Househacking /cohousing in Hagerstown vs Pittsburgh

[Yasmin Mughal]

Hi there,

I am considering buying a house in Hagerstown on the north end of town. I would be living on one floor and renting out 2 bedroom on the second floor (they would have to share a bath.) There is a room between the 2 bedrooms that would be maintained as a flex space/ It's a great house and a lovely neighborhood but.... I'm wondering how hard it is to attract professional roommates /traveling professionals in Hagerstown. If this were DC or Frederick, I wouldn't blink. 

I'm also in my early 50's so I prefer other mature housemates. I could also Airbnb it as an eco house as I will make sure air quality is optimal and buy organic mattresses but I'm not sure if Hagerstown would be a potential vacation destination. I also don't particularly like Hagerstown but I see it's potential. I currently live in Frederick which I love but it's become too expensive to buy a SFH.

There is also a large Victorian Home in the historic district (in city limits) that would be a possibility because it's more space and closer to Downtown but still a desirable neighborhood. More space = more maintenance. 

My other option to house hack is Pittsburgh as I have family there but the property taxes are insane and it seems like the room rental market is very college oriented (I could be wrong.)

I'd appreciate any feedback on Hagerstown and househacking.