What Makes a Coliving Space Community-First?
- Giedre Dekeryte
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
A recap from our unconference session at Bansko NomadFest
Today at Bansko NomadFest, we (the NomadUnion Coliving team) hosted an unconference session on a topic we’re truly passionate about: Community-First Colivings. What are they, how can you spot them, and what makes them genuinely different?
With around 20 engaged participants, ranging from regular Colivers to experienced community managers and fellow Coliving operators, we dove deep into the core elements that define a space where community isn't just a marketing word, but a lived experience.
🎯 Our Focus
In today’s world, the term Coliving is used in many ways. From serviced apartments to high-end hostels, a wide range of spaces now fall under that umbrella. And while there’s absolutely room for all types, our focus today was specifically on community-first Colivings, the kind of spaces where deep connection, shared values, and collective experiences come first.
We wanted to help people identify these spaces more easily, whether they're looking for their next stay or thinking about creating one themselves.
🛠️ How the Session Worked
After a brief introduction, the group openly shared both positive and negative experiences in Coliving. This honest exchange set the stage for a collaborative exercise using the note-and-vote method. Everyone wrote down what they believed were the most important features of a community-first Coliving space. Then, we voted.
The result? A rich, crowdsourced list of what truly matters when it comes to building meaningful communities in Coliving.
🧩 Key Elements of a Community-First Coliving
Here are the top features that stood out:
Cozy Common Spaces Comfort and design matter. Welcoming shared areas are essential for casual connection and spontaneous conversation.
Regular Activities From community dinners to skill shares and nature hikes—structured events help people integrate and bond.
Community Manager (Ideally On-Site) A dedicated host makes a huge difference. They set the tone, guide the energy, and support the group experience.
Minimum Stay Requirements Longer stays foster deeper connections. It’s hard to build community when people come and go every few days.
Shared Meals Food is more than sustenance - it’s a ritual. Eating together remains one of the most powerful ways to connect.
🌱 Other Important Features
Community Chat (e.g. WhatsApp group) A digital home for ongoing conversations, coordination, and support—especially valuable outside of structured activities.
Coliving Culture & Shared Values Spaces thrive when residents actively choose to engage, respect each other, and co-create the experience.
Presence of the Founder When the founder is around, it shows commitment and care. Their involvement helps set the tone and culture.
Pre-Stay Consultation A quick call or intro message can align expectations, set intentions, and welcome new guests before they even arrive.
Spa or Wellness Facilities On-Site Spaces that support not just connection but well-being often create deeper, more intentional community dynamics.
Feedback & Surveys Open feedback loops (like surveys or check-ins) ensure the community evolves with its members and keeps communication honest.
Transparent Communication Being upfront about what the space is—and isn’t—builds trust and helps guests find the right fit.
Connection with the Local Community Community-first doesn’t stop at the house door. Ties to local people, culture, and places add depth and authenticity.
In Closing
What we learned today is that community-first Colivings are intentionally designed experiences. They require effort, presence, and shared responsibility from founders, hosts, and guests alike.
We're grateful to everyone who contributed to the session and helped shape this shared understanding. If you're searching for more than just a place to sleep, if you’re looking for real connection, these are the signs to look out for.
Let’s keep co-creating spaces that feel like home, even when we’re far from it.
Manuel and Giedre from NomadUnion
