$750 Smart Bunk in a Witty Shack: Where MIT Meets BBQ (palo alto)

Palo Alto • Near VA Hospital, Tesla, Stanford & Foothill • $750 Bunk Bed or $450 Weekday Couch (in Living Room) A BIT ABOUT US We’re a friendly, somewhat-accomplished bunch of science/tech folks who self-medicate with curiosity: learning, research, and the occasional late-night rabbit hole. Conversations range from astronomy and biotech to why Anton Petrov’s latest video pairs perfectly with a potluck. We’re international in origin and outlook, and we like housemates who add cultural and intellectual flavor to the mix. Our rent is intentionally low to attract people we enjoy living with. Translation: we value community “gestalt” over luxury finishes. The homeowner (hereafter, HO) has spent decades cultivating a household where smart, kind, inquisitive people—often of the impecunious, grad-student-adjacent type—can land and thrive. THE OFFER (READ CAREFULLY) • $750/month — Bunk Bed (Living Room) A curtained-off bunk in the living room. Humble, functional, quiet hours respected (11 pm–7 am). Works for the right person who values community and location over square footage. • $450/month — Weekday-Only Commuter Couch Sunday evening → Friday morning. Ideal for Peninsula commuters. We must like you and you must like us. Both options are subject to fit & vibes. We keep things simple, kind, and low-drama. Possibly soon: Larger bedrooms from $1,350/month may open toward the end of August—ask if you’re curious. WHERE WE ARE Near Pomona & Arastradero in Palo Alto. A quick hop to the VA Hospital, Tesla, Stanford University, Foothill College, and a constellation of tech/education hubs. Parks and tennis courts within ~250 m; easy street parking within ~100 m. AMENITIES & HOUSE CULTURE • Fully equipped kitchen with ample fridge space; shared cookware galore. • Washer/dryer, encrypted Wi-Fi, landline with free USA calls, big shared TV. • Shared bikes; nearby courts/parks for movement breaks. • Potlucks, barbecues, and occasional karaoke (HO’s repertoire spans old spirituals to Kingston Trio and Belafonte). • Reading table stocked with Science/AAAS, NYT, New Yorker, Wired—help yourself. • Quiet hours: 11 pm–7 am. “Live and let live” by default; we help each other when we can. HOUSE VALUES • MAGA-free zone; pro-DEI. We host people from everywhere and try to keep politics out of the kitchen sink. Respect is non-negotiable. • We welcome international visitors and locals alike. We assume applicants are fellow citizens of Planet Earth and keep paperwork minimal. • Considerate, thoughtful people who enjoy learning and can hold a conversation without holding court. “SERVICES IN LIEU OF RENT” We sometimes accept partial trade for community-useful skills—case-by-case and agreed in writing. Examples: occasional driving/airport runs, software help, bike repair, light handyman tasks, etc. If you’ve got talent that helps the house, tell us. WHO THRIVES HERE • Grad students, researchers, founders-in-stealth, visiting scholars, and globally minded professionals. • People who can be entertained by PBS NOVA, the Anton Petrov astronomy channel, BBC, Al Jazeera, and a good whiteboard session. • Bonus if you’re willing to occasionally watch a program with HO, help with an errand, or join a grocery run. ABOUT THE HOMEOWNER (HO) HO is a Vietnam-era US Army draftee (CBR-trained), grateful that his service involved no shots fired. Afterward, with GI Bill support and generous mentors, he studied at MIT, passing PhD qualifiers in biology/chemical engineering, and later worked in biotechnology and solid-waste management (ask him about “Mr. Don, scientific garbage guy”). He remains incurably curious and enjoys hosting bright people with big questions. THE FINE PRINT • This is not luxury housing. It’s purposeful, affordable, and community-forward. • We prioritize fit, kindness, cleanliness, and consideration. • No indoor smoking; normal common-sense cleanliness; share space like a pro. INTERESTED? Email with your PHONE NUMBER so HO (Don) can call you. Please include: 1. Where you’re from and what you do, 2. Which option you’re applying for (bunk or commuter couch), 3. Move-in timing, and 4. Any skills that might fit “services in lieu of rent.”