12 Ways To Find A Roommate In New York

Finding a roommate in NYC can feel daunting due to the competitive housing market, but with the right strategies and a mix of methods, you can navigate the process and find a compatible match. Whether you’re looking to share an apartment in Manhattan or a brownstone in Brooklyn, here are 12 ways to help you find a roommate in the city that never sleeps.

1. Use roommate-finding apps

There are a ton of apps for finding a roommate in NYC or around the country. Some are very broad and include everyone and everything, but others cater to a specific audience, lifestyle, location or amenity. These are some of the most useful.

• Roomi, described as both Tinder and Airbnb for roommates, is one of the top roommate finder apps, mostly due to its human-monitored security. Every paid member is vetted by actual real-life staff members through a thorough inspection of provided Facebook and LinkedIn profiles, and also requires users to provide a passport, driver’s license or visa for verification.
• Inside Digs is a paid app tailored to those already with a place and looking for a new roommate or to replace a current roommate moving out. The app asks lease-holders to finish Mad-Lib-like statements like “My neighbors would describe me as [blank]” and “The worst thing about my apartment is [blank].”
• Roomster is a website for renters looking to rent a single room in a house or find roommates. The site has listings all over the world and even allows renters with pets to search specifically for pet-friendly room rentals or potential roommates.

2. Post in Facebook groups

Facebook is home to a variety of NYC-specific housing groups where people regularly post about available rooms or seek roommates. Joining and actively participating in these groups can help you connect with potential roommates quickly, as these communities often have up-to-date listings and a wide range of options.

3. Craigslist

Though it may feel old-school, Craigslist remains a viable option for finding roommates in New York City. Be sure to screen potential roommates thoroughly since Craigslist can be a mixed bag in terms of quality, but you’ll often find decent listings for shared apartments. We recommend that you make sure to meet your potential roommates and check out the apartment in person before signing anything.

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4. Ask coworkers, friends, or friends of friends

Your personal network is one of the best resources. Let your friends, coworkers, and acquaintances know that you’re looking for a roommate in NYC. Word of mouth can yield trustworthy connections since it comes with built-in references.

5. Attend housing meetups

Finding roommates in New York City is commonly done via word of mouth or social networks. So much so that the city is home to in person housing meetups or networking events where you can meet other people looking for roommates. Websites like Meetup.com list these events, which allow you to network and connect with people who are also searching for shared housing.

6. Leverage your alumni network

Whether you’re a recent college grad or matriculated a bit ago, your college’s alumni network can be a goldmine for roommate seekers. Most local New York schools have an active alumni club or at least an active Facebook page or website for networking among its grads, and the bigger out-of-state schools even offer N.Y.C.-based clubs.

Try posting on the alumni club’s Facebook page stating you’ve got a great available room or are looking to find a roommate. Or hit up the club offices or president and ask if your room availability can be posted on their social media or in their online newsletter.

7. Try co-living spaces

NYC offers a growing number of co-living spaces run through companies like Outpost, Cohabs, and Common where you can rent a room with flexible leases and communal living arrangements. These companies curate residents based on similar preferences, which increases your chances of compatibility.

8. Use Reddit

Reddit can be a surprisingly useful platform for finding a roommate. Subreddits like r/nyc and r/nyhousing often have listings or roommate-seeking posts. The community vibe also lets you communicate directly and ask questions before committing.

9. Browse Instagram stories

Many New Yorkers use Instagram stories to post about rooms available or roommates needed. Try following NYC-specific real estate or housing accounts. People often tag these accounts when they’re looking for roommates or posting sublets.

10. Connect via online forums

Websites like NYBits and StreetEasy often include forums or classifieds for roommate searches. These platforms are generally real estate-centric but have robust communities that can help you find a place to share.

11. Post flyers in local coffee shops

It may seem old-fashioned, but posting or checking out flyers in coffee shops in neighborhoods you want to live in can be effective. If you already have a friendship or are acquaintances with your baristas, mention it to them as well. They likely know some of your neighbors and may have a lead on someone nearby looking for a roommie.

12. Hire a roommate matching service

If you’re looking for something more tailored, you can hire a roommate matching service. Companies like Perfect Strangers of NYC specialize in pairing people up for shared living arrangements based on personal preferences, making the process much easier.

The key to finding a roommate in NYC is to explore a range of methods while staying patient. Whether you’re using apps, social media, or simply asking friends for help, there are plenty of ways to find someone who’s a great match for your living situation. 

Finding a roommate in NYC FAQ’s

How can I ensure a potential roommate is trustworthy?

Before committing to living with someone, it’s important to do a background check. You can ask for references from previous roommates or landlords. Some people also request to see a credit report or proof of employment. Having a face-to-face meeting or video call can also help gauge their reliability.

Should I sign a lease or sublease?

It depends on your situation. Signing a lease provides more stability and legal protection, while subleases offer flexibility but may come with restrictions or a shorter rental period. Make sure any agreement you sign is clear and detailed, especially if you’re subletting.

What should I include in a roommate agreement?

A roommate agreement is a written document outlining shared responsibilities, expectations, and rules for living together. Important topics to cover include rent payment, utilities, cleaning schedules, quiet hours, and how to handle overnight guests. This helps avoid misunderstandings later on.

Can I find a roommate last minute?

Yes, NYC’s rental market moves quickly, and it’s common for people to look for roommates at the last minute. Platforms like Facebook housing groups and Craigslist often have last-minute listings. However, be cautious and vet any potential roommates carefully, even if time is tight.

Can I find roommates who share specific interests or lifestyles?

Yes, several apps and platforms allow you to specify lifestyle preferences, like whether you’re looking for a roommate who is vegetarian, a night owl, or someone who doesn’t smoke. Roomi is good for this, as they allow you to list and search by these preferences.

Is it better to find a roommate before finding an apartment, or vice versa?

There’s no right answer, but many people prefer to find a roommate first to share the burden of apartment hunting. However, if you already have a place, posting an available room can often attract more serious candidates.

How do I handle legalities if I’m subletting?

If you’re subletting, make sure the original lease allows for subletting and that you have a formal sublease agreement in place. It’s important to know your rights as a subtenant, which are protected under New York City law, but always check with the landlord or property manager to avoid issues.

What if I’m moving to NYC from another city or country?

If you’re new to NYC, try to start your roommate search at least a month or two before your move. Use video calls to virtually meet potential roommates and get a feel for the apartment.