalow

    • Locations: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and other neighborhoods.
    • Features: Shared homes with private rooms, utilities included, and flexible lease terms.
    • Price Range: $800โ€“$1,500 per month.

  4. Roomrs

    • Locations: Primarily in trendy neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square.
    • Features: Fully furnished rooms, utilities included, and a focus on community living.
    • Price Range: $1,000โ€“$1,800 per month.

Shared Housing (Roommate Arrangements)

  • Craigslist: A popular platform for finding shared housing in Chicago.
  • Facebook Groups: Look for groups like "Chicago Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets" or "Chicago Roommates."
  • Roomster: A platform for finding roommates and shared housing.
  • SpareRoom: A dedicated site for finding rooms and roommates.

Price Range: $500โ€“$1,200 per month, depending on the neighborhood, room size, and amenities.

3. Price Ranges and Budgeting

The cost of co-living and shared housing in Chicago varies widely based on the neighborhood, type of housing, and included amenities. Hereโ€™s a general breakdown:

  • Affordable Neighborhoods: $500โ€“$900 per month (e.g., Rogers Park, Albany Park, Avondale).
  • Mid-Range Neighborhoods: $900โ€“$1,500 per month (e.g., Logan Square, Lakeview, Uptown).
  • Premium Neighborhoods: $1,500โ€“$2,000+ per month (e.g., River North, West Loop, Lincoln Park).

Keep in mind that co-living spaces often include utilities, Wi-Fi, and cleaning services in the rent, while shared housing may require you to split these costs with roommates.

4. How to Find and Rent Co-Living or Shared Housing

The process for finding and renting co-living or shared housing in Chicago involves several steps:

Step 1: Research Neighborhoods

  • Consider factors like proximity to work or school, public transportation, safety, and lifestyle preferences.
  • Popular neighborhoods for co-living and shared housing include:
    • Young Professionals: West Loop, River North, Wicker Park.
    • Students: Hyde Park (near the University of Chicago), Lincoln Park (near DePaul University).
    • Affordable Options: Rogers Park, Albany Park, Avondale.

Step 2: Use Online Platforms

  • Visit co-living company websites (e.g., Common, Quarters) to browse available spaces.
  • Use platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Groups, Roomster, and SpareRoom for shared housing options.

Step 3: Schedule Viewings

  • For co-living spaces, you can often schedule virtual or in-person tours through the companyโ€™s website.
  • For shared housing, contact the current tenants or landlord to arrange a viewing.

Step 4: Review Lease Terms

  • Co-living spaces typically offer flexible lease terms (e.g., month-to-month or 6โ€“12 months).
  • Shared housing leases may require a longer commitment, so clarify the terms before signing.

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Co-living companies usually have an online application process.
  • For shared housing, you may need to provide proof of income, references, and a security deposit.

5. Cultural Aspects and Etiquette

Living in a shared space requires consideration and respect for others. Here are some cultural norms and etiquette tips for co-living and shared housing in Chicago:

  • Cleanliness: Keep shared spaces like kitchens and bathrooms clean. Many co-living spaces provide cleaning services, but youโ€™re still expected to tidy up after yourself.
  • Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise, especially during late hours.
  • Communication: Open communication with roommates is key to resolving issues and maintaining a harmonious living environment.
  • Community Events: Co-living spaces often host events to foster a sense of community. Participating in these can help you make friends and feel more at home.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Chicago is a diverse city, so be respectful of different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.

6. Key Resources and Tips for Immigrants or New Residents

If youโ€™re new to Chicago, here are some additional resources and tips to help you settle in:

Resources

  • Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): Learn about public transportation options, including buses and trains.
  • City of Chicago Website: Provides information on neighborhoods, safety, and city services.
  • Immigrant Support Organizations:
    • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).
    • Chicago Cultural Alliance.

Tips

  1. Public Transportation: Choose housing near a CTA train ("L") station or bus stop for easy commuting.
  2. Weather Preparedness: Chicago winters can be harsh, so ensure your housing has proper heating and invest in warm clothing.
  3. Networking: Join local meetups, cultural organizations, or community events to build connections.
  4. Safety: Research neighborhood safety and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
  5. Banking and Utilities: Set up a U.S. bank account and familiarize yourself with utility providers (e.g., ComEd for electricity, Peoples Gas for heating).

7. Conclusion

Co-living and shared housing in Chicago offer flexible, affordable, and community-oriented living options for new residents and immigrants. By researching neighborhoods, using online platforms, and understanding cultural norms, you can find a space that suits your needs and budget. Whether youโ€™re looking for a fully furnished co-living space or a more traditional shared apartment, Chicago has something for everyone.