What Makes Cohousing Different from a Typical Condo or Apartment? — Cohousing Corner, November 15 2025
At first glance, a cohousing community might look similar to a typical housing development, but life inside is anything but typical.
Cohousing is built around the idea of creating an intentional neighborhood, where people truly know and care for one another.
Members live in private homes but regularly gather in communally-owned spaces like in a common house for shared meals and fun social activities. Communities are self-governing and members all get a say in shaping the direction of the community.
In a typical neighborhood, it’s not unusual to go years without knowing your neighbors. In cohousing, you’ll know every face, every name and you’ll know you can count on each other. Whether it’s borrowing a tool, getting help with a last-minute ride into town, or just sharing a friendly chat, you’re part of a community grounded in cooperation and mutual support.
What Will Social Life Look Like at Sunnyside Village?
At Sunnyside Village, life will be centered around connection with one another and with the land.
One of the most meaningful ways we'll foster that connection is through our regular shared meals. Our beloved shared garden and orchard is a focal point of our home, where neighbors will work side by side to nurture the land. The fresh produce grown there will make its way into our shared meals to be enjoyed together. These meals are a celebration of our hard work and cooperation!
Sunnyside members talking a morning stroll to breakfast together
Beyond the table, community life will thrive through frequent social events, nature walks and activities, and impromptu porch conversations. The Common House will host everything from game nights to movie screenings, holiday gatherings to milestone celebrations. And when the day winds down, everyone will have the comfort of their own private cottage, offering just the right balance of togetherness and alone time.