The Metropolis Guide to Living with a Roommate

Austin moves to its own rhythm. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and sporting the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” title, it’s a city that’s creative, musical, collaborative, and always on the rise. Whether you’re an artist, musician, student, or in the service industry, chances are you’ve considered living with a roommate to make the most of Austin’s energy while still keeping things affordable.

At The Metropolis Apartments (aka “The Met”), we believe that sharing an apartment isn’t just a smart financial decision — it’s a lifestyle choice that can spark connection, creativity, and growth. With spacious layouts, affordable rent, and ample community amenities, The Met makes roommate living in Austin feel easy, comfortable, and inspiring.

Welcome to your Roommate Guide — everything you need to know about how to live with a roommate, find balance, and make the most of life in Austin, with The Met as your guide.

Why Live With a Roommate?

According to Payscale, Austin’s housing expenses are 3% higher than the national average. With the cost of living continuing to climb, shared spaces keep things manageable. But the reasons to choose roommate-friendly apartments go far beyond splitting bills. Here are some of the top reasons you should consider living with a roommate: 

• Affordability that fits your lifestyle: When sharing a two bedroom apartment for rent, utilities and other household costs (like furniture, cleaning supplies, etc.) become more affordable because everything can be shared. With floor plans, including three bedroom apartments for rent on up to four and five-bedroom layouts, The Metropolis has plenty of options. Musicians especially find it affordable, as entire bands can move in and save money thanks to the Met’s musician hours (yes — rehearsing inside units is allowed daily between noon and 10 p.m.). Check out our available apartments to see what’s open now.
  
  
  
• Built-in community and connection: Austin is full of collaboration. When you’re surrounded by people chasing their dreams and setting goals, it’s easy to stay motivated. Your roommate might become your workout buddy, future bandmate, or even creative collaborator. Living with a roommate creates an instant sense of community. You’ll always have someone to share ideas with, cook a meal alongside, or decompress after a long day.
• Sharing responsibilities: Life with roommates means more hands around, making simple tasks like cooking and cleaning less stressful when everyone takes turns.

Setting Up for Roommate Success

A happy shared home starts with communication and structure. Here’s how to thrive when sharing a two bedroom apartment for rent at The Met:

• Communicate early and often: Before move-in day, talk through schedules, expectations, and boundaries. Discuss chores, guests, quiet hours, and shared expenses. This simple step prevents small issues from becoming major frustrations. Tools like the Splitwise Rent Calculator can help you manage shared costs fairly, or you can create a written roommate agreement using this sample template.
  
  
• Designate your shared and private zones: Every home offers a balance between open social spaces and private retreats. Want to host a movie night in the shared living room space? Go for it, with everyone’s approval, of course. Need to decompress after a long shift? Your bedroom is your sanctuary.
  
  
• Keep your space clean and functional: Simple cleaning rotations, shared supplies, and mutual respect go a long way toward maintaining harmony.
  
  
• Celebrate together: Don’t just share chores — share moments! Cook together, host a poolside gathering, or attend one of the Met’s many community events. A little fun keeps the roommate bond strong and the apartment full of good energy.

Finding the Right Roommate

The key to a great shared living experience is compatibility. Here are a few tips on how to find the right roommate:

• Give yourself plenty of time to find the right person: The Met offers a variety of two-bedroom and larger shared units for rent in Austin.
  
  
• Align your lifestyles: Discuss work schedules, study habits, and social preferences early on.
  
  
• Be upfront about finances: Transparency about rent, utilities, and shared costs prevents misunderstandings. (Pro tip: use Splitwise to keep track of expenses easily.)
  
  
• Spend time together before committing: Grab coffee, take a walk, or tour apartments together to make sure you click.

The Met Advantage: Designed for Roommate Living

Not every apartment community in Austin is built with shared living in mind — but The Met is! Our apartments combine flexibility, affordability, and character, making us one of the most roommate-friendly communities around. Residents love that The Met makes living with friends or new roommates both comfortable and fun.

Spacious, flexible floor plans set The Metropolis apart with a wide variety of layouts — 23 unique floor plans, to be exact — ranging from cozy studio efficiencies to expansive five-bedroom apartments perfect for larger groups. Some layouts feature pie-shaped rooms, vaulted ceilings, or small lofts that add a touch of creativity and extra space. Throughout the community, industrial-inspired details like glass block walls, stainless steel finishes, and modern textures give each apartment its own bold personality.

Affordability is another big part of ClubMet’s charm. Finding quality apartments in Southeast Austin can be tough, but The Met makes it easier to live well without overspending. By splitting rent with roommates, residents can stretch their budgets further and still enjoy everything Austin has to offer, from concerts and local markets to its famous festivals and food scene.

Community life at The Met is designed to bring people together. Quirky courtyards, a resort-style pool, game rooms, and even a meditation space create a balance of relaxation and fun. The newest outdoor amenities feature picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and fire pits — perfect for hanging out with friends as the weather cools. Free Wi-Fi in common areas around the clubhouse makes it easy to study, work, or just unwind.

Above all, The Met fosters a creative, inclusive community. “Metropolites” embody Austin’s true spirit of diversity and the city’s signature “keep it weird” energy. Whether you’re new to Austin or a longtime local, The Metropolis offers a welcoming place to live, connect, and belong.

Check Out The Metropolis Apartments in Southeast Austin

If you’re looking for roommate-friendly apartments in Austin, start your search with The Met. Come take a tour, meet our residents, and see why “Club Met” — where affordability meets artistry and community meets comfort — is a top ATX destination for co-habitation.

Ready to move in? Contact our leasing team today to learn more about availability and current move-in specials. Because in Austin, life is better when it’s shared. The Met is where that lifestyle thrives.