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Tired of high rent? ‘Coliving’ concept takes off in St. Pete

Think of it as college dorm living, except for adults.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Amid high rents and rapid growth throughout the Tampa Bay area, some renters are opting into "coliving" situations to reduce the amount they shell out each month for a roof over their head. 

This is something that's been popular in Europe and the bigger metropolitan spaces, so we sat down to figure out if this is something that would work for St. Pete,” said Kate Berlin, manager at Docked Living. “Is St. Pete ready for this?

So far, the answer appears to be yes. 

Berlin said Docked Living just opened its first coliving space on May 1 and is already full. The company plans to open two more locations by the end of this year.

Docked Living’s first location is located on 28th Avenue S. not far from 4th Street. The house was gut-rehabbed into a space with eight fully-furnished bedrooms each with their own private bathroom. 

Renters share a living room, kitchen and outdoor space. Utilities are included, and there is laundry on-site.

If you’re worried about security, there are cameras outside and in the common areas of the premises. 

I would say the difference between dorm living and this is we're adults. So, we're hoping that everyone kind of treats this house like their own and that they take ownership and they respect this space,” said Berlin.

The coliving trend is one that is likely to continue as construction continues and rents rise across the Tampa Bay area. 

The local affordable housing crisis has leaders on both sides of the bay searching for solutions, and coliving presents an opportunity for those who want city living without astronomical rents.

Prices at Docked Living range from $550-750 per month for a six-month minimum lease.

Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.

 

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