Sky-high rents in New York City are forcing some young professionals to seek unconventional housing solutions, with some finding refuge in religious institutions like convents and boarding houses. The average rent in Manhattan has reached $5,125 per month, and across the five boroughs, the median cost is approximately $3,700, according to Zillow data. For a studio apartment, the average monthly cost can be as high as $3,500.
These soaring costs are making the dream of living and working in New York City increasingly challenging for many. In response, some young women are exploring alternative living arrangements that offer significantly lower prices in exchange for adhering to specific rules.
Lauren Wallett, a 43-year-old writer from South Africa, found herself in need of short-term housing upon her arrival in New York City. Seeking to pursue a creative and independent life without the financial burden of market-rate rents, she discovered religious housing options through social media. Wallett now resides at Saint Joseph's Home, a short-term residence affiliated with the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Hell's Kitchen. She pays $1,300 per month, which includes her own room but requires sharing a bathroom with two other residents and a communal kitchen with approximately 80 guests. Despite these shared facilities, Wallett appreciates the safety and quietude of the residence, noting that men are not permitted and the environment provides a sense of security.
Wallett, who identifies as a "mystic" rather than strictly Catholic, finds value in the inclusive and caring atmosphere of the religious home. She sees the religious iconography as a source of inspiration and appreciates how the unconventional living situation allows her to focus on her writing career.
Other young women have also shared positive experiences with similar housing. Katie Rettig, 32, has resided in two convents in New York and expressed more trust in nuns than in random individuals found on rental platforms. Diana Janna Reyes Núñez, 26, moved into the Centro Maria convent after her mother's death, finding it a more affordable option that also provided support during her grieving process. Katie Cornelia, in a TikTok video, described her convent living experience upon first moving to the city as the "the best case scenario," highlighting a large room in a Chelsea brownstone, a clean environment, and provided meals without mandatory religious activities.
Religious boarding houses are not exclusively for women. Peter Carruthers, President of Kolping New York, stated that his organization offers short-term housing for both men and women. Kolping House, established in 1894, provides short-term accommodation on the Upper East Side, primarily for interns and international guests, with weekly rates starting at $305 for students and interns. The facility has 88 rooms and maintains a consistent occupancy rate of about 90%. Carruthers noted that the demand remains high despite minimal advertising, attracting individuals seeking safe, relatively inexpensive housing with amenities like a locked room and access to the city.
While the primary appeal of these residences is affordability, residents like Wallett emphasize the profound impact of communal living. She described it as a humbling experience that fosters a sense of independence and mutual support among women striving to build their lives in the city on their own terms, even if through unusual or challenging means.