Article author: Federica Girola, founder of Lotus Studio, a marketing, branding and design agency for coliving owners and wellness retreat curators (more at the end of the article).

Coliving, a transformative housing model centered around shared spaces and resources, continues to gain popularity worldwide. One significant question often arises: Where is the ideal location to establish a coliving community?

By taking an objective and balanced look at urban and natural settings, the unique advantages and challenges of each location become apparent. Understanding these factors is crucial for creating a sustainable, thriving coliving community. Whether you are envisioning an urban oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of city life or a serene retreat nestled within nature, the choice of location significantly impacts your coliving community’s sustainability and overall success.

So, let’s dive into some key factors influencing the choice of the best place for your coliving space.

Urban coliving: connections and sustainability in the heart of the city

In the midst of bustling city life, urban coliving spaces offer a sustainable solution for those seeking community, convenience, and an eco-conscious lifestyle. By emphasizing shared spaces and efficient land use, these developments make the most of urban density, effectively reducing environmental impact. Coliving operators often select central locations to encourage the use of greener transportation options and invest in energy-efficient appliances and innovative technologies to minimize their carbon footprint.

At the same time, urban coliving presents a valuable opportunity for individuals, especially digital nomads and remote workers, who seek the excitement of city living without feeling isolated in their apartments. These connected living options provide an environment conducive to fostering connections and nurturing new relationships, easing the transition for newcomers to the city.

Natural settings: embracing the beauty of the outdoors

On the flip side, coliving communities nestled within natural environments offer a unique opportunity to connect with the great outdoors while minimizing their ecological impact. These spaces often utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and promote environmentally-conscious practices like composting and gardening.

Despite the idyllic charm of a coliving community immersed in nature, it’s essential to be mindful of land use regulations and potential environmental hazards. By working with local authorities and environmental experts, you can ensure your coliving project remains respectful of the local ecosystem while offering residents a tranquil, nature-inspired living experience.

Around a year ago I came across it’s thyme, and I think they’re a perfect example of a coliving community in a natural setting. Situated in a forest in Galicia, Spain, they are adopting regenerative practices like permaculture and agroforestry, prioritizing community building and living symbiotically with nature.

Accessibility: finding the right balance for your coliving community

When choosing a location for your coliving community, it’s essential to strike the right balance between accessibility and the unique character of your space. 

For urban coliving initiatives, selecting a site with good transportation options, including access to public transit and major roads, ensures easy commuting for residents and reduces reliance on personal vehicles. 

In contrast, nature-based coliving spaces may prioritize tranquility and seclusion, providing an escape for digital nomads or remote workers who seek a peaceful environment for coworking and coliving. In this case, access to nearby walking trails, natural attractions, and local services can enhance the appeal of your remote location, making it an ideal “coliving space near me” for those in search of serenity. In this case, access to nearby walking trails, natural attractions, and local services can enhance the appeal of your remote location, making it an ideal “coliving space near me” for those in search of serenity.

Regardless of your coliving community’s setting, the key is to create a well-connected environment that caters to the needs and preferences of your target demographic.

Proximity to services and amenities

Assessing the availability of nearby services and amenities is crucial for establishing a successful coliving community.

In urban settings, many of us appreciate the convenience of having a variety of amenities just steps away from our homes. Grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas all contribute to a vibrant and well-connected lifestyle. By thoughtfully selecting an urban location for your coliving space, you can tap into this desire for convenience, making your community more appealing to potential residents looking for a dynamic city experience.

On the other hand, imagine living and working in a nature-based coliving space, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors. Although these remote locations may not have the same variety of amenities as cities, they can still provide access to essential services. To bridge the gap between urban convenience and the serenity of nature, you can consider incorporating creative solutions like communal kitchens, shared outdoor workspaces, and hosting special events for the community such as cooking together, music jam sessions, karaoke nights, board game tournaments… everyone can provide ideas! Building connections with local service providers can also contribute to the sense of community you’re fostering – for instance, organizing grocery deliveries or arranging group outings to explore the local surroundings.

Complying with local regulations for your coliving project – and exploring incentives for sustainable coliving spaces

When planning your coliving community, it’s crucial to consider the specific zoning laws and building codes that govern your chosen location. These regulations play a vital role in shaping the development of any residential project, and your coliving space is no exception.

To ensure your space adheres to local regulations, start by researching zoning ordinances that dictate land use within your area of interest. By understanding the zoning requirements, you can identify any restrictions or guidelines that may impact your project’s design and construction.

Similarly, familiarize yourself with local building codes, which set forth standards for construction, electrical, plumbing, and other essential systems. Compliance with these codes is essential for ensuring the safety of your residents and the long-term success of your coliving community.

A friend once shared a story about his initial visit to Thailand, where he instantly fell in love with the country’s stunning islands. He dreamt of purchasing a small plot of land to open a retreat center. However, after living there for a while and getting acquainted with others who had similar aspirations, he discovered that the language barrier and the complexities of dealing with the local administration would make it quite challenging. Eventually, he decided against pursuing the idea.

In addition to complying with local regulations, it’s worth investigating potential incentives for sustainable building practices and materials in your chosen area. Governments and organizations worldwide increasingly recognize the value of environmentally-friendly housing solutions, and your coliving project may benefit from these initiatives. Research local programs offering grants, tax credits, or other incentives for constructing eco-conscious buildings or using traditional, region-specific materials.

Discovering opportunities in emerging or under-served markets

When searching for the perfect coliving location, it’s wise to explore emerging or under-served markets with growing demand for innovative housing solutions. By focusing on these untapped opportunities, you can establish a presence in areas where coliving is still a novel concept or where existing options fail to meet the community’s needs.

Keep an eye on emerging markets experiencing rapid growth, as these areas often attract diverse, transient populations that may be receptive to coliving. You could even consider under-served markets with limited housing options, particularly in urban areas where the cost of living continues to rise. By offering a more affordable and sustainable housing alternative, your coliving community could become an attractive solution for those seeking a more cost-effective, communal lifestyle.

Identifying your target audience and understanding local demographics

A successful coliving community begins with a clear understanding of your target audience – the individuals you envision thriving in your space. Are you looking to build a community of digital nomads, remote workers, families? Before settling on a location, define the type of person you want to attract to your coliving project, considering factors like age, occupation, lifestyle, and personal interests. 

Once you’ve established your ideal resident profile, gather information about the demographics in the area you’re interested in, looking for alignment or compatibility between your target audience and the local population.

Creating a thriving community depends on bringing together like-minded individuals who share common values and appreciate the unique benefits of coliving, in an environment where they feel welcomed, safe and inspired.

More about the author:

Hi! My name is Federica. I am the founder of Lotus Studio, a marketing, branding, and design agency dedicated to helping coliving owners and retreat curators elevate their online presence worldwide.

Over the past 3 years, I’ve worked with brands across several industries, helping them with their marketing strategy, branding, and visual identity. I’ve always loved traveling solo and during my trips around the world I had the chance to participate in several retreats – mostly in nature, related to wellbeing – and to join different coliving and coworking spaces. 

Since then, my mission has become clear: to empower coliving owners and retreat organizers establish a distinctive online presence, so that they are able to build their own community online, and bring it together physically.
This is what we do at Lotus Studio. Find more about us and how we can help you thrive at our website, www.lotusstudioagency.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn.