Houston is a sprawling metropolis known for its energy sector, world-class medical center, and incredibly diverse food scene. However, its sheer size (over 600 square miles) makes it a daunting city for newcomers. The "Loop" (Interstate 610) defines the inner city, while the suburbs stretch endlessly outward. Traditional rentals here often require 12-month leases and strict credit checks, which can be a barrier for digital nomads, travel nurses working at the Texas Medical Center, or new graduates.
Coliving offers a strategic solution to Houston’s sprawl. By bundling utilities, furniture, and flexible lease terms into one price, these operators save you from the hassle of setting up electricity in a deregulated market and buying furniture for a short stay. They also provide instant community in a city where driving is mandatory and meeting people can be tough.
While rent in Houston is generally more affordable than Austin or Dallas, the "Coliving Premium" here buys you location - often placing you in walkable pockets like Montrose or near the Med Center - and the flexibility to move without breaking a lease. The list below covers the top operators you need to know.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Houston Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- UNITi Montrose: The first ground-up coliving development in Houston, located in the hip Montrose district.
- Outsite: The global nomad standard (currently operating via waitlists or partner networks in the region).
- Bumblebee Coliving: A specialized operator in Northeast Houston offering affordable, all-inclusive private rooms.
- CoHousing: Refers to "CoHousing Houston," an intentional community development in the East End (Second Ward).
- Bella Coliving: A boutique or independent operator often found on local listing platforms (verify specific house location).
- PadSplit: A massive platform for affordable shared housing with weekly payments, highly active across Houston.
- Roomies: A peer-to-peer platform connecting individuals with spare rooms to renters.
- FurnishedFinders: The go-to platform for travel nurses and mid-term professionals, especially near the Medical Center.
- Bungalow: A tech-enabled roommate matching service that manages shared homes in residential neighborhoods.
- 4stay: A marketplace for student and intern housing, aggregating options near universities like Rice and UH.
- SharedNest: A matching platform connecting hosts with renters, focusing on affordable shared living solutions.
UNITi Montrose
UNITi Montrose is the flagship purpose-built coliving development in the city. Located in the culturally rich Montrose neighborhood, it offers a "plug and play" lifestyle with fully furnished units and extensive amenities. It is designed for those who want the privacy of a micro-unit but the social benefits of a dorm, all within walking distance of Houston's best bars and art galleries.
Location: Located in Montrose, Houston's most eccentric and walkable neighborhood. You are steps away from award-winning restaurants, thrift stores, and the Museum District.
Website: https://unitimontrose.com
Pricing: Rates typically range from $1,400 to $1,800+ per month. This is a premium price point but includes furniture, utilities, and access to luxury amenities.
Deposit: A standard 1-month rent or a small security bond is required depending on credit history, handled with professional property management standards.
Rental Terms: Flexible lease terms are available, catering to both short-term corporate stays and long-term residents seeking stability.
Amenities: Features a resort-style pool, podcast recording studio, coworking lounge, fitness center, and regular community events for residents.
Outsite
Outsite is the global standard for productive nomads. While they do not have a permanent flagship building in Houston, they are a key resource for nomads looking for vetted, work-ready environments. Their presence is often through partner networks or future planned locations, as Texas is a growing hub for their member base.
Location: Currently operates via Partner Locations / Waitlist. They target central, vibrant areas if active, but currently serve Houston primarily through network connections.
Website: https://www.outsite.co
Pricing: Member Rates apply. Pricing would align with their US standards, typically $1,500+ per month for vetted spaces with guaranteed workspace quality.
Deposit: Minimal. Bookings made via the Outsite platform generally require a booking hold rather than a large landlord deposit, easing cash flow.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Designed for mid-term stays (1-3 months), perfect for digital nomads testing out the city without a long-term commitment.
Amenities: The core promise is verified high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, and access to the global member directory for networking.
Bumblebee Coliving
Bumblebee Coliving focuses on providing accessible, stress-free housing in Northeast Houston. Their model is built around "all-inclusive" living, removing the barrier of utility deposits and furniture shopping. It is an excellent option for students or young professionals who need a safe, managed home without the high price tag of luxury apartments.
