Shared Living Arrangement: Cohabitation of Partner and Two Friends in a Single-Family Dwelling
Young Adults Embrace Unconventional Living Arrangements for Community and Connection
In the heart of a suburban neighbourhood that reaches into D.C., a unique living arrangement has taken shape. Four adults in their late twenties and early thirties, along with a red-haired cat, have moved into a single-family house, breaking away from the traditional nuclear family model.
Prior to moving together, the group members lived in various living arrangements, including a basement apartment and a student apartment. However, it was not until they came together that they found a sense of community that many adults often lack in adulthood.
The group's living situation has brought about a vibrant and supportive community, reminiscent of the camaraderie they experienced during their college days. Every Tuesday evening, they come together for a shared tradition - a house dinner, often consisting of elaborate three-course meals. Activities range from watching basketball games, going into town for ice cream, playing disc golf, paddleboarding, grocery shopping, and discussing meal plans.
The group's home, a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house, has been filled with modern practices, despite its traditional reflection of a nuclear family. The open-plan design allows for flexibility, serving multiple purposes - work, leisure, and social activities can all be accommodated within the same space. This adaptability supports the group's need for personal privacy while promoting interaction and community connection.
The group's lifestyle stands in contrast to many of their neighbours, who are parents with two to six children, or older adults who have sent their children to college. Yet, the group hosts annual events such as a summer party with a grill and cornhole, and a Christmas party with appetizers, a signature cocktail, and a gift exchange.
The group started living together in May 2020, a time when many were forced to reevaluate their lifestyles due to the lockdown. During this period, they filled their time watching the "Fast and Furious" franchise, Netflix's Outer Banks, and MasterChef. They also adopted a cat and delved into cooking and baking.
Despite societal expectations for these young adults to be married, have a mortgage, and be raising at least their first child, the group has chosen to live together, share weekly dinners, and host annual parties. Their living arrangement, while unconventional, serves as a testament to the evolving nature of modern living arrangements for young adults, emphasizing flexibility, affordability, shared use of space, and social connectivity.
This shift towards flexible and multi-purpose living spaces, co-living models, and multi-generational households is a response to the changing economic and social realities of the 2020s. These living arrangements not only provide affordable housing options but also foster vibrant, supportive communities that cater to the needs of young adults today.
What kind of lifestyle do these young adults embrace, bucking societal expectations for marriage, homeownership, and family raising? They opt for an unconventional living arrangement in a home-and-garden setting, fostering relationships and community, reminiscent of college camaraderie.
