Cohousing Communities

A homeownership option in which residents participate in the design and operation of a community that features fully-equipped individual family houses and common grounds and facilities that all share. Common facilities are designed for daily use, are an integral part of the community, and are always supplemental to the private residences. The common house serves as the social center for the community and typically includes a common kitchen, dining area, sitting area, children's playroom and laundry, and also may contain a workshop, library, exercise room, crafts room and/or one or two guest rooms. Residents manage their own cohousing communities, and also perform much of the work required to maintain the property. They participate in the preparation of common meals, and meet regularly to solve problems and develop policies for the community.