Communes in the Clinton Hill Area

There are several communes running in the Clinton Hill area, according to The Local. The word "commune" conjures up images of tie-dyed tee-shirts, peace signs, love and sit-ins.

However, these communes are in tune with and tuned into our modern money-driven and financially-strapped society. The renters are not hippies but rather working professionals.

They share houses, in a communal fashion, to save on rent and split expenses such as utilities and food. They are basically renting bedrooms and sharing communal areas such as living rooms and kitchens.

According to the report, rent for one of the houses on Washington Ave is about $600 a month for a private room with additional small fees for food and utilities. What a deal! When you consider rents in the area for a full apartment, it really is a bargain.

Two more communes exist on South Elliot Place. And some of the communal renters are starting a website for communes in the area and working on a map to help people find the deals.

According to the New York Times, there is a law on the books that states "it is illegal for more than three unrelated people to live in an apartment or a house." Luckily, for the communal folks, this law is seldom enforced.

With rents as high as they are, who need this law?

Sources:

Amelia Blanquera, "Local Communes Build Community," The Local
Cara Buckley, "In New York, Breaking a Law on Roommates," The New York Times