In 2022, coworking and coliving spaces are on the rise. Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and other location independent workers are flocking in droves to community-style living. From South America to Southeast Asia, communal living spaces are becoming an increasingly popular way to live, work, and travel. But which are the best coliving spaces in the world? Read on to find out!
If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that social distancing and isolation does not bode well for humanity. We are social creatures looking for a sense of community, and the idea of coliving spaces serves that need quite holistically.
Coliving and cohousing offer a way of life that so many of us crave. It’s like college for adults – allowing us to meet new people, take group fitness classes, and participate in other social activities together.
In addition to providing opportunities for group fun and networking, the coolest coliving spaces also offer unique amenities. This includes communal living areas, coworking spaces, fast internet, gyms and fitness studios, and even pools and game rooms. Add to that curated events and group outings, and you’ll wonder what’s taken you so long to find a co living space.
If you’re looking to discover the top co-living locations around the world, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 best coliving spaces that you should add to your bucket list!
What is coliving?
Before diving into the coolest co living companies and locations, let’s briefly cover what coliving is all about.
Coliving is a type of intentional community that is popular among remote workers, travelers, digital nomads, students, and entrepreneurs (among other groups). It provides a collective space where people with similar interests can live, work, and socialize together.
Coliving housing is typically a short-term living arrangement with flexible leases. Digital nomads and location independent workers will generally stay in a communal place between one month and a year. However, some people opt to live in such communes much longer. The FAQ at the end of this article highlights the differences between coliving and cohousing spaces.
Some perks of communal living include furnished spaces, cleaning services, utilities, social activities, and community events. Housing ranges from dorm-style accommodations to private homes and high-rise buildings. Co-ops and co-housing communities can be multigenerational and range from city to rural living.
In the US (and around the world), young people are opting to live more in apartments and co-living spaces than buying their own homes. This is due to a lower standard of living and high costs associated with owning and maintaining a home. Co-living rentals provide an affordable alternative to living at home.
Imagine a large beachfront property in Costa Rica with private villas, bungalows, and eco homes. You’re just steps away from a coworking space, yoga studio, and outdoor pool area that you get to share with like-minded people from around the world. This is the typical coliving concept that you’ll find around the globe.
The 5 best coliving spaces around the world in 2022
Looking to find a coliving space that’s right for you? Read on to discover the most unique coliving spaces in the world in 2022.
1. Selina in Tulum, Mexico
Live, work, and play together at this shared living space in Tulum. Selina CoLive is set on the beach with stunning seafront views. It’s a popular place for digital nomads and creatives alike – offering a fun retreat that’s ideal for communal living.
In addition to its amazing beachfront accommodations, you’ll also have access to coworking spaces, wellness classes, and other social activities. Selina offers both a hostel and coliving facility, so you’ll meet interesting people from around the world here. And if you choose to book the CoLive Flex option, you’ll have the flexibility of staying 30 nights in up to 10 different Selina locations.
At just $450 per month, this coliving program is unbeatable. It’s easy to see why this is among the coolest coliving spaces worldwide.
Website: https://colive.selina.com/
More amazing coliving spaces in Tulum:
Outsite Tulum: An eco-style beach house accommodation in the jungle
Casa Lam Tulum: A free-spirited coliving space with private casitas
Habitas Tulum – A sustainable sanctuary wedged between the jungle and ocean
2. Outpost in Bali, Indonesia
Experience Asia in style from this amazing coliving space in Bali. Outpost has a communal living design like no other – combining the comforts of home with modern coworking spaces and other living areas. You’ll have three colive destinations to choose from in Canggu and Ubud – each offering cozy, Balinese-style rooms, swimming pools, and access to yoga studios. Outpost attracts curious and adventurous souls from around the world.
Take advantage of the designated work zones, workshop spaces, private offices, and video-call booths onsite. In addition to the workspaces, it’s also a great location for a team wellness retreat. Enjoy weekend trips with fellow digital nomads and other remote workers. You won’t be far from some of the coolest cultural sites and beaches in Bali. However, after stepping foot inside this co living space, you won’t want to leave!
Website: https://destinationoutpost.co/
More popular coliving spaces in Bali:
Dojo Bali – Located near Echo Beach in Canggu, Bali
Bali Bustle – A modern coliving and working space in Badung, Bali
Cornerstone Coworking & Coliving – A co-living hub for creatives
3. Arctic Coworking Lodge in Lofoten, Norway
As far as coliving spaces go, this one in Norway is among the best. Arctic Coworking Lodge is nestled between mountains and fjords in one of the most beautiful nature spots imaginable. It’s a popular place for surfing, mountain climbing, and hiking (among other outdoor activities).
The coliving amenities here include private and shared bedrooms, communal kitchens and living spaces, 10 desks and 2 meeting rooms, and fast Wi-Fi. Buy beyond the coliving and working arrangement, this space is within convenient reach of epic nature areas. From world-class mountaineering to surfing, every day is truly an adventure here.
