What is Cohousing?

For people who long to live in community with others, with the potential to share spaces, resources, chores, and / or meals. There are as many models for this as there are types of families!

The most common model in the United States is when 30 or so families, couples, or individuals band together to buy land, and create a place to live. Generally, it’s composed of individual dwellings that cluster around: gardens, walking paths, and a “Common House.”

What’s a Common House?

A Common House is a shared space where residents gather for: communal meals, celebrations, dance parties, childcare, and more. Common Houses are as varied as the communities that design them, but can also include shared workspace, guest accommodations, workout space, rec rooms, laundry, mailboxes, and storage space.

What are the benefits of Cohousing?

• Community: Living nearby, sharing space, and making decisions collaboratively helps neighbors form strong bonds with one another
• Sustainability: Sharing rarely used but necessary objects and spaces helps decrease residents’ carbon footprint
• Agency: Cohousers have the choice to be surrounded by their friends or to retreat to their private space for alone time
• Identity: Many groups have formed around shared religious or demographic identities (older adults, queer families, etc)

Where can I learn more?

The definitive source for more information on Cohousing in the US is, unsurprisingly, The Cohousing Association of the United States (“CohoUS” if you nasty)