FAQs

A: While costs vary by location and community, cohousing homes are typically market-rate. However, the shared amenities often mean you get access to features that would be costly to maintain individually - like guest rooms, workshops, or large gathering spaces. Many residents find that the collaborative lifestyle helps reduce living expenses through shared resources and mutual support.

A: Cohousing is very different from a commune. Each household maintains financial independence, owns their private home, and makes their own life decisions. There's no shared income or required work assignments. The community is typically resident managed, and while residents often volunteer for tasks they enjoy, some essential services are contracted out.

A: In a co-op, residents purchase shares in a corporation that owns the entire building, rather than directly owning their units. Co-ops can be either market-rate or with limited-equity appreciation to preserve affordability. While some co-ops can be quite exclusive and high-end, they generally have more limited financing options than cohousing. Cohousing communities, by contrast, are usually structured as condominiums for easier financing.

A: Coliving is usually a rental-only model often targeting younger urban professionals. Cohousing offers permanent home ownership in purpose-built communities, with complete private residences plus shared amenities. While coliving is managed by property companies and tends to be transient, cohousing emphasizes long-term community building and resident self-governance.

A: No! Cohousing offers the perfect balance of privacy and community. You have your own complete, private home with everything you need, including your own kitchen, living spaces, and bedrooms. What you share are the common amenities like the community house, gardens, and outdoor spaces - but only when you choose to use them.

A: Not at all. While cohousing offers numerous opportunities for social interaction and shared activities, participation is always voluntary. You decide your level of involvement based on your preferences and schedule. Some residents are highly active in community life, while others prefer more solitude - both approaches are perfectly acceptable.

A: Cohousing communities support aging in place through neighborly assistance and mutual support, but they are not care facilities. Residents often help each other with small tasks or during brief illnesses, but each person is responsible for arranging their own care needs. The benefit is that you're surrounded by an active support network that can help coordinate resources when needed.

A: Cohousing communities have well-developed processes for handling disagreements and fostering positive relationships. Before joining, residents participate in community activities to ensure a good fit. While close friendships often develop, you're not expected to be best friends with everyone. The focus is on respectful interactions and working together for the community's benefit.

A: Yes, you can have visitors! Most communities have guest rooms available for resident use. Policies about renting vary by community, but many allow it within established guidelines. Your home is yours to use as you choose, while respecting community agreements.

A: Absolutely! Privacy is a core value in cohousing. Your home is your private sanctuary, and there's no expectation to socialize unless you choose to. The design of cohousing communities typically balances private spaces with common areas, allowing residents to easily choose when they want interaction and when they prefer solitude.