Private Story
Roommates
Summary
As a 27 year old living in Brooklyn, New York, I’ve noticed a theme threading young adults in their twenties together: roommates. In a coming over age series, taking place in one of the most expensive cities, this documentation will showcase the realities of the transition to adulthood while documenting the complexities of different socioeconomic backgrounds across gender and race. Creating an intersectional yet relatable experience for young adults residing in Brooklyn, New York.
In one of the most formative decades of one’s life, reaching towards self actualization becomes a daily practice and relationships take on a new meaning. Navigating romance, career goals, mental health issues, financial independence, and sexuality is treacherous enough. Doing this all the while learning to peacefully coexist with others, is a concept worth examining. Longterm roommates might seem like just another trend in youth culture, but that poses the question: Is having roommates a choice? Or is it the only choice?
The way many people in their 20s are able to live in the fourth most expensive city in the world, is by having roommates. In 2017, it was reported that in New York City those aged 23 and under had an average monthly income of about $1,800. From 23 to 28 the average monthly income was around $3,300. A studio or 1 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn averaged at around $2,500. It’s no surprise that for the majority of young adults residing in New York City, living alone is unachievable.
Whether these economic pressures apply in entirety or part, there is a commonality in the shared experience amongst young adult roommates. The majority aren’t homeowners and are less likely to get married younger but living with roommates is not a new concept. It’s in a way, traditional. It provides ease during the transition to adulthood while creating relationships in one of the most vulnerable and intimate settings.
While attending Syracuse University I documented the daily lives of two groups of roommates. Each story provides a raw depiction of what is often considered both the best and worst times of many young adults’ lives. Each examines how students navigate college life while chronicling their seemingly carefree lives on the fringe of adulthood and responsibility.
These stories offer a prologue, showcasing an intimate view into the lives of young adults sharing a residence in Syracuse, NY. The next chapter of my project represents a long term continuation of this work by taking an in-depth look at young adult roommates in their twenties living in Brooklyn, while reflecting on past college experiences.
In this study of roommates, I am documenting eight diverse living arrangements over four years, focusing on two groups each year. Bimonthly visits with each group will showcase the realities of the transition to adulthood while documenting the complexities of different socioeconomic backgrounds across gender and race. Each situation is uniquely layered with its’ individual challenges and blanketing commonalities. Creating an intersectional yet relatable experience for young adults residing in Brooklyn, NY.
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