Sarai Saez Rogers and her best friend Claire have transformed their lives by purchasing a house together in Utica, New York. Following their respective divorces, both women found solace and support in their long-standing friendship, ultimately leading them to make a significant decision to cohabitate.
This arrangement has proven to be a rewarding living situation, allowing both women to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of companionship. Their story highlights a modern approach to friendship and living arrangements, challenging traditional norms.
From Friendship to Homeownership
Sarai and Claire have known each other for over a decade, having formed a close bond while their husbands were stationed in New Mexico. With neither having family nearby, the two relied on each other for emotional and practical support. Both underwent divorces, which further strengthened their connection. During a six-month period when Claire’s husband was deployed, the two practically lived together, sharing responsibilities such as cooking, childcare, and even exercising.
After Sarai relocated to Maryland for a job, she soon realized the financial strain of being a single parent. This led her to move back to upstate New York to live with her parents. Meanwhile, Claire also faced challenges and moved in with her parents in Wisconsin after her divorce. Despite their separate living situations, they remained in contact and began to entertain the idea of buying a house together.
Finding the Perfect House
In the summer of 2024, while visiting Sarai in New York, the duo spontaneously decided to explore the housing market. They were drawn to a charming late-18th-century duplex with a bright yellow exterior and a spacious yard. Initially, their real estate agent advised against viewing the property due to its unusual features, but both women fell in love with the house’s unique character and layout.
The duplex, which boasts two bedrooms upstairs and three downstairs, offers separate living spaces — a perfect setup for their arrangement. Each floor has its own bathroom and kitchen, allowing for personal space while fostering a shared living experience.
Sarai expressed her gratitude for the decision to cohabit, stating, “Even on days we have arguments, I’m so glad we made the decision to live together.” Living with Claire has allowed Sarai to experience the joys of friendship on a deeper level, with both women supporting and uplifting each other daily.
Redefining Relationships
As they navigate their new living situation, both Sarai and Claire maintain romantic relationships outside of their friendship. They have addressed potential concerns regarding these relationships, reassuring friends that their living arrangement does not pose a threat to their romantic lives. Sarai noted, “We don’t have to move in with partners out of necessity, but only if we choose to.”
The two friends have also contemplated how to incorporate partners into their living space if the need arises. They discussed the possibility of setting boundaries by creating distinct living areas within the house.
Conflict management has also been a topic of discussion. Sarai believes that healthy relationships, whether romantic or platonic, naturally involve disagreements. When tensions arise, both women prioritize open communication, allowing them to resolve issues constructively.
Sarai reflects on her journey after her divorce, noting that she once viewed romantic love as the pinnacle of relationships. Living with Claire has shifted her perspective, revealing the depth and importance of friendship. “With her, I feel like I’m not just surviving, but thriving,” Sarai remarked.
By choosing to live with her best friend, Sarai has found happiness and fulfillment in a non-traditional arrangement, proving that supportive friendships can lead to a rich, rewarding life. This story serves as an inspiration for others seeking meaningful connections and alternative living situations.
