Adriann

At age 29, Adriann Perry was ready for a change, eager to leave behind Atlanta’s hustle and bustle and escape parts of her past.

She wanted a slower life, in a more affordable market that would serve as an all-around fresh start. Of course, that meant she first needed to find a place to live.

“I just wanted a different life,” she said. “Atlanta was too fast-paced. I needed something cheaper, and I wanted somewhere I could settle down.”

With her emotional support dog, a small chiweenie who helps her manage anxiety and loneliness, she started planning her move. But one issue stood in her way: she had been evicted earlier in the year. Finding a traditional apartment would be almost impossible.

That’s when she remembered PadSplit.

While in Atlanta, she had heard about PadSplit for several years. She even knew a few people who’d lived in one. As she prepared to move across the country alone, the flexibility suddenly made perfect sense.

Moving to Houston sight unseen

Some people would visit a new city before committing to a place to live, but that wasn’t possible for Adriann. So, she booked her PadSplit room while still in Atlanta and moved into it the day she arrived in Houston.

She used PadSplit’s search filters to narrow down the options and knew immediately that having her own bathroom was nonnegotiable. When she discovered The Foundry, a newly built 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom PadSplit designed specifically for coliving, she was impressed.

“The rooms were a good size, the closets were big, and everybody had their own private bathroom,” she said. “Honestly, the shower sold me. It had an overhead shower and a spray handle.”

Not knowing the Houston market at all, she was unsure about the exact neighborhood at first, but once she realized it was only five minutes from downtown, she felt confident enough to take the leap.

PadSplit also solved her biggest challenge: finding a place quickly without her eviction disqualifying her, as it would have with traditional rentals. “It’s easier to come up with $200 a week rather than $1,000-plus all at once,” she explained. “And I could see everything on my phone. It was a right-now option.”

Finding new friends on the move-in day

When Adriann arrived in Houston, she didn’t know a single person. But that didn’t last long.

“The first day I moved in, I befriended William,” she said. “Then Calvin, then Stacy. Everybody in the PadSplit was friendly. The house had just been built, so we were all new.”

Before long, they were cooking meals together and helping each other settle into the new city. Even neighbors around The Foundry welcomed her in. “It’s like a little community up here,” she said. “I really love it.”

Living in a prime location for work

The location also made her job much easier. Adriann is an Uber driver and typically aims to make around $200 a day. Living so close to downtown has been a huge benefit for easily finding and picking up drives.

“We’re in the perfect spot,” she said. “You can get anywhere fast. There’s even quick bus access to downtown.”

Her weekly PadSplit payment of $288 fits her budget and allows her to save. For the first time in years, she feels like she’s moving in the right direction. “It helps when you’re trying to save and work on your credit again,” she said. “PadSplit gives you a place to stay but still lets you work on everything else so you can prepare for your own apartment or even a house.”

“Most people here are just working people trying to save.”

Before moving into her PadSplit, Adriann was a little nervous about the idea of living with strangers. But the careful screening process made her feel safer.

“The vetting process is good,” she said. “Most people who come here are just working people trying to save money or fix their own situations.”

There was one housemate who caused issues early on, but she was impressed with how the property manager and host, Ryan, handled it.

“They told us, if there’s a problem, just come straight to them,” she said. “They’re really hands-on and easy to reach. The property managers are awesome.”

“PadSplit is a good option when you’re starting over.”

For anyone considering PadSplit, she’d encourage them to give it a chance.

“PadSplit is a good option when you’re starting over or trying to save,” she said. 

She plans to stay at The Foundry for at least a year while she continues building her savings and improving her credit. With the stability of PadSplit, Adriann’s next step—buying a home of her own—now feels within reach.

“I’ve done roommate situations before,” she said. “Y’all definitely have it figured out.”

With PadSplit, Adriann found more than room. She even found more than a fresh start. She found a community and stability while she works toward her future. 

Now, it’s your turn. Visit PadSplit.com to find your room today, and move in as early as tomorrow.