Discussion Group Report

Co-housing is an emerging housing option for disaffected suburbanites who are trading in big homes on large lots in bedrock neighborhoods for a way of living that emphasizes friendship, cooperation and belonging. "The goal is...to create a fulfilling balance between privacy and community," says the February 16, 1996, Wall Street Journal.

The tenets of co-housing are resident participation in development, extensive common facilities, a design reinforcing community, and significant self-management by residents. Most, though not all, feature smaller, more affordable homes.

The social mix in co-housing is broad--from traditional two-parent families to single mothers to older singles to lesbian couples. Children are developing fast friendships and their parents a sense of security that is reminiscent of their own childhood. Most of the people in co-housing units feel that it is more fun to live in a community than to live in a big house by themselves.

Co-housing attracts a very well-educated market. The participants have a lot of choices. They are very picky about what they get and they are reaching for more.

The residents act as the developers, contributing to a fund for the land; fees for lawyers, architects, and appraisers; and site preparation. Half of cost overruns may be divided equally among residents and half according to each home's appraised value. The community may be a condo association; residents own their homes and undivided shares of all common property, and pay a monthly homeowner's association fee. Homeowners can sell to whomever they choose, but buyers must agree to the community's rules.

Homes are clustered in "neighborhood centers" typically of four to seven units landscaped with a pedestrian trail and benches to stimulate contact. There may be a common house in the center, walkways, a neighborhood center, a private front yard, a porch, a kitchen facing common areas, and finally, private living space.