This session felt special. We had some laughs, shared some stories, and learned a ton about what makes a coliving space truly feel like home. And guess what? We’re here to share this wisdom with you! So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide on how to pick the right coliving for you.

1. Know Yourself (and What You Want)

First things first, you need to get clear on what you’re looking for. What do you want to prioritize: an extra productive environment? Being able to meet lots of new people? Are you more of a slow or fast paced traveler? Do you value privacy or independence or are you more of a social butterfly?  Maybe you’re somewhere in between. Take a moment to jot down your must-haves. There are a lot of coliving spaces out there, all with different cultures, environments, amenities and vibes. Here are what some of our colivers focus on: 

• Sara: “I need a place with 24/7 access to coworking spaces and a strong entrepreneurial vibe.”
• Tom: “Reliable, high-speed internet is a non-negotiable for me.”
• Lena: “I look for a place with plenty of social activities and a welcoming community, maybe a place even open to the public.”
• James: “I want to feel safe and be able to know everyone living with me”

2. The basics

We all have different needs but there are some must-haves you should look for if you’re looking into a good community focused coliving space: 

• On-spot or local community manager: someone to go to in case of issues or for questions, someone that will support the energy of the coliving and help you fill the social calendar
• A social calendar: ideally one that is co-created with residents and can be flexible depending on the mood and spirits 
• Safety: you should have the ability to lock your room or apartment but also a feeling that you don’t need to. A golden rule: if you’re sharing a living space, you should be able to know who you’re sharing it with.
• Separate coworking space: there should be at least one space dedicated to work, one space dedicated to hanging out and one space dedicated to cooking and eating. 
• Communication platform: Slack and Discord are the best because they allow multiple channels as well as private messages on the same platform but there should at least be a Whatsapp group
• Rules: this one might be the most important. There should be rules about the space to ensure a smooth cohabitation: how the kitchen works, what are the quiet hours, are external guests allowed etc.

3. Location, Location, Location

The biggest question was: where do I find these good coliving spaces? Nothing beats word-of-mouth and recommendations from other nomads. Facebook groups like Digital Nomads around the world or Digital Nomad Girls can help with this as well as the Colivers Club Slack Channel. But you can also use platforms like Coliving Compass or MapMelon. Avoid platforms that also reference Airbnbs, hostels and other types of accommodations, except of course if you’re open to it. 

Where you want to live can drastically change your coliving experience. Do you dream of waking up to ocean views, or is a big city rhythm more your speed? Our residents shared some of their favorite spots:

• • Beachside Vibes: If you’re all about sun, surf, and sand, you’ll love Sun Desk in Morocco and Maraya in Tenerife.
  • Urban Jungle: For those who thrive in a vibrant city environment, check out Cape Coliving in Cape Town or Co404 in Oaxaca.
  • Mountain Retreat: If fresh air and hiking trails are calling your name, Alpiness in Switzerland or Kotor Nest in Montenegro are the places to be.

• Countryside peace: Head to Anceu in Galicia or right with us in Château.

Your community experience won’t be the same based on the location you pick. The more isolated the place is, the tighter the community will be. This is because interactions multiply on the spot: instead of going for your morning coffee next door, you’ll have it in the kitchen, instead of heading to a gym, you’ll workout with others etc. 

4. Community Vibes

You’ve probably understood by now. The heart of coliving is the community. It’s not just about where you live, but who you live with. Think about the kind of people you want to be surrounded by. Colivers shared some insights:

• Emma: “I thrive in a community of artists and creatives where inspiration flows freely.”
• Jake: “A place with like-minded fitness enthusiasts and access to workout facilities is key for me.”
• Cesar: “I’m an entrepreneur and need a lot of other business focused folks around to feel inspired”

All places recommended in this article have awesome communities but we can also recommend these pretty focused:

• For creatives, check out Burgas Coliving and their great art room.
• For foodies, think about Nine Coliving and their delicious breakfast and restaurants walking distance. 
• For lots of skillshares and business oriented content, Sun&Co is the place to be. 
• For women-only vibes, Cummary Sicily has a beautiful community. You can also join our Women’s Autumn Coliving Camp this october. 
• For an adventure spirit, check out Cloud Citadel or Wild Wifi in Namibia.

5. Budget Options

Last but not least, keep your budget in mind. There’s a coliving space for every price range but be aware of coliving spaces calling themselves “budget friendly”, they’re often hostels in disguise! Prices will vary depending on the country and should reflect the economic reality of the area. Amenities will change a great deal as well: is there a gym, a pool, breakfast, some classes included, are you sharing a bathroom with a ton of people or have a spacious and beautiful private bedroom? 

Sometimes the price tag seems high but remember that it includes all amenities and bills, cleaning and often a lot of extras! Not to mention the priceless community.  Most of us are not spending more staying in coliving than in another form of accommodation. 

One tip we have would be to not sacrifice the length of stay, as it’s often more affordable to stay longer. You can also split lots of costs with other residents: rent a car together, share your meals, get a group deal when visiting places or organizing an activity etc. 

So there you have it! Armed with these insights from our residents and the team, you’re ready to find the perfect coliving space that fits your uniqueness. Happy hunting, and who knows, maybe we’ll see you at Château Coliving soon! 🏡✨