Cities · by Camila Rocha · 2026-10-01

The thing nobody told me about housing from my rainy evening notes

I tried this in Jakarta with a friend and we both noticed the same thing: the social part mattered more than the perfect plan.

The detail that surprised me was how much a neighborhood park changed the outcome. Same plan, different setting, completely different energy.

I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.

68 sparks · 7 comments

Comments

Piotr Zieliński · 1 likes

I get the appeal, though I would be careful calling it the best option. My friend tried it in Kuala Lumpur and had the opposite result.

Huy Le · 2 likes

Helpful correction.

Piotr Zieliński · 1 likes

Now I want a spreadsheet.

Camila Rocha · 1 likes

Totally agree, especially for beginners.

Maya Williams · 0 likes

Appreciate the nuance.

Finn Brown · 1 likes

I was going to disagree, but your second sentence got me.

Noah Campbell · 1 likes

I disagree a bit. housing matters, but the bigger issue is usually expectations. I would love to see a follow-up after 4 weeks.