I am in a similar position. For the first time ever I’m looking to rent just a room in somebody’s house. However I am looking at a specific neighborhood, or type of neighborhood. I want to live in a neighborhood with natural settings, and near natural areas, since I like to walk around and explore. Plus it would be a total change of scenery for me which is what I am striving for. Ideally I would be able to find a room to rent in the neighborhood I actually want to buy in, in 1 to 2 years. However I’m running into the issue where it’s impossible to pinpoint where perspective roommates live, and what the surrounding areas look like. Most of the roommate search sites only talk about the inside of the property itself, but not about the area, or give the address or anything like that. Which is understandable.
So now I’m swishing this idea around in my head to mail letters to selected houses in this neighborhood. Even if someone was not previously considering renting out space, you never know until you ask. And if they were not considering it, perhaps they would be willing, or unknowingly willing to accept a lower price. Everyone I have told this idea to thinks it’s creepy LOL. Or that only the serial killers will respond. But I am hopeful and of course I’ll do my due diligence in researching the occupants before reaching out.
I think I would be intrigued if I received a heart-felt letter from a financially secure, responsible-sounding person, stating why they want to live in my lovely neighborhood. Even if I didn’t offer up my house, I might be compelled to help them by sharing the letter.