Designed for community connections

Cohousing is based on shared visions and values
The concept is known by many names: intentional communities, cohousing, collaborative neighborhoods. It is built around restoring a sense of community. Members choose cohousing because they share values or a common sense of purpose with their neighbors—for example, a commitment to aging independently in their own homes.

The layout
Intentional communities feature private housing, shared resources for gardening, recreation and socializing, as well as common open space. Each is a relatively small neighborhood, with about 30 homes. The communities are pedestrian friendly. The focal point of the community is the “common house” designed by community members. Depending on their needs and desires, the common house may have a living room, dining room, kitchen, library or media room, gym or workshop, a laundry room, storage, even guest rooms. The common house could even include studio apartments to accommodate home health aides or other caregivers if they are needed in the future.

The lifestyle
Future residents help plan and design the community. They also manage it and develop policies. Everyone has equal input and decisions are based on consensus. They also help maintain the common property, donating their time to conduct or coordinate activities such as cutting the grass or gardening, or preparing shared meals. Or they may, as a group, decide to subcontract some services, such as lawn care or snow removal. Residents participate based on their skills and interests.