Housing has always been more than just a roof over someone’s head. It’s the foundation for health, stability, work, and community. Yet across the United States, housing has become one of the most pressing crises of our time. Rising rents, stagnant wages, and a limited supply of affordable units have left millions of people struggling to find safe and reliable homes.

Dr Connor Robertson

I’ve spent years examining these patterns and building frameworks to understand what’s next. My work as Dr Connor Robertson is not only about real estate and acquisitions—it’s also about how housing fits into the bigger story of society. And when I look at the current state of things, one model stands out as both practical and transformative: co-living.

The roots of co-living

Although it feels new in the modern housing conversation, co-living is not an invention of 2025. It’s a return to something much older. In the early parts of the 20th century, boarding houses and shared homes were common. Extended families often lived under one roof, pooling resources and supporting each other.

Only in the latter half of the century did we see a sharp shift toward nuclear households—single-family homes in suburban developments, often isolated and disconnected from community. That model worked for a while, but today, it leaves many people priced out or left behind.

Co-living revives the idea of shared space, but with a modern lens. Bedrooms are private. Kitchens, living rooms, and utilities are shared. The balance is affordability without sacrificing dignity.

Why co-living works today

There are three reasons co-living makes sense right now: affordability, lifestyle, and community.

1. Affordability. In many cities, even small apartments require incomes that outpace what most workers earn. Co-living spreads the cost of rent, utilities, internet, and furnishings across multiple residents. The math simply works better.
2. Lifestyle. People move more often today. Early-career professionals, nurses on rotations, graduate students, and remote workers want flexible options. Co-living fits their needs better than long leases or expensive studios.
3. Community. Loneliness has become a public health concern. Shared living creates opportunities for connection, even in small ways—passing conversations in the kitchen, shared meals, or coordinated schedules.

PadSplit: a case study

One of the clearest examples of co-living at scale is PadSplit, founded by Atticus LeBlanc. The platform converts existing homes into shared housing units with private, lockable bedrooms and shared common spaces. Residents pay weekly rates that include utilities, internet, and furnishings.

From the outside, it looks simple. But the impact is massive. Tenants who could never qualify for a traditional lease suddenly find stable housing. Landlords see steady income. Cities gain more housing supply without waiting years for construction projects.

I’ve written about PadSplit many times because it highlights what’s possible when someone challenges traditional assumptions about housing. Instead of focusing only on new builds, the company asks: what can we do with the homes we already have?

Addressing the criticism

No conversation about co-living is complete without addressing its critics. Some argue it’s overcrowding. Others see it as disruptive to neighborhoods.

The truth is, poorly managed co-living does create problems. But well-run homes are different. They have clear rules, professional oversight, and thoughtful design. They blend into neighborhoods rather than disrupt them. They become assets rather than liabilities.

It’s important to remember: the alternative for many residents isn’t a private apartment. It’s instability, couch surfing, or worse. Co-living provides a dignified option where few others exist.