What is Cohousing?

Cohousing is a style of intentional community where individuals or families live in private homes but share common spaces and resources. Designed to foster connection, collaboration, and sustainability, cohousing communities often include shared kitchens, gardens, recreational areas, and decision-making processes. Residents maintain their own households but actively participate in community life, creating a supportive neighborhood where people know and help one another.

Cohousing blends the independence of private living with the benefits of close-knit, cooperative living—offering a modern take on village life.

Maintain your private space

Deep sense of community and belonging

Shared values and sustainable lifestyle

Each attached or single family home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. Shared spaces typically feature a common house, which may include a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, and recreational spaces. Shared outdoor space may include parking, walkways, open space, and gardens. Neighbors also share resources like tools and lawnmowers.

Households have independent incomes and private lives, but neighbors collaboratively plan and manage community activities and shared spaces. The legal structure is typically an HOA, Condo Association, or Housing Cooperative.

Community activities feature regularly-scheduled shared meals, meetings, and workdays. Neighbors gather for parties, games, movies, or other events. Cohousing makes it easy to form clubs, organize child and elder care, and carpool.

Cohousing is designed by the future residents, making it unique to anything currently available on the market in West Sacramento.

Common Characteristics of Cohousing

Because cohousing is designed by its future residents, no two communities are alike. However, there are a few characteristics that are common among most cohousing groups.

Relationships

Neighbors commit to being part of a community for everyone’s mutual benefit.
Cohousing cultivates a culture of sharing and caring.
Design features and neighborhood size (typically 20-40 homes) promote frequent interaction and close relationships.

Balancing Privacy and Community

Cohousing neighborhoods are designed for privacy as well as community.
Residents balance privacy and community by choosing their own level of engagement.

Participation

Decision making is participatory and often based on consensus.
Self-management empowers residents, builds community, and saves money.

Shared Values

Cohousing communities support residents in actualizing shared values.
Cohousing communities typically adopt green approaches to living.

Communities around the U.S.

There are currently over 170 established cohousing communities nationally, with nearly that many in the formation stages. California is home to more built communities than any other state! View this map to get a sense of cohousing nationwide.