Cohousing Not Just for Boomers
The big media splash in cohousing these days is about Senior or Elder Cohousing, and some might say cohousing's core constituency is among the boomer generation. But recent posts on Trendcentral and Treehugger are noting that cohousing also has appeal for Gen X and Gen Y.
A lifestyle trend that first started back in 1960s Denmark, co-housing may be making a comeback among progressive Gen Xers and Ys....While co-housing used to be a fringe movement, it is now resonating with Xers and Ys who are starting families, searching for community and looking to pool resources.
While I don't understand how cohousing's continually fast and steady growth can be described as a "comeback", its not surprising that Gen Xand Gen Y want in on the action. It seems the appeal of cohousing cuts across generations and its only a matter of when people get into the home buying market that they will start taking a look at cohousing.
Treehugger article on Cohousing for Gen X and Gen Y.
Trendcentral article on Cohousing for Gen X and Gen Y.
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Written by: Tony Sirna
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:34 am
I have a large home and yard, shared with others, in S. Snohomish County, WA. I am interested in connecting with people looking for cohabitation. I have extra bedrooms and a separate mother-in-law apartment. I find that as I get older (47), I may want to share my home with people that can contribute financially as well as in upkeep of home(repairs, maintenance, gardening...) I live in a nice community near public transit, with easy freeway access. I heard about intentional communities from a psychologist I know and would like to find out more about how to connect. I will continue to research and am looking for information/communication.
Thank You,
Julie
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
It makes sense the people of all ages are interested in cohousing. One of the reasons that there is such as focus on boomers and older is that more of them can afford it. Most people admire cohousing and the many benefits of community living but the reality is that it is expensive. We are building a community in southern Vermont Sweet Pond Eco Community and the cost of new construction is tremendous. A house of similar size in the neighborhood goes for half the price, some of this can be attributed to green building but mainly the huge cost of construction. I know in other parts of the country many communities are being built that are affordable but the reality of the market right now makes it tough. Older folks are targeted for communities because they have houses and equity that they can trade up or down to a home in an intentional community.
There certainly is interest in it by younger folks but until you have really been established its tough to have the time to participate and the funds. There are students at some schools that set-up resident halls or off-campus housing in structures similar to cohousing and share some housing resources. I am just out of school and have seen interest in the concept among peers. In the next 10 years you will see a lot more younger folks involved and eventually communities aiming toward this market. From what I have seen the urban communities have a younger crowd and although prices are higher so are wages and they are a lot more affordable.
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:42 am
As a single 56-year old I am interested in cohousing and sharing expenses with others. I am not familiar with cohousing and would like to hear from others who are interested. I am in Texas and could move anywhere.