As we grow older, many of us face the challenges of aging in place. Loneliness and social isolation are common among seniors, especially those who live alone or far from family and friends. Maintaining a large property can become increasingly difficult, and the cost burdens associated with home ownership and healthcare can be overwhelming. Access to support structures and resources may be limited, leaving many older adults feeling helpless and unsure of their future. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be asking, “How can I leave a meaningful legacy for my property and preserve its beauty?”
Cohousing: A Support Structure for Aging Together
Cohousing offers a solution to the challenges of aging in place. In a cohousing community, residents live in private homes but share common spaces and amenities, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. The benefits of cohousing for active aging are numerous, including access to shared resources, increased social interaction, and a built-in support network. While some active adults prefer age-specific cohousing, others find joy and fulfillment in multigenerational communities. Cohousing provides a framework for aging together, allowing residents to maintain their independence while enjoying the companionship and assistance of their neighbors.
Bring the Community to You
Many cohousing communities have been developed on the founders’ properties, allowing them to stay in place while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community close by. By building cohousing on your land, you can have the best of both worlds: the comfort and familiarity of your current home, combined with the advantages of intentional community living.
Imagine having a group of like-minded individuals nearby, ready to lend a helping hand, share a meal, or enjoy a conversation. With cohousing, you can bring the community to you and create a vibrant, supportive environment that enhances your quality of life.
The Advantages of the Self-Build Approach to Cohousing
Developing cohousing on your own land offers numerous advantages. By taking the self-build approach, you can leave a positive legacy for generations to come, ensuring that your property remains a place of beauty, connection, and sustainability. You maintain control over the future of your land, shaping it into a community that reflects your values and vision. Additionally, building cohousing on your property may allow you to release some financial equity without simply selling up and moving. You could also downsize into a more manageable home within the community, while still retaining ownership of the land. Perhaps you exiting home could be preserved and repurposed as the new common house?
The self-build approach also enables you to gather a team of individuals who will help tackle the challenges of aging collectively. By sharing burdens and costs, such as car pooling and landscaping, you can reduce your individual responsibilities and expenses. Living in close proximity to others provides companionship and helps combat isolation, keeping you active and mentally stimulated. (Promoting longevity).
With cohousing, you take control of how you live as you get older, mitigating the high fees, poor economic value, and lack of freedom often associated with assisted care facilities. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a supportive community around you is invaluable. Moreover, by developing a sustainable cohousing community, you contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.
Explore if Cohousing is Right for Your Property
If you’re considering building cohousing on your land, the first step is to briefly evaluate what’s possible there. Here are some guidelines to help you assess your property’s potential:
- Is your property zoned for residential development at the appropriate density? (Although cohousing is unconventional and often doesn’t conform to the existing zoning and often requires Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval.)
- Is the property large enough to build a community of 30 to 40 homes on? A typical cohousing community site area is around 3 to 6 acres, although this is not set in stone.
- Is there a connection to municipal sewers and utilities nearby?
- Is the property accessible from a public road? Is it viable to construct a new access road or improve an existing one?
- Are there any natural features, such as steep slopes or wetlands, that might limit building?
- Is it a place where others like you would want to live? Consider proximity to public services and shopping.
A call or visit to your city’s planning department should provide quick answers to most of these basic questions. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about the details; Township can help you determine the feasibility of cohousing on your property. We welcome you to contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Township: Your Partner in Developing Cohousing
At Township, we can help you get your cohousing community started. Our services include:
- Explaining the cohousing development process
- Consulting architects and other consultants to verify the development potential
- Gaining feedback from local planners
- Studying the local housing market
- Creating an preliminary financial plan
- Assisting with outreach to start forming your cohousing group
- Setting up the legal structures for the community and protecting your interests
Through our connection with the 500 Communities program, we utilize “lessons learned” from successful cohousing communities across the country that have followed this model, ensuring that your cohousing journey is as smooth as possible. Our expertise and guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and set up your project for success. There is no commitment to move forward, so you can explore your options with confidence.
Take the First Step Towards Your Intentional Community
Don’t let the challenges of aging in place hold you back from living your best life. Take action today and create the supportive, vibrant community you deserve. Schedule a consultation with Township to discover the potential of your property and start building the intentional community you’ve always dreamed of. With cohousing, you can age gracefully, surrounded by friends and neighbors who share your values and vision. Embrace the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, preserve the beauty of your land, and live peacefully ever after in a community that nurtures your mind, body, and soul.
