What is cohousing? It is an ancient concept with growing modern relevance. Human societies have evolved in close-knit, village-like communities and we are hard-wired for collaboration and connection. The first modern cohousing community was built in Denmark in the 1970’s; since then cohousing has spread and grown worldwide, with 165 active communities in the US and 140 more in the developing stages.

Cohousing is a way of living in a community with shared intentions, spaces, values, and ethics. People drawn to the idea and lifestyle tend to believe that participating in a community is a priority for their personal well-being, and know that it is an active process to build a thriving cohousing project. (Pictured: future neighbors and current friends find ways to connect and have fun during the pandemic with a water balloon toss!)

Each cohousing community is unique, however, most share certain characteristics including: shared common spaces (green areas, gardens, large kitchen and dining room, etc.); clustered private homes surrounding the common; the built environment is intended to increase connection between and among neighbors; parking is generally on the periphery; resident-centered design meets the needs of the members of the community; and residents can age in place. (Pictured: a community cardboard box house-building event.)

Many people find that they want more and deeper connections in their lives; cohousing offers an antidote to loneliness and isolation. (Pictured: a member of Flagstaff Cohousing picking pluots from another member's tree!)

Cohousing has a wide appeal, especially to families with children. Cohousing can be multigenerational (for people and families of all ages) or specific to seniors, singles, etc. Flagstaff Cohousing looks forward to neighbors of all ages! (Pictured: a mother and daughter enamored with the cohousing vision.)

For single people or empty nesters, cohousing can offer social interactions that otherwise could be difficult to replicate. (Pictured: future cohousers have much to be excited about during a tour of an existing community in Prescott, AZ.)

Many communities use consensus-based decision making so that the group has structure when arriving at decisions that impact the whole community. (Pictured: lifelong friendships are forged through the pursuit of a cohousing dream.)

At its core, cohousing is about a commitment to consuming less resources and sharing more with neighbors and the broader community. (Pictured: future neighbors harvest together.)

As humanity rises to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century, it is clear that the homes of the future must incorporate sustainable design and building practices. Flagstaff Cohousing is committed to doing its part to make sustainability more accessible.

For families who may not live near their relatives, cohousing can ensure that honorary aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents are always a stone’s throw away. (Pictured: members of all ages enjoying their time with each other.)

Community gardening is at the heart of cohousing, as the green spaces within a cohousing community are largely shared and co-cultivated.

Cohousing brings people together to share all aspects of life - the ups and downs and in-betweens.

The cohousing model can enrich lives and offer an antidote to the intense loneliness or social isolation many Americans experience.

Children growing up in cohousing communities are healthy and happy, surrounded by loving people who know them and take delight in watching them grow!

Flagstaff Cohousing is excited to be the first cohousing community in northern Arizona. We invite you to contact us with questions about where we are in our process!