How to Find Roommates When Moving to a New City

Moving to a new city is a thrilling adventure, but finding someone to share that journey (and your rent) can be daunting. Whether you’re chasing career opportunities, starting school, or simply craving a new beginning, having the right roommate can make all the difference. Not only can a great roommate ease the financial burden, but they can also become your first friend in an unfamiliar place.

Here’s a guide to help you find roommates the right way without the stress.

How to Find a Roommate

 

Know What You Want in a Roommate

Before you even start looking, take a step back and assess your needs. Are you a night owl or an early riser? Do you thrive in quiet environments, or do you enjoy socializing at home? Understanding your own habits will help you find someone with a lifestyle that complements yours.

Make a list of non-negotiables. These could include cleanliness, smoking habits, pet preferences, or work-from-home arrangements. It’s not about finding your clone; it’s about setting realistic expectations to avoid future conflicts.

Tap Into Your Network

Your first port of call should be your personal network. Ask friends, colleagues, or even friends of friends if they know anyone moving to the same city or looking for a roommate. Referrals are valuable because you already have that layer of trust. You might not know the person directly, but you’re not starting from scratch, either.

If your network doesn’t yield results, expand to alumni groups, local community forums, or apps designed for young professionals.

Avoid the Pitfalls of Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace might seem like a quick fix for finding a roommate, but it’s often a gamble. Listings can be vague, outdated, or even misleading. Worse still, there’s little verification, meaning you’re relying heavily on intuition when judging a stranger’s trustworthiness.

Unlike dedicated roommate platforms, Facebook lacks advanced filtering options, making it hard to search by lifestyle compatibility or specific preferences.

There’s also the issue of safety. You’re potentially meeting people with no vetting process involved. If you do go down this route, proceed with caution, meet in public places, and do your due diligence.

Use a Roommate Finder

When it comes to finding a compatible and trustworthy roommate, nothing beats a platform built for that purpose. SpareRoom is a top choice for anyone moving to a new city.

Every 3 minutes, someone finds a roommate on SpareRoom. As the #1 roommate finder in the U.S., it offers a smart, secure, and efficient way to connect with potential housemates.

Safety is their priority. A team of moderators works 7 days a week, screening ads and content for scams or inappropriate listings. This creates a much safer environment than general online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

You can search based on what’s important to you, whether that’s budget, preferred neighborhoods, or lifestyle habits. Posting an ad or browsing listings takes just a few clicks, and their mobile site and app make it easy to stay in the loop even when you’re on the go.

What really sets SpareRoom apart is this platform’s customer support. Unlike many online services, they’re incredibly accessible. Need help? You can actually talk to someone. Their Customer Services team usually picks up within three rings, or if you email, you can expect a response within 24 hours. That kind of support is rare and can be a real game-changer when you’re making a big move.

Ask the Right Questions

Once you start connecting with potential roommates, it’s time to ask the right questions. Think of this like a job interview but for your future home. Ask about their daily routine, how they feel about guests, how they handle chores, and what they expect from a roommate.

It’s also worth digging into how they manage shared expenses. Will you split everything down the middle, or will you each pay for your own groceries? These discussions might feel awkward upfront, but they help avoid misunderstandings later.

Meet in Person (or on Video)

If possible, try to meet face-to-face. If you’re not in the same city yet, a video call is the next best thing. Sure, you’ll be able to confirm they’re real, but you’ll also get the chance to read their vibe. Are they someone you could relax around after a long day? Are they respectful when talking about past roommates?

Meeting also gives you a better sense of their communication style, which is crucial for cohabitation. If the conversation feels forced or uncomfortable, trust your instincts.

Visit the Apartment or Room

Seeing the space before you commit is essential. Photos in listings can be misleading or outdated. Check for signs of wear and tear, the condition of shared spaces like the kitchen and bathroom, and whether the atmosphere matches what you’re looking for.

Pay attention to the neighborhood, too. Is it close to your work or school? Are there grocery stores, parks, or transit options nearby? If you can’t visit in person, ask for a virtual tour.

Trust Your Gut

Everything may look good on paper, but something might feel off. Maybe they tick all the boxes, but you can’t imagine living with them day to day. Trust that feeling.

Roommates don’t need to become your best friends, but you should at least like and respect each other. Living together involves sharing more than just rent – it means sharing your living space, habits, and sometimes even your downtime.

Conclusion

Finding the right roommate is about more than just splitting bills. It’s about creating a living situation that feels safe, comfortable, and positive. In a new city, the right roommate can help you settle in faster and feel less alone.

While it might be tempting to rush the process, take your time and use the right tools. Avoid the pitfalls of platforms like Facebook Marketplace and instead rely on trustworthy platforms that prioritize safety, support, and compatibility. With the right approach, you’ll find the right place to call home.