So many exciting cohousing communities! How does a seeker decide which one is best?
The Short Version:
- Can you afford it?
- Is it located in an acceptable geographic location?
- Is the urban vs rural location right for you?
- Is their timeline compatible with yours (not perfect but acceptable)?
- Do they have a mission, vision and/or values and do you resonate with those?
- Do they accept you? Is there a place for you? Do you feel welcome? Do you feel like you fit in?
- Is the pet policy compatible with your pets or lack of pets?
- Do they have a governance system in place and are they using it? Can they get things done without long lengthy arguments?
- Do they have a team of professionals helping them or are they trying to go it alone?
- Are you right for cohousing?
The Long Version:
I have been recruiting members for our community, Sunnyside Village Cohousing in Marysville, Washington, for a number of years. I have talked with well over 1,000 people who are looking for a community. It is not easy, for either the recruiter or for the seeker.
I recently wondered what it was that made a person choose one community over another. Of course it would be a different decision making process for each family but here are some thoughts that may help you. We, at Sunnyside, believe that the community should be a good fit for you and should feel right. We believe you should keep exploring until you find the place that feels like the right fit for you and your family, where ever that might be.
CHECK OUT the full article by Jennie Lindberg, SunnySide Village Cohousing
