Eco-Friendly, Semi-Intellectual, Semi-Co-op - Cozy Room, Spacious Home

Please read the entire ad before contacting us -- no skimming, or no response.

Are you a nature-conscious, open-minded, fun-loving, responsible, sharing-oriented person looking for a room in a ‘homey’ co-op environment in Somerville?

We are seeking an eco-friendly housemate who would enjoy sharing a beautiful 3-bathroom, 5-bedroom Victorian home near Porter Square, comprising the second and third floors. Furnished bedroom and lots of shared space: big beautiful eat-in kitchen that is clean and welcoming; large living room; and dining room. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, original woodwork, balcony, dishwasher, laundry (washer and clothesline, for eco-friendly hang drying) and small vegetable garden. Post-doc, grad student or professional preferred.

We are a mix of backgrounds, genders and ages, currently including: a marathon-running historian and writer from Alabama; a biotech professional from India; and a bike riding cyber security researcher from Pennsylvania.

We are considerate, creative, eclectic, LGBTQ-friendly and prefer activities that are healthy for ourselves, others and the world around us. We actively work, in our own lives and our shared space, to promote and foster a world of peace and justice. Our pad runs on mutually shared values of learning from others, accepting new vibes, food, music, dance, culture and experiences.

We share food (see FAQ) and have a house dinner together once a week, though we sometimes cook together spontaneously other days, depending on schedules. We are primarily vegetarian, though not entirely, and we prefer organic and whole grain, though we are not rigid. More books, music, arts, movement; less TV, phones, and zoning out. We have our own busy independent lives, but we also enjoy occasional events together when time and inspiration permit, such as hosting a dinner party, making applesauce in the autumn, or whatever else strikes our fancy -- a mix of communal/coop and independent.

Must be cat and dog friendly, though we do not currently have either. No smokers, vapers or cannabis users. Street parking only (for cars), though bicycles are welcomed.

Two rooms are available for a one-year lease: 11.5x8.5ft for $930 and 13x12ft for $980, plus utilities. First month and one month of security required.

FAQ

1. How much are utilities? Utilities (gas, electric and high speed internet) typically total about $65 - $145/month per person, depending on the season -- the highest being about 3 months in the winter when the bills tend to range from $200-$250.

2. How does food sharing work? Food costs roughly $270/month per person, but it is prorated depending on how often you eat at home versus eating out, so someone who eats out a lot pays less than someone who eats most meals at home. (Example: If Alice eats at home 25% of the time and Bob eats at home 75% of the time, then Alice pays 25% of one share and Bob pays 75% of one share.) This allows the expenses to be shared more equitably than everyone paying the same amount regardless of consumption, and we have a spreadsheet that does the arithmetic work for us, so it is easy. People do not need to have exactly the same eating habits: they only need to be close enough that everyone feels comfortable. We find food sharing more sociable than each person having separate food filling the refrigerator. We can answer any questions when we meet you.

3. How do you handle cleaning? We all clean up after ourselves of course, plus each person is responsible for certain common chores. In the kitchen we have a strict clean-up-immediately-after-yourself policy, which works very well. The kitchen is always nice to enter, as you can see in the photos.

4. Why must I read the whole ad? Because you will be wasting our time and yours if you don't.

5. May I bring my own furniture? Possibly a little, but the bedroom and apartment are already furnished, so there isn't much space to fit more furniture.

6. I will be arriving from out of town. Can you hold the room for me, give me a video tour, or talk over zoom to assess potential compatibility? No. We can answer questions now, and we would be happy to show you the room and talk at length when you arrive if it is still available, but we must meet with you in person. Zoom or Facetime video do not qualify as "in person." We make no exceptions to this policy.

If you’d like to join our effort to live collaboratively, we’d love to get to know you! Just reply to this ad, be sure to include the magic word magenta, and your email ID at the top of your reply.