Cohousing - Would YOU want to live here?

Please DO NOT use Marte's post as an informative source on cohousing. She has every right to speak on her experiences, but they are still subjective and more importantly, anecdotal. Posts and articles such as this one substantiate misinformation about cohousing simpy through repetition and affirmation in the comments section.

"Cohousing - Would You WANT to Live Here?" - reasonable question, but Marte's post doesn't describe or define it accurately, or at all, really. Wikipedia can do wonders. For starters, search Communes and seach Cohousing. Then check out the links I provided at the bottom.

There is plenty of literature on cohousing readily available online. Cohousing groups usually have websites and are easy to contact. It's a housing concept that originated in Denmark. Kathryn McCamant and husband, Charles Durrett, researched the various cohousing neighborhoods, compiled all they had learned of the process and ethnography, and brought the concept to North America.

Check out the cohousing survey conducted last year with 80 of the 120 communities (link at the bottom). What do the finding show? Cohousing works - financially, socially, and environmentally.

- 90% reported property values increasing or at average local housing value.

- 13% reported any unit foreclosures.

- 91% reported frequently or occasionally holding events for the greater community.

- 83% reported frequently or occasoinally carpooling.

These are just some stats, but the tell of the tape is really in the unquantifiable qualities that a cohouser gets from their neighborhood.

For elder and senior citizens, there is a physically and socially supportive network of neighbors. It isn't assisted care, rather it's an opportunity for neighbors to be aware of each other, allowing older people to maintain their independence. There is a reason baby boomers have picked up on cohousing and adapted it as senior cohousing.

For families, caring and trusted neighbors facilitate a safer environment, where kids can spontaneously play together (less scheduling for parents) and have appropriate areas to study, cook, or play music (the common house). The common house is also great for hosting friends over dinner.

The list of benefits goes on really.

Check out Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities, by Chuck and Katie. By design and process, cohousing facilitates the opportunity to be social, green, and economical with the support of a community.

http://www.cohousing.org/docs/2011/survey_of_cohousing_communities_2011.pdf

http://www.newsociety.com/books/c/creating-cohousing

http://www.cohousingco.com