Location: Primary residence located in Northeast Houston. This offers a quieter, residential environment with easy highway access to the city center.
Website: https://www.bumblebeecoliving.com
Pricing: Affordable. Rates are designed to be budget-friendly, often significantly lower than renting a private one-bedroom apartment in the area.
Deposit: Standard. Typically requires a security deposit to cover the furnished room and common areas, refundable at the end of the stay.
Rental Terms: Month-to-month agreements. This flexibility is a key selling point for those in transition, students, or workers on temporary contracts.
Amenities: Fully furnished rooms with queen beds and desks, shared kitchens, in-unit laundry, and all utilities (Wi-Fi, electricity) included.
CoHousing
"CoHousing" in Houston refers specifically to CoHousing Houston, an intentional community project. Unlike standard coliving, this is a community where residents actively participate in the design and management of the property. Located in the East End, it focuses on sustainability, shared resources, and "knowing your neighbors" in a deep, meaningful way.
Location: Located in the East End (Second Ward), a historic and rapidly evolving industrial neighborhood known for its art scene and proximity to Downtown.
Website: https://www.cohousinghouston.com
Pricing: Market Rate (For Sale/Rent). Units are often sold as condos with monthly HOA/community fees, though some rental units may exist within the community.
Deposit: Varies. Purchasing a unit involves standard real estate down payments; rentals would follow standard lease deposits.
Rental Terms: Long-term. This is a permanent community designed for people who want to put down roots and actively participate, not for transient travelers.
Amenities: Massive Common House with a commercial kitchen for shared meals, guest rooms, coworking space, and community vegetable gardens.
Bella Coliving
Bella Coliving appears to be a smaller, boutique operator or a specific property often listed on aggregator platforms. In Houston, this likely refers to independent shared houses or "Bella Vida" style apartments that market to the coliving demographic. It represents the "mom and pop" side of the market - smaller, more personal, and often more affordable.
Location: Properties are typically found in various residential neighborhoods, often in quieter suburbs or near employment hubs for convenience.
Website: Check Airbnb or local listing sites. They often do not have a standalone corporate website, relying on platforms for bookings and reviews.
Pricing: Mid-Range. Generally competitive with local room rental rates, offering good value for fully furnished spaces compared to corporate complexes.
Deposit: Standard. Usually one month's rent or a platform-held security deposit is required to secure the room.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Often open to month-to-month arrangements or 3-6 month leases, providing agility for renters.
Amenities: Includes shared kitchen access, furnished bedrooms, Wi-Fi, and typically parking, which is essential in a car-dependent city like Houston.
PadSplit
PadSplit is a major player in the affordable housing space in Houston. They convert single-family homes into multi-room shared living spaces. It is designed for the workforce - people who need a clean, safe room near their job without a credit check or long lease. They have hundreds of rooms across the Greater Houston area.
Location: City-wide presence. Massive footprint in suburbs like Spring, Katy, and Pasadena, as well as inner-loop neighborhoods, maximizing accessibility.
Website: https://www.padsplit.com
Pricing: Weekly payments ($150 - $250/week). This pay-as-you-go model is excellent for cash flow management and avoids large monthly lump sums.
Deposit: Minimal. They usually charge a small move-in fee rather than a traditional large security deposit, lowering barriers to entry.
Rental Terms: Weekly. Highly flexible terms allow you to stay for as little as one week or indefinitely, perfect for uncertain schedules.
Amenities: Includes a furnished private room, all utilities (including Wi-Fi) in the weekly rate, and 24/7 telehealth access for members.
Roomies
Roomies is a peer-to-peer platform, not a building operator. It connects people who have a spare room with people looking to rent one. In Houston, this is a massive market due to the high number of large single-family homes. It is a "DIY" coliving approach where you vet your own housemates.
Location: Everywhere. Listings span from Downtown lofts to suburban homes in The Woodlands or Sugar Land, covering the entire metro area.
Website: https://www.roomies.com
Pricing: Varies wildly. You can find budget rooms for $500 in the suburbs or luxury rooms for $1,200 in downtown apartments.
Deposit: Landlord dependent. The specific deposit amount is negotiated directly between you and the host or primary leaseholder.
