What Is it?

Cohousing communities vary widely, but they tend to share some common characteristics that distinguish them from other types of collaborative housing:

Typically, a cohousing community is an intentional neighborhood of private homes clustered around shared space. Each attached or single family home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. Shared spaces usually feature a common house, which may include a large kitchen and dining area and recreational spaces. Shared outdoor space may include parking, walkways, patios, and gardens. Neighbors may also share resources like internet and and gardening tools.

Households have independent incomes and private lives, but neighbors collaboratively plan community activities and manage shared spaces. The legal structure is typically a home owners association, a condo association, or housing cooperative. Community activities feature regularly-scheduled shared meals, meetings, and workdays. Neighbors gather for parties, games, movies, or other events. Cohousing makes it easy to engage in spontaneous group activities, organize childcare, and share resources.

Capital Hill Urban Cohousing
Capital Hill Urban Cohousing
Photos by Schemata Workshop
Photos by Schemata Workshop
Rooftop Garden at Capital Hill Urban Cohousing Photo by Schemata Workshop
Rooftop Garden at Capital Hill Urban Cohousing Photo by Schemata Workshop

Common Characteristics

Relationships

  • Neighbors commit to being part of a community for everyone’s mutual benefit.
  • Cohousing cultivates a culture of sharing and caring.
  • Design features and neighborhood size (typically 20-40 homes) promote frequent interaction and close relationships.

Privacy and Community

  • Cohousing neighborhoods are designed for privacy as well as community.
  • Residents balance privacy and community by choosing their own level of engagement.

Participation

  • Decision making is participatory and often based on consensus.
  • Self-management empowers residents, builds community, and saves money.

Shared Values

  • Cohousing communities support residents in actualizing shared values.
  • Cohousing communities typically adopt green approaches to living.

Thanks to the Cohousing Association of the United States for providing an initial list of cohousing characteristics, which we’ve edited to fit our particular needs. Any mistakes, typos, etc., are ours at RC, not anybody else’s.