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VILLAGE HEARTH
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Why
​Cohousing?

First of all, what is it?

Cohousing is an intentional neighborhood of private homes clustered around shared space. Each attached or single family home has traditional amenities, including a private kitchen.

​Shared spaces typically feature a common house, which may include a larger kitchen and dining area, laundry and recreational spaces. Shared outdoor space may include parking, walkways, open space and gardens. Neighbors share resources while maintaining independent lifestyles.
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.
The cohousing concept was imported to the U.S. from Denmark in the 1980s by ​Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett, with their book Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves. They are the country's experts in this field, and we're happy to say they were instrumental in helping us to make our community a reality! 
More information from the Cohousing Association of the U.S.

Benefits of Cohousing

Sense of community & belonging
Maintain your private sanctuary
Designed for spontaneous interaction
Neighborhood where you actually know your neighbor
Fun in the common house
Car-free & people-centric site design creates a safe space for everyone.

Characteristics of Cohousing Communities

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 with 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

Cohousing Communities Help Prevent Social Isolation
PBS Newshour


Local Cohos in the North Carolina Area

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Arcadia
​Chapel Hill
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Durham Central Park Cohousing
Durham
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Pacifica
Carrboro​
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​Eno Commons
Durham
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Elderberry
Rougement
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Solterra
​Durham​

Location

Village Hearth Cohousing

A 55+ intentional neighborhood
​for LGBTs, straight friends, and allies in Durham, North Carolina.

Contact Us

VillageHearthCohousing@gmail.com
561.714.8009
​Site Designed by CoHousing Solutions
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Our People
    • Our Values
    • In the News
    • Join VHC >
      • Our Homes
      • FAQs
    • Why Durham?
    • Governance
  • Events
  • About Cohousing
    • Cohousing Resources
  • Contact
  • Members Only
    • VHC Calendar