The Future of Coliving: Building Community with Integrity, Not Just Filling Rooms
Coliving: More Than Just a Real Estate Play
Coliving is having a moment. Across the U.S., real estate investors are discovering that turning single-family homes into shared living spaces can maximize rental income while meeting the growing demand for affordable, community-centered housing. But there’s a fine line between using coliving as a tool for connection and reducing it to a numbers game that prioritizes profit over people. If we’re not careful, coliving could become just another real estate fad—a missed opportunity to create something truly transformative.
Europe has already figured this out. Countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany have been developing intentional coliving communities for decades. They aren’t just stuffing strangers into shared houses; they’re designing spaces that foster connection, combat loneliness, and support a better way of living. Meanwhile, in the U.S., we’re at a crossroads: do we follow their lead or let the coliving movement become another short-lived real estate trend that fails to live up to its potential?
The Loneliness Epidemic & The Need for True Community
We’re lonelier than ever. Research from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office confirms that chronic loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s no wonder coliving is gaining traction—people are seeking more than just a place to live; they’re looking for belonging.
But let’s be honest: Not all coliving spaces are created equal. Some developers are slapping the word “community” onto a listing, throwing in a shared kitchen, and calling it a day. That’s not the answer. True coliving isn’t about proximity; it’s about resonance—living with people who align with your values, who see and support you. It’s about creating homes that inspire, not just fill space.
How Coliving Can Go Wrong (And How to Get It Right)
Right now, coliving is at risk of becoming the next Airbnb-style cash grab. Investors are moving fast, buying up properties, and scaling without thought to the long-term impact. But speed kills—at least when it comes to sustainable, intentional housing.
So how do we avoid this? By taking the long road. By moving with integrity. By ensuring that every coliving space is designed not just to be profitable, but to serve the people who live there. Here’s how:
Slow Down & Get Educated – Investors need to understand what makes a great coliving space. That means studying the European models, learning from successful operators, and being intentional about the communities they create.
Prioritize People Over Profit – Filling rooms isn’t enough. Operators must focus on designing environments where people feel safe, supported, and part of something bigger.
Think Long-Term – Quick flips and high turnover aren’t the goal. Longevity, stability, and lasting community-building should be the benchmarks of success.
Cultivate Connection – This isn’t just about renting rooms; it’s about fostering relationships. Creating regular events, shared experiences, and common values within a house makes all the difference.
Keep It Affordable – If coliving becomes a luxury trend, we’ve failed. The purpose is to provide housing that is both accessible and enriching, not just another way to price people out.
My Journey: Learning to Lead With Integrity
I entered the world of coliving because I believe in its potential—not just as an investment, but as a way to restore something deeply human: connection. And I’ll be real with you—I had to check myself along the way.
It’s tempting to move fast. To get out there and make something happen. To scale before the foundation is even set. But I’ve had to remind myself: fast isn’t better. Fast is how we lose sight of the vision. Fast is how coliving turns into just another way to squeeze profit out of housing.
So I’m choosing a different path. One rooted in dignity, grace, and the willingness to stay a student. I don’t have all the answers, but I know that if we—investors, operators, and residents—commit to doing this the right way, we can create spaces that genuinely change lives.
A Call to Action: Let’s Build Something That Lasts
If you’re an investor, an operator, or simply someone interested in being part of a more connected way of living, let’s talk. Coliving isn’t just about housing—it’s about reimagining what it means to live together in a way that actually works.
I’m based in Denver. If you want to collaborate, invest, or just have a conversation about what’s possible, reach out. Let’s make sure coliving isn’t just a fleeting trend but a meaningful, lasting movement.
Get in touch: hello@inspiravillage.com
