Sleeping behind a curtain in Manhattan is now as affordable as $1,375 per month. The WeWork team known for communal work spaces has just launched a building of communal living spaces in New York City's Financial District where rent starts at $1,375 monthly. That price will get you a spot in a two-person, fully furnished space that includes a common kitchenette and bathroom, but no bedrooms. Instead, beds are separated from the main living space by a curtain. WeWork calls it an experiment "designed to bring people together." Gizmodo calls it a "glorified college dorm." But a $125 fee gives renters access to quite a few amenities. In addition to Internet, cable, and a supply of San Pellegrino and beer, residents enjoy a chef's kitchen, bar, roof deck and Jacuzzi, wellness room, laundry room with ping pong and billiards, and a housekeeping team, reports Forbes.
There are also options for people who like their privacy. A private bedroom starts at $2,000 a month, while a private studio apartment fetches $2,550. That's not exactly a steal; Mashable reports the price of WeLive's studio apartment is above average for Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, though slightly below average for the Financial District. There's a room in a three-bedroom apartment in the same area for $1,250, per Gizmodo. Yet a co-founder hopes people will be "empowered by (the) environment" and develop a sense of community. The start-up aims to bring in $605.9 million per year, BuzzFeed reported last year. Some 50 units now available in New York will eventually expand to 200 and a second location outside of Washington, DC, will officially launch in May. Spots there will start at $1,000 per month. (This software engineer avoided paying rent altogether.)