Frequently Asked Questions

  • Colorful row of townhouses with small front gardens, green trees, and a curving sidewalk in a suburban neighborhood during daytime.

    What is cohousing?

    Cohousing is a collaborative living model where residents design, develop, and manage their community. Individuals or families have private homes but share common spaces, resources, and responsibilities. It fosters engagement, belonging, and mutual support through shared activities and collaborative decision-making. Cohousing creates a close-knit, sustainable, and intentional environment that balances social interaction with individual privacy.

  • A cozy kitchen with open wooden shelves filled with colorful dishes, jars, and kitchen utensils. There is a stainless steel refrigerator, a stove with a range hood, and a small kitchen island with a cup on top. The sink area is cluttered with dishes and a plant is on the windowsill to the right.

    What is the common house?

    The common house is the heart of a cohousing community, designed to foster connection and collaboration. Centrally located for easy access, it hosts dining areas, gathering spaces, children's play areas, and mail pickup. Amenities are decided upon by the members but can include guest rooms, workshops, and adult activity spaces to cater to diverse needs. Thoughtfully designed by residents, the common house remains a dynamic hub, keeping the community engaged and thriving.

  • Family gathered around a dining table enjoying a meal, with a woman serving salad from a wooden bowl, and several children and adults present, some smiling and engaged in conversation.

    Who should live in cohousing?

    Cohousing is designed for individuals and families seeking a collaborative community. Emphasizing inclusivity, diverse backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles are welcome. Residents value shared responsibilities and a sense of belonging, creating an inclusive environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective experience of cohousing living.

  • Children planting and watering vegetables and flowers in a garden.

    Is cohousing age-restricted?

    Cohousing is a great option for all ages, fostering a supportive, multigenerational community where people connect, collaborate, and thrive. Children benefit from safe play spaces and built-in friendships, while parents gain support from neighbors. Adults enjoy shared resources, social engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. Seniors find companionship, purpose, and mutual assistance, reducing isolation and enhancing well-being. With shared meals, activities, and decision-making, cohousing encourages meaningful relationships across generations.

    Designed for connection while respecting privacy, it offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where people of all ages contribute, support one another, and build a vibrant, sustainable community together.

  • A woman with dark hair, glasses, and a wristwatch tending to a lush vegetable garden with green leafy plants, set in an outdoor space with trees and sunlight in the background.

    Is cohousing environmentally sustainable?

    Cohousing communities are meticulously designed to be eco-friendly, promoting environmental sustainability in various ways. Shared resources, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable construction materials minimize ecological footprints.

    Community gardens, composting, and carpooling further reduce environmental impact, fostering a collective commitment to eco-conscious living within the cohousing framework.

  • Group of people constructioning a wooden frame outdoors on a sunny day, smiling and giving thumbs up.

    How are cohousing communities developed?

    Cohousing planning and design involve an inclusive, resident-driven process. Future occupants actively participate in intensive workshops, shaping the community's layout, shared spaces, and overall vision.

    This collaborative approach prioritizes common facilities, affordability, and energy efficiency, fostering a cohesive, community-oriented design that reflects the collective aspirations of its residents.

  • Group of people gathered in a backyard patio, sitting on chairs around a table with snacks and drinks, some waving and smiling, during daytime.

    How is cohousing financially structured?

    Cohousing communities typically adopt a condominium legal structure, where each household owns their home and shares ownership of common facilities. This model ensures collective responsibility for maintaining shared spaces while providing individual homeownership. Residents contribute to ongoing costs through homeowners associations, fostering a sustainable financial framework for cohousing communities.

    Cohousing communities are typically financed through a combination of member contributions and bank loans. Members invest in their private homes and shared spaces, contributing to the overall development costs. Collective decision-making and financial transparency are integral to ensuring the sustainable funding and success of cohousing projects.

  • A group of people sitting in a circle in a room, engaged in a discussion or meeting.

    How are decisions made in cohousing communities?

    Cohousing decisions are made collaboratively through consensus-based processes. Residents actively participate in discussions, contributing to community decisions on issues ranging from design to shared responsibilities.

    This inclusive decision-making fosters a sense of ownership, promotes community cohesion, and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in shaping the collective life of the cohousing community.