Living in a convent might seem like an unlikely choice for someone just starting their career.
In New York City, however, it’s becoming increasingly common.
With rent prices soaring, young professionals are turning to residences run by nuns and religious communities. Many arrive simply looking for a more affordable place to live, only to discover they’ve found much more than that.
The trend was highlighted in a report published by The Wall Street Journal, which showed how many newcomers to the city have begun considering these residences as New York’s housing costs continue to climb.
The median asking rent in New York reached $3,616 during the first quarter of 2026. For someone just beginning their career, that price can make living alone nearly impossible.
That’s exactly what happened to 32-year-old Katie Rettig.
She arrived in New York with two suitcases, a job starting the very next day, and nowhere to live.
Temporary apartments in Manhattan were costing around $5,000 per month. Her solution was the Sacred Heart Residence in Chelsea, where she paid about $1,650 per month.
A few weeks later, she secured a room at St. Mary’s Residence on the Upper East Side. She lived there for nearly a year, paying approximately $1,200 per month.
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