This blog post is all about coliving in New York.

If you’re anything like me (a travel-loving digital nomad always on the lookout for the next best place to call “home”), then you know how tricky finding short-term housing can be.
Hotels are often too expensive for longer stays, and subletting can be a hassle if you’re only in town for a few weeks or months.
Enter co-living communities, like SharedEasy in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
This blog post is all about SharedEasy Coliving in New York.
Where I Chose to Stay When Visiting New York
During my recent stay in New York over the holidays, I decided to skip all the trouble and opt for a co-living apartment, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my personal experience staying at the SharedEasy Williamsburg location, how co-living works, and why I think it’s the perfect setup for digital nomads, interns, or anyone wanting the flexibility to live month-to-month.
If you’re considering a short-term stay in New York City, keep reading. I’ve got all the details and insider tips you need!
Plus, check out my 140+ page New York City travel guide for your upcoming trip:
SharedEasy Across NYC and LA
Before diving into my Williamsburg experience, let’s talk about SharedEasy as a whole.
If you’re researching co-living options, you’ll be happy to know that they aren’t limited to one single neighbourhood or even one single city.
They have multiple properties scattered across New York, covering popular areas in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as a presence in Los Angeles.
That means whether you’re looking for something in the heart of Brooklyn or prefer to explore the West Coast in sunny California, you can likely find a SharedEasy spot to suit your needs.
The best part?
The general concept and perks remain the same at each location: fully furnished rooms, communal living spaces, utilities included, and a sense of community.
So if you fall in love with the idea of co-living (which I suspect you might), you can easily hop from one SharedEasy site to another as you continue your digital nomad journey or short-term work assignment.
This kind of flexibility is a dream for people who travel often or switch cities every few months.
Now, onto the details of my Williamsburg stay!
You can also see the SharedEasy apartment in my New York City vlogs from my time living there. I’ll also be sharing a dedicated YouTube vlog talking through the apartment in more depth:
What is Co-Living?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of my stay at SharedEasy, let’s talk about co-living itself.
Co-living is essentially a modern take on communal living, but with a professional twist. Instead of trying to piece together a sublet on Craigslist or dealing with inconsistent Airbnb hosts, you can rent a fully furnished room in a house or apartment managed by a co-living company.
These companies offer month-to-month leases, take care of utilities and cleaning services, and create communal spaces that encourage social interaction among residents.
Why Coliving in New York is Perfect for Digital Nomads
If you’re a digital nomad, you likely want a comfortable, clean, and flexible living space without the headaches.
Hotels can be incredibly expensive in a city like New York, and short-term sublets might come with too many strings attached.
Co-living provides a happy medium: you get your own room, shared common areas, and the ability to extend or end your stay relatively easily.
For someone who might hop around from city to city, this is a dream situation.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Community Over Loneliness
Another huge perk of co-living is the community aspect.
When you move to a new city (especially one as big as New York) it’s easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed. In co-living spaces, you’re typically surrounded by people who might also be new to the area, or at least like-minded individuals who enjoy meeting others.
Social events, communal dinners, and shared responsibilities can help you settle in faster and make genuine connections. Something that’s often missing when you rent your own place or stay in a hotel.
Useful Links & Resources
✈️ SafetyWing USA Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offer great deals for digital nomads as well as travellers booking short breaks away.
📲 Airalo USA Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in New York with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
👩🏻💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.
My Stay at SharedEasy Williamsburg Coliving in New York
I stayed at SharedEasy Williamsburg over Christmas and the New Year, and it turned out to be one of my favourite holiday experiences ever.
Located on Meserole Street, the building was modern, clean, and perfectly designed for people who need a temporary home base without wanting to sign a year-long lease.
First Impressions of My SharedEasy Coliving in New York Apartment
Right from the moment I stepped into the apartment, I could sense a friendly and welcoming vibe.
There’s a difference between stepping into a random Airbnb and entering a space where everything is designed to help people live comfortably together.
The SharedEasy staff were quick to answer my questions before my arrival, and the move-in process was almost too easy.
It felt like I was checking into a hotel, only better because I had the privacy of my own room and immediate access to a kitchen, living room, and all the usual amenities of a regular home.
Decor and Ambiance of the SharedEasy Apartment
One of the first things that struck me was the modern but cozy decor.
My bedroom had a comfy bed, a desk for working (crucial for a digital nomad like me!), and plenty of storage space.
