Let’s say you are looking for a place to live in Tokyo and you are interested in moving in one of the share houses. Chances are you don’t know how to pick a good one.

There are thousands of share houses in this hectic city and every single house is different.

Ever since I moved in a share house in Kichijoji last year, I’ve realized there are reasons why some share houses are great and some are not. I took some time to think about this and I also asked my friends and housemates who have stayed in other share houses as well. I made a list and here are what I think all the “good share houses” have in common.

1. Not too big, not too small

The size of the share house is one of the first things you should look at. How many people are living in the house? Is the number of shower room enough for the number of the people?

First, it really depends on what kind of life you want in Tokyo. There are small share houses like only 4-7 people can live together. This type is usually a typical house for a family. It’s great to build a deep relationship with your housemates but it’s hard to maintain your privacy.

Bigger houses with more than 200 people look more like a college campus. There are billiard tables, gym, even tennis court attached to the building. Oakhouse call this kind of house “Social residence”.

My house, however, look like neither of them. There are about 20 people here. I personally think this is just the right size for me. The house is big enough to invite good number of people for a party. Enough privacy to focus on something when you want to. Not too much noise. Everyone knows everyone which makes a good community with trust.

Just some tips. Count the number of shower rooms. Is that enough for the number of people living in the house? Also, check how big the kitchen and living room is. Washing machines and other things in the common area. I strongly recommend to actually visit the house before moving in.

2. Find out if there is a good/active community

Living in a share house can suck if you don’t like your housemates. But how do you know if you like them or not? First, check the statistics and find out if there is a good balance of guys and girls. I personally think having a good balance is a good sign of an active community. Try to visit the house and look at the living room. Maybe there are pictures on the wall or letters from ex housemates so that everyone in the house can read. Is there a message board in the living room for announcing a upcoming party plan? Try also to talk to the people living there. If they like the place, they are willing to tell you how it’s like to live there. Check if there are crazy neighbors, not just in the house but outside house too.

If you have time, check if the house is clean too. Ask when was the last day the management company cleaned the house. If it’s cluttered up after a few days, the residents probably don’t care about maintaining the house. Even though the management company clean all the share house once or twice a week. but the residents need to be conscious about cleaning the house otherwise the house gets dirty very quickly.

3. Good location, good neighborhood

At last, look at the surroundings. Is the house close to the station? Are there public facilities like library? or convenient stores, supermarket, restaurants or community center (where you can play sport with friends)? Is there a park where you can walk and relax?

Being close to the station is nice, but being close to the railway can be a nightmare. Public schools can be very noisy if you live close by. Even if the house is far away from the station, it might be fine if you have a bike (having a bike is pretty common in Tokyo).