Cohousing

Cohousing is an intentional,^[1] self-governing,^[2] cooperative community where residents live in private homes often clustered around shared space.^[3] The term originated in Denmark in the late 1960s.^[4] Families live in attached or single-family homes with traditional amenities, usually including a private kitchenette. As part of the communal orientation, shared spaces typically feature a common house, which may include a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, and recreational spaces. Walkways, open space, parking, playgrounds and gardens are common examples of shared outdoor spaces designed to promote social interactions. Neighbors also often share resources like tools, babysitting and creative skills.

Neighbors collaboratively plan and manage community activities and shared spaces while maintaining their own income and private lives.^[5] The legal structure is typically a homeowner association or housing cooperative,^[6] and some use community land trusts.^[7] To promote the common good, cohousing members regularly share meals, attend meetings, and participate in community work days.^[8] As part of cohousing's social nature, neighbors gather for parties, games, gardening, musical performances, movies, sports, and celebrations. Living in cohousing makes it easy for residents to form clubs, organize child and elder care, share information, free cycle and carpool.^[9]

Cohousing facilitates interaction among neighbors and thereby provides social, practical, economic, and environmental benefits.^[10][11] With democracy in action in their cohousing community, residents also tend to be more active in civic^[12] affairs in the broader community.