What is Cohousing?

Cohousing is an intentionally designed neighborhood where there is plenty of common space interspersed with private homes—sometimes houses and sometimes apartments. The common area, which is managed and maintained by the community, often includes a common house with a large kitchen and dining room, a laundry room, and perhaps other meeting rooms. Typically, there are also outdoor walkways, open space, gardens, and consolidated parking rather than individual driveways. Neighbors use these spaces to play together, cook for one another, share tools, and work collaboratively. Whatever design is chosen, it is primarily a vehicle to promote interaction among community members within the limitations of the site.

Why Cohousing?

The core of cohousing is living in relationship. Being connected benefits everyone by cultivating a culture of sharing and caring. Also, by living in community, sharing resources and designing for lower energy use and greener living, we can reduce our impact on the environment. But cohousing is not a commune. We live in private homes with all the amenities we are used to, including kitchens. Our homes are designed to be in proximity to common spaces while also having spaces that are ours alone. Connecting with community is easy and natural, but not required or constant. Privacy matters too.

Why Cohousing for Elders?

Research shows that social isolation is both common and particularly detrimental for older people. Many elders have lost partners and may also have diminished ability to get “out and about.” In a cohousing community, residents are surrounded by a group of people they know and can interact with regularly and from whom they may receive assistance when it’s needed.