Whether you’re looking for a coworking space while traveling or you wish to colive here, Arctic Coworking Lodge takes shared living to a whole new level.
Website: https://www.arcticcoworking.com/
More unique coliving spaces in Scandinavia:
Vindmøllebakken – A sustainable living space in Stavanger, Norway
K9 Coliving – A self-organized coliving space in Stockholm, Sweden
Noli Studios – A communal living space in Helsinki, Finland
4. Selina Atitlan in Guatemala
Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Guatemalan Highlands, Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful places to stay in the world. This volcanic lake is home to quaint Mayan villages, verdant mountains, and some of the best hiking imaginable. It’s no wonder that this “Eden on Earth” is a magnet for digital nomads and location independent travelers.
Selina Atitlan offers a coliving community that you won’t want to miss. It’s decked out with shared amenities, including a swimming pool, beach bar, movie theater, kitchen area, library, and garden. The property is also known for its social activities and events, including yoga lessons, live music, and tours.
You won’t be far from some of the best nature reserves and cultural sites of Central America. However, once you get to experience this digital nomad coliving space for yourself, it will be hard to leave!
Website: https://www.selina.com/guatemala/atitlan/
More top coliving spaces in Central America:
SkyLoft Coworking – A living space for entrepreneurs and digital nomads in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Studio Coliving Hotel – A shared living space in Panama City, Panama
Outsite San Juan del Sur – A spacious oceanfront villa in Nicaragua
5. Neighbourgood in Cape Town, South Africa
Looking to live and work alongside other entrepreneurs, digital nomads, influencers, and other creatives? Neighbourgood is a coliving space you’ll want to consider.
This co-living community is in a trendy part of Cape Town. It’s outfitted with a communal kitchen, gym, game room, meditation and yoga spaces, and more. There’s also fast Wi-Fi internet and private bedrooms offered on the property.
Is this one of the best coliving houses in the world? It sure is!
Website: https://neighbourgood.co.za/
More cool co-living spaces in Africa:
Sun Desk – A coworking and coliving space in Taghazout, Morroco
Atlantic Point Backpackers – A commune and hostel in Cape Town, South Africa
The Outmakers – A digital nomad coliving space in Marrakesh, Morroco
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Coliving Spaces
From coliving apartments to houses, there’s a whole lot to learn about this unique way of working and traveling. Here are the answers to some popular questions about coliving homes.
What is the difference between cohousing and coliving?
Coliving spaces are communities where multiple people share the same home while cohousing involves clusters of private homes with shared amenities. In general, coliving spaces cater to younger travelers, including digital nomads and location independent workers. Cohousing tends to attract older people and is a more grounded and less transient community (an example of this is The Villages in Florida). Sure, there are exceptions to this rule, but in general these demographics hold true.
In a coliving community, you can expect to share bathrooms, kitchens, and other living spaces. They can be found in major cities, suburban areas, and everything in between. Cohousing communities, on the other hand, mainly share entertainment areas, including pools, coworking spaces, and gardens. You’re more likely to find a CoHousing community in a suburban or rural nature environment with lots of land.
Both types of communities are on the rise, and I predict the industry will explode in the next few years.
Why is coliving so popular?
In recent years, there has been a boom in remote work programs, retreats, and co-living. The sense of community is the biggest draw, however, it’s also quite affordable and convenient. Many people opt to live in exotic places like Costa Rica, Mexico, or Indonesia – which have cheap living expenses and lots of natural beauty. In the world of coliving spaces, there is a tribe for everyone. You just need to find it!
What are the disadvantages of co-living?
While there are many advantages to coliving, it doesn’t come without its costs. For introverts (in particular), the close proximity in living quarters can lead to some discomfort. Very independent and self-reliant people may also encounter disadvantages of living in a coliving or cohousing space. There’s such a thing as too much togetherness. So, if you enjoy having your own privacy and alone time, know that coliving isn’t for everyone.
Are there communal living spots in the US?
Absolutely. You’ll find coliving and cohousing spaces in all 50 states, including all of the major cities and metropolitan areas.
How much do coliving spaces cost?
The answer to this question will depend on the location and amenities of the coliving space. In many co-living spots, you can choose between having a shared room or private room. Some places have upscale amenities like gyms, game rooms, outdoor pools, and lounge areas. In addition, the price for coliving in NYC will be much higher than in Colombia, for example. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay anywhere around $500 per month in budget-friendly places up to $2,500 per month in more expensive destinations.
Is co living safe?
Generally, co-living is safer than living alone. Coliving spaces are community-oriented, so people check in with others often. In addition, communes often have security cameras and locks and safes in each bedroom to promote safety.
Coliving for digital nomads and creatives in 2022
I hope you enjoyed reading this round-up of the coolest coliving communities around the world. There are so many unique co-working and co-living spaces to choose from, so I encourage you to be nomadic and try as many as you can
Have you stayed in any unique coliving places that aren’t on this list? Please let me know, as I’m always looking to add to this list of coliving companies and facilities.
Happy Travels! -Jon
