Frequently Asked Questions

How is homeownership legally structured in cohousing?

Hager Homestead is structured as condominiums with a Homeowners Association (HOA). It will be owned by the people who live in the community. Each of the 26 households own their own home as well as a share of the common property including the Common House.

If I live in cohousing will I have my own kitchen?

Yes! In addition to the large shared kitchen in the common house, each private home will have its own full kitchen.

How do common meals work in cohousing?

Cohousing communities usually prepare some meals every week in their common house by a team of people. Eating common meals is always voluntary. Members will decide together how to structure the cooking (and cleanup) responsibilities, and whether or not you pay a small fee when you join a common meal.

What if I'm an introvert? Will I have private time in cohousing?

In cohousing, socializing is your choice. When you feel like reading a book by yourself, you can do so in your own home. But you can also read in one of the quiet rooms in the Common House…where you might see some of your friends. In some cohousing communities, residents create their own signs or signals if they want to spend time alone.

How is Hager Homestead different from a traditional retirement community?

Hager Homestead is being designed and developed by our members. There is no corporation or non-profit organization making decisions for us. We will make decisions together for the benefit of the community. Most importantly, Hager Homestead is an intentional community. For us, a strong community is an explicit goal, not the lucky coincidence of having good neighbors. We think cohousing is a more meaningful and satisfying way to live.

How else does Cohousing differ from usual neighborhoods?

Cohousing emphasizes community living, shared resources, and resident participation in decision-making and community upkeep.

We share things: no need for everyone to have a lawn mower, ladder, instant pot, food processor.

We care for our building and land: planting, mowing, changing lights in the hallways (but we hire out for snowplow and cleaning common spaces!)

We care for each other: teaspoon of cumin, lifts to urgent care, parking for visiting family, rearrange some furniture, sew on a button

How do households make decisions together?

From the start, Hager Homestead members implemented a governance system called “Sociocracy". It prioritizes consent-based decision-making and decentralized authority, aiming to create more inclusive and effective organizations by empowering individuals and fostering collaboration. It is a trust-based feedback-gathering evolving organism! From pet agreements to land use choices, sociocracy allows all voices to be heard -- but also prevents one person from blocking action. Learn more at SociocracyforAll.org

Do you have more questions about living in an intentional community?

Join a virtual Zoom event to talk to us.