The shared living areas, like the kitchen and living room, were tastefully furnished and felt like a real home: no mismatched furniture or cluttered spaces. Everything was bright, clean, and inviting.
There were even fairy lights in the living room that reminded me of my first apartment in New York – another way to feel even more at home!
Amenities and Community at SharedEasy
Beyond the basics, SharedEasy provides amenities that I personally found very useful.
Since I was travelling and still working (while also trying to sneak in some holiday sightseeing), I needed fast, reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable place to set up my laptop for a few hours each day.
Luckily, the Wi-Fi was consistently strong throughout my stay, and my room had a desk that made working easy.
Fully Stocked Kitchen
One of the best parts of living in a communal environment is that you don’t have to worry about purchasing every little thing when you arrive.
The kitchen was stocked with pots, pans, utensils, and everything else you might need to cook.
I love trying out local restaurants, but sometimes you just want to whip up your own meal, especially when you’re on a bit of a budget.
I appreciated that I could do grocery runs to the local supermarket and then come home to a well-equipped kitchen.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Cleaning and Maintenance
SharedEasy also handles weekly cleaning of the communal areas, which keeps everything looking nice without you having to worry about coordinating chores with your flatmates.
If anything ever broke or needed replacing, there was a straightforward process to get help or file a request.
During my stay, everything worked perfectly, so I never had to use that service—but I knew it was there if I needed it.
Events and Socializing
Here’s the standout point for me: the social aspect.
I’ve lived in shared apartments before (in London, New York, and Liverpool), so I’m no stranger to communal living.
However, SharedEasy takes it one step further by organizing community events and social gatherings. During my stay over Christmas, they even had a holiday meal and party, which was such a cute touch.
If you’re new to the city or even just looking to make some friends, these events are perfect.
RELATED blog post to read: How to Spend Christmas Day in New York City
More Useful Links & Resources
🚁 Tours & Activities
Book your food tours, museums, viewing platforms and more via the below activity booking platforms:
- GetYourGuide: great for things like viewing platforms and helicopter rides
- CityPASS: Get the New York CityPASS to access 5 New York attractions for a reduced rate
- LikeALocal Tours: use ORLAGH10 for 10% off foodie tours in New York
- Viator: use Viator to book tours and museums across the city
- CityUnscripted: I’ve created three unique tours in NYC with CityUnscripted that are a must-do!
🧳 Bounce Luggage Storage
If you have a late flight out of New York, or arrive early in the morning before check-in, Bounce is the perfect solution. Store your luggage safely at one of their locations you can find on the app and don’t delay your time exploring the city.
Location, Location, Location: Meserole Street
When it comes to real estate (and especially short-term rentals in NYC), location is everything.
One of the major selling points for me when choosing SharedEasy was the convenience of getting around Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Close to the Subway
At Meserole Street, you’ve got incredibly easy access to Hewes Station for the J/M/Z lines, which can zip you into Manhattan in just a few stops.
And if you prefer the L train, you can walk to Lorimer Station relatively quickly. The L train is a popular route if you’re heading toward Union Square or further west in Manhattan.
Having multiple subway lines nearby also gives you the flexibility to explore different parts of Brooklyn. And trust me, there is so much to explore.
Getting Around Williamsburg
I found that Williamsburg is very walkable, and I actually spent a lot of time wandering around the neighbourhood on foot.
Whether I was heading out for a morning coffee (from Before Coffee right across the street), meeting up with a friend for brunch (Sunday in Brooklyn is very nearby), or even shopping for groceries, everything was within a comfortable walking distance.
Of course, having the Subway just a stone’s throw away meant I could hop on the train and be in Midtown or Downtown Manhattan fairly quickly. Also great for business meetings or touristy day trips during the holiday season.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Staying in the Williamsburg Neighbourhood
If you’ve never been to Williamsburg before, let me set the scene.
It’s a bustling, vibrant neighbourhood in Brooklyn that has a little bit of everything. Trendy cafes, eclectic bars, boutique shopping, and an artistic vibe.
It’s known for being a cultural hotspot. You’ll find street art at every corner, pop-up markets on weekends, and a huge variety of cuisines to try.
A Perfect Mix of City Energy and Community Feel
One of the reasons I love Williamsburg is that it still retains a community feel. Despite being so close to Manhattan.
People actually say hello to each other in the local shops, and small businesses thrive here.