Rental Terms: Negotiable. Can be month-to-month or fixed-term depending on the host's preference and your needs.
Amenities: Depends entirely on the specific house, but usually includes full kitchen access and shared common living areas.
FurnishedFinders
FurnishedFinders is the go-to platform for travel nurses and mid-term professionals. Given Houston's status as home to the Texas Medical Center (the largest in the world), this platform is essential. It lists private rooms, garage apartments, and entire units specifically for 30+ day stays.
Location: Heavily concentrated near the Medical Center, Museum District, and Rice Village, minimizing commute times for healthcare workers.
Website: https://www.furnishedfinder.com
Pricing: Mid-Range. Private rooms often go for $900 - $1,300/month, while entire units generally range from $1,800+.
Deposit: Varies. Landlords typically ask for a refundable deposit (often $500 - 1 month rent) to secure the property.
Rental Terms: Monthly. Tailored specifically for 3-month contracts, which are typical for travel nursing assignments.
Amenities: Properties are verified for safety and usually include blackout curtains (crucial for night shifts) and keyless entry systems.
Bungalow
Bungalow is a tech-enabled roommate matching service that manages shared homes. They take large, beautiful houses in nice neighborhoods, furnish the common areas, and rent out the bedrooms individually. They handle the cleaning, utilities, and roommate matching, giving you a curated experience without the hassle.
Location: Active in popular residential areas like The Heights, Montrose, and Midtown, offering access to Houston's most desirable neighborhoods.
Website: https://bungalow.com
Pricing: $800 - $1,300 per month. Pricing is transparent and typically includes a monthly service fee that covers amenities and support.
Deposit: Standard. Usually one month's rent is required to secure the room and cover any damages.
Rental Terms: Flexible (4-12 months). A major perk is the ability to transfer to other Bungalow homes in different cities if you move.
Amenities: Includes monthly cleaning of common areas, furnished living rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and a resident app for splitting bills and maintenance requests.
4stay
4stay is a marketplace specifically for student and intern housing. In Houston, it aggregates options near the major universities (Rice, University of Houston). It acts as a middleman to ensure the housing is legitimate and "student-friendly," avoiding the scams often found on Craigslist.
Location: Clustered around University of Houston (Third Ward) and Rice University, making it ideal for students without cars.
Website: https://4stay.com
Pricing: Student-friendly. Rooms often range from $600 - $1,000 per month, tailored to student budgets.
Deposit: Varies. The platform helps standardize the booking process, but individual deposit requirements depend on the host.
Rental Terms: Semester/Internship based. Perfect for 3-4 month stays that align with the academic calendar or summer internships.
Amenities: Properties are fully furnished and utilities are often included to simplify billing and setup for students.
SharedNest
SharedNest is a matching platform connecting hosts with renters, often focusing on affordable, practical shared living. It operates similarly to Roomies but with a focus on creating "nests" or safe, comfortable environments. In Houston, it serves as another resource for finding independent landlords renting rooms.
Location: City-wide availability. Inventory depends on active hosts in the area, ranging from urban apartments to suburban houses.
Website: Search online for SharedNest listings (availability varies). It acts as a connector rather than a property manager.
Pricing: Affordable. Generally lower than corporate coliving options, offering a budget-friendly alternative for shared housing.
Deposit: Host dependent. Terms are agreed upon directly with the landlord providing the space.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Terms are negotiated directly, often allowing for unique arrangements suited to both parties.
Amenities: Varies by home, but typically includes standard shared house facilities like kitchen access and laundry.
To choose the right space in Houston, align with your needs:
- For the Lifestyle: UNITi Montrose offers a luxury, social experience in the city's coolest neighborhood.
- For the Medical Pro: FurnishedFinders is the essential tool for finding housing near the Med Center.
- For the Budget: PadSplit offers the most flexible, low-barrier entry to housing in the city.
- For the Community: CoHousing Houston offers a permanent, values-driven community for those putting down roots.
Insider Tip: Houston is a driving city. Check the commute. A "cheap" coliving space in Katy (West) is of no use if your job is in Baytown (East) - that is a 60-mile commute. Always verify the location relative to your workplace or the places you want to visit (Montrose, Heights, Galleria) before booking.
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