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Matt Alcock is a digital nomad currently living out of Roam, a co-living startup in the heart of scenic Bali. Co-living communities include communal spaces, as well as kitchens and work areas.
Alcock is a product designer who is spending a year to travel, work on pet projects and network with creatives.
Co-living companies are growing as jobs become more reliant on technology and remote working becomes more accessible.
In 2012, 24% of people in the U.S. spent 80% of their time working remotely, according to a Gallup poll. That number grew to 31% by 2016.
WeWork has delved into the co-living sector by opening two WeLive locations in the U.S. Its New York City location contains studios, four bedroom units and costs less than other buildings in the area.
Real estate firm Capitaland also recently launched lyf, its take on co-living. The company has plans to develop co-living communities across China, Singapore, Thailand, and more.
Hmlet, a Singapore-based startup, also manages co-living spaces in Hong Kong and Singapore that hosts community events to bring members together.
Roam is expected to open more locations this year in New York City and London in addition to its existing spaces in Miami, San Francisco and Tokyo. The company requires new members to stay for at least one week, but the average stay at least three.
“We don’t have any age limit or preference as it goes against what we believe,” according to a Roam spokesperson. “At Roam, we think that the proper definition for community is a rich mix of people coming together for a diverse range of experiences.”
Aaron Bryson, a cybersecurity consultant, has traveled the world for over a year and stayed in a Roam location in Bali. He expects co-living to exceed coworking’s popularity.
Coworking may not appeal to all digital nomads, but co-living has the potential to catch on if operators provide the proper amenities for these remote workers.
