What is Cohousing?
Cohousing is a neighborhood design that combines the autonomy of private dwellings with the advantages of living in a supportive community.
Designed by the residents, for the residents
Once a group of interested households is formed, they participate proactively in the planning and development of their community. Since every community is unique, the features and design directly respond to the needs and desires of the members. Most communities choose to incorporate features of sustainable living, and tread more lightly on our planet through design elements such as shared open space, smaller dwellings, and building according to the natural features of the site itself.
A Danish concept
The concept originated in Denmark in the 1970s, where there are now more than 700 cohousing communities. The idea was introduced to North America in the late 1980s, where there are now more than 160 cohousing communities, with many more in various stages of development.
Living the good life
Cohousing provides a way to form strong social bonds and enjoy the benefits of a tight-knit community, all while enjoying the privacy and autonomy of living in a private home. Recent studies have shown that people living in cohousing communities feel they have a higher quality of life, better physical health, improved connection to nature, and even increased civic participation.
