[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified Burien resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]
Dear Editor,
As we discuss affordable housing in Burien, I would like to draw attention to a type that is gaining traction around the country: co-living.
In co-living, several people share a multi-bedroom house in a single-family zone. Each bedroom has a lock on the door. The renters share the common spaces (bathroom, kitchen, dining room., living room and yard). Parking is easily handled by the garage, driveway, and parking area in front of the house. Rents are well below those for apartments. Leases can be as short as one month.
The owner is the landlord, responsible for repairs and maintaining order.
This is a good solution for students, young people, seniors, those on contract jobs, and folks in a period of transition in their lives.
Co-living uses the housing stock we already have. No need to build something new with the complexities and expense involved in new construction or ask the government for financing. Banks are well-accustomed to financing single-family homes.
The timing is good. Boomers are retiring and many are downsizing, finding the upkeep of a 3–5-bedroom room and yard a burden at their age. A review of Zillow on June 6, 2025, found 59 three-four-bedroom houses and six five-bedroom houses for sale in Burien as well as three six-bedroom houses and two seven-bedroom houses.
In the new proposed zoning plan for Burien, duplexes, triplexes, and up to a five-plex or five units can be built on a single-family zone lot. These buildings would change the visual character of our neighborhoods. Renting rooms in an existing house does not. Allowing this type of housing is in the spirit of the proposed new zoning plan. It might need a variance, however, depending on the final version.
Two major companies doing this nationwide are gosota.com and bungalow.com. It is also attractive for the mom-and-pop landlord. The companies run a background and credit check on applicants. Maintenance, cleaning service. Wi-Fi, TV, utilities, washer, dryer, and furnished common areas are included.
- https://gosota.com/ (Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco). Offers 3–12-month leases.
- https://bungalow.com/ (over 20 cities). Offers a 30-day trial, meet-and-greet feature with potential roommates, and 4–24-month leases.
Apart from being economical, co-living is sociable. This is actually not a small point. In 2023 US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy reported that 50% of Americans feel lonely, especially younger people:
- People between 30-44 years of age were loneliest: 29% said they were “frequently” or “always” lonely
- Among 18–29-year-olds the rate was 24%
- For 45–64-year-olds, the rate was 20%
- Adults aged 65 and older reported the lowest rate: 10%
There were no real gender, racial, political or ethnic differences. Adults with more than one racial identity reported loneliness at 42%, however.
Income, but not education, made a difference:
- Those earning under $30,000 felt lonely at a rate of 29%
- Those earning $50,000-100,000 had a rate of 19%
- Those earning over $100,000 had a rate of 18%.*
Co-living is actually an old idea made new: the boarding house, a type of housing common in American cities at the turn of the century that fell out of use.
I hope this is a useful addition to the affordable housing debate.
Thanks.
Claire Yurdin
Burien resident for 12 years
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Lot of people do not like the fact of sharing bathroom and kitchen with roommates, I’m 77 and wouldn’t like it at all
Andrea, no one is seeking to force anyone to co-house.
I didn’t say anything about forcing anyone, one of the options was co-house, and I don’t care for that, but I’m sure there’s plenty who do. I don’t
appreciate anyone putting words in my mouth!
No big surprise given who you’re dealing with.
What exactly do you mean by that!do you think your opinion is the only opinion?
You have misunderstood, I was referring to who you had replied to.
I think the last thing we need is more corporations buying up housing stock for another scheme that raises prices and makes them hidden profits.
When I was younger in order to live in a nice, big house roommates were the only way to afford rent and expenses. This was in the 80s – late 90s and prices were lower. I have had good and nightmare roommates. Boundary setting, trust, expectations, and consequences for breaking contracts. Good roommates can be a godsend. Bad ones can result in calling the police for evictions. If you are in a position where you need a place to stay (especially to gat back on your feet), these situations can be a lifesaver. I was happy when this opportunity was available to me when I needed it, and when I was able to do the same for others during a time in my life when I was single.
There are logistical problems but this is a great idea. I like the idea of different generations under one roof. I would share a kitchen but not a bathroom too well. Thanks for an informative post.