Whether you’re into vintage clothing, artisanal coffee, or craft beers, Williamsburg is a haven for those who like to keep it local and support independent establishments.
Safety and Comfort
I personally felt very safe the entire time. Both in the SharedEasy apartment and while exploring the neighbourhood.
Like any big city, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. But in my experience, Williamsburg has a welcoming vibe.
Even during the holiday season, when the streets can get busy, it was never overwhelming.
Where to Eat and Drink in Williamsburg
Now, let’s talk about the food and drink scene, because if you’re staying in Williamsburg, you’re in for a treat!
The local supermarkets and the shared kitchen at SharedEasy made it easy to cook my own meals. However, I couldn’t resist popping into some of the many cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby.
Before Coffee
A personal favourite of mine was Before Coffee, located right opposite the SharedEasy apartments.
If you’re the kind of person who needs a caffeine fix to start the day, this place is a must-visit. The baristas are friendly, they serve a mean mocha, and the pastries are fresh and delicious.
I probably went there every single day of my three-week stay, no regrets whatsoever.
NYLA Coffee & Ammazzacafe
NYLA Coffee and Ammazzacafe are two other spots I highly recommend.
NYLA has a stylish, minimalist interior. Perfect for those who want to work on a laptop for a couple of hours or enjoy a coffee break.
Ammazzacafe, on the other hand, has a slightly more vibrant atmosphere. It serves some of the most delicious Italian food and they even have live jazz music on Sundays.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Bars and Restaurants
Beyond coffee shops, Williamsburg is known for its bars and restaurants.
You’ll find everything from authentic Italian pizza spots to modern fusion restaurants. For a casual night out, there are plenty of laid-back bars offering craft beers or creative cocktails.
My personal tip? Spend a weekend just walking around and see which place catches your eye. There’s truly something for every taste bud here.
If you’re into live music or a more social scene, Williamsburg has numerous venues that host local bands and DJs. You could check out spots like Brooklyn Bowl (which is part bowling alley, part music venue) or Skinny Dennis if you’re looking for a fun honky-tonk night out.
Why SharedEasy Makes Sense for Short-Term & Long-Term Stays
Now that I’ve covered the essentials: co-living, the SharedEasy experience, and the fantastic neighbourhood of Williamsburg, you might be wondering if this is the right setup for you.
In my opinion, SharedEasy is perfect for:
- Digital Nomads: You get reliable Wi-Fi, a comfortable workspace, and a chance to network with other remote workers.
- Interns: If you’re interning in New York for the summer (or any season, really), co-living offers the flexibility of not being locked into a long lease, plus an instant community.
- People in Transition: Maybe you’re between apartments, moving to the city for a new job, or just want to experience New York for a few months without fully committing. SharedEasy is a seamless, low-hassle option.
No Hassles, No Long-Term Commitment
One of the best parts about co-living is that you’re not locked down by long-term leases, massive security deposits, or hidden fees like you would be with a traditional rental. Everything from utilities to furniture is taken care of.
Having lived with flatmates in London, New York, and Liverpool, I can tell you that the headache of setting up bills or dealing with landlord issues can be exhausting.
SharedEasy (and co-living in general) removes a huge chunk of that stress.
A Sense of Home
There’s also the intangible factor: it just felt homely.
Despite it being a short-term arrangement, the apartment felt warm, comfortable, and lived-in without being messy or impersonal.
Coming “home” after a day of sightseeing or work felt truly comforting. Especially when you have roommates who are also up for a chat or a meal together.
The fact that they organized a Christmas meal and party was so sweet. It really highlighted the sense of community and belonging that SharedEasy encourages.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Check Out SharedEasy for Coliving in New York!
Staying at SharedEasy in Williamsburg was more than just a convenient housing solution. It was an experience that elevated my time in New York.
Between the ease of move-in, the fully furnished setup, the friendly community, and the unbeatable location near public transport and Williamsburg’s bustling streets, I couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement.
For digital nomads looking for a short-term base, interns needing somewhere flexible, or anyone craving a community-oriented living situation, SharedEasy is a great option.
Williamsburg itself offers the perfect blend of city vibes and local charm. With plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to explore. I felt safe, comfortable, and truly at home for my entire stay.
So, if you’re contemplating a similar setup in New York, definitely consider co-living. And if you can, check out SharedEasy.
Who knows, you might even meet new friends, attend a holiday party, and end up with memories that last a lifetime!
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