Just as ideas in fashion become new again, so do many other facets of our lives. Years ago it was common for people to live together in extended family groups and to form close-knit communities. Then individualism drove us apart. But there has always been a desire in the hearts of many to live close, to form neighborhoods and to share. In the next few articles we’re going to look at some of these old yet new housing options.
Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, Vol. 21, of August 2014, discusses how baby boomers are seeking a new way to live that will allow them to age in place and skip the dreaded nursing home. They go on to discuss cohousing, shared homes and new village formations. We will be discussing all three options, both for retirees and younger families. Today: cohousing.
Cohousing is a form of “intentional community,” and based on a model conceived in Denmark. Residents band together to create a neighborhood which they will design, maintain and manage. Each member has their own residence, but usually these are closer together and somewhat smaller than individual houses. This is intentional – the idea is that residents desire to encounter one another, and will agree to share gardening tools, bicycles, dinners, whatever the group decides, and help one another.
Cohousing is a great way to live for people who like to share, don’t mind an occasional meeting, and want to participate in creating what their ideal community looks like. It isn’t for everybody, but it can be an enriching way to live for many. Cohousing communities may be inter-generational or specifically designated for people over 55.
A directory of cohousing communities in the United States can be found at the Web site of The Cohousing Association, www.cohousing.org. They are listed by state and type and you will find communities that are forming, building or completed in just about every state and at various price points. There are also guidelines for forming a cohousing community of your own, and many resources to get you started.
Now Southern California, time to get on the cohousing train! There are 42 cohousing communities listed in California, but just about every one of them is up north. The Bay area, in particular, is a hotbed of cohousing activity. You will find cohousing units that are apartments, townhouses and individual homes. Cohousing is a great way to live and offers the best of both worlds: your own space, and the opportunity to downsize and make use of shared necessities, like tools, books, etc. And having friends chance by and casually drop in for afternoon tea is pretty nice too. Next issue: Sharing your home with friends.
Del Phillips is a California Licensed Real Estate agent. He is a member of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Del at Ascent Real Estate at 619-298-6666 or at Del@DelPhillips.com DRE LIC #01267333.
