Co-living in State College: what it is and how it works

Co-living is housing designed around community: your own space plus shared kitchens, common areas and rhythms that make it easy to actually know your housemates.

Residents talking at the co.space

Updated 2026-11-02

At a glance: furnished doubles $895/month, singles $1,125/month, plus $50/month for all utilities and internet. 12-month lease, August 19, 2027 to August 15, 2028. 244 E Nittany Ave, a 5-minute walk to campus.

What is co-living?

Co-living is a housing model where residents rent a furnished private or shared bedroom and share common spaces like the kitchen and living room, with intentional community built in. It's popular in big cities worldwide and growing in college towns.

How co-living works at the co.space

  • 21 residents in 8 shared doubles and 5 singles
  • Twice-weekly house dinners cooked in pairs, about $5 a plate
  • Two funded retreats each year and a short weekly house meeting
  • A live-in House Manager and house agreements residents create together
  • A mix of undergrads, grad students and young professionals

Co-living vs. an apartment vs. a dorm

An apartment gives privacy but often isolation and extra bills. A dorm gives community but little freedom. Co-living sits in between: real independence, a home you can shape, and people who show up for each other. See the full cost comparison.

Is co-living right for you?

It's a great fit if you want friendships built into your home. It's not a fit if you want a party house or no interaction with housemates. Take the 60-second quiz on our homepage.

Frequently asked questions

What is co-living?

Co-living is housing where residents rent furnished private or shared bedrooms and share common spaces, with intentional community like shared meals and events built in.

Is there co-living near Penn State?

Yes. The co.space is a 21-person co-living house in downtown State College, a 5-minute walk from Penn State's University Park campus, operating since 2013.

What is expected of residents?

Plan on a few hours a week: house dinners on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, a short weekly house meeting, cooking about three house dinners per semester (in pairs, about $5 per person), and two retreats per year in September and January. Residents who lean in get the most out of it.

Is the co.space a party house?

No. The co.space is not a party house or a fraternity. Residents sign a House Manifesto that covers responsibility around alcohol and guests, and the house is shared with grad students and young professionals, so it stays respectful and livable. Creative gatherings like TEDx dinners or house concerts are welcome when the community agrees.

Come see it for yourself

Tours are the fastest way to know if the co.space is your kind of home. Text us, book a time, or start your application.