Conventional Housing

Cohousing

Homes purchased legally/financially as condominiums or houses

Standard

Standard

Residents enjoy as much privacy as they want

Standard

Standard

Homes come with kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms & bathrooms

Standard

Standard

Neighbors also share “common house” with community dining room, living room, kids play area, exercise room, workshop, etc.

Seldom

Standard

Residents participate in design of homes and neighborhood

Seldom

Standard

Neighborhood design encourages a “sense of community”

Seldom

Standard

Neighbors are very community-spirited

Occasionally

Standard

Neighbors organize optional weekly community meals

Seldom

Standard

Neighbors join teams to help with landscaping, building maintenance, social event planning, security, etc.

Seldom

Standard

Neighbors given opportunity to participate in several organized and spontaneous social activities each month (barbeques, movie nights, dinner outings, trips to farmer’s markets, etc.)

Occasionally

Standard

Neighbors share tools, lawn/sports equipment, etc.

Occasionally

Standard

Homes & neighborhood have “eco friendly” design

Seldom

Standard

All residents have significant voice in community decision-making typically by facilitated consensus process

Seldom

Standard

Adults look out for kids in the neighborhood

Occasionally

Standard

Neighborhood seniors and kids interact frequently

Seldom

Standard