Newsletter — July 2025
Cohousing is on the rise across the U.S., and the Salish Sea region is no exception. Right here in the North Sound—between Seattle and the Canadian border—there’s a growing number of vibrant communities either up and running or well on their way.
This month, we’re spotlighting five local cohousing communities to keep on your radar. Whether you're just cohousing-curious or seriously looking for a community, we hope this gives you a sense of what’s happening nearby.
To kick things off, we’re sharing a super-practical guide by Jennie Lindberg on how to decide which community might be the best fit for you.
We round out this issue with "It's a Cat's World". No worries, next month it will be pup's turn!
Happy reading!
– Norm and Jennie
How to Choose the Right Cohousing Community for You
By Jennie Lindberg, Sunnyside Village Cohousing
So many great communities—how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s a quick checklist to help you find your match:
Can you afford it? Most forming communities need upfront investment—are you financially ready or willing to get creative?
Is the location right? Urban or rural? Near family? Okay climate? What really matters to you?
Does the timing work? These projects can take a while—can you wait or help move things along?
Do the values resonate? If their mission and culture don’t feel like a fit, keep looking.
Do you feel welcome? A good community makes space for newcomers and values what you bring.
Are the policies a match? Especially around pets and shared responsibilities—better to know upfront.
Can they get things done? Communities need structure and a plan to move forward.
Are professionals helping out? Having consultants on board usually means smoother sailing.
Are you right for cohousing? Cohousing takes commitment, cooperation, and a willingness to grow. Is that something you’re ready for?
Bottom line? No community is perfect—but the right one will feel like home.
Want to read Jennie’s full article?
Check it out here: How to Decide Which Cohousing Community Is Right for You
Exploring Cohousing in the North Sound—Five Cohousing Communities North of Seattle
Here's a quick look at some of the communities taking root (or already blooming) north of Seattle:
4th Corner Commons – Bellingham, WA
Early in the forming stage, 4th Corner Commons has secured land and is hosting a Kick-off Workshop this October.
🔗 4thCornerCommons.com
Crow Woods – Seattle, WA
This nine-home community wraps around shared gardens, trees, and a cozy common house. Most homes are aging-in-place ready.
🔗 CrowWoods.com
Rooted Northwest – Arlington, WA
Rooted combines cohousing with regenerative agriculture. Think walkable village + working farm + shared learning spaces.
🔗 RootedNW.org
Skagit Commons – Anacortes, WA
Fully built and thriving with 30 homes. No current openings, but you can stay in the loop via their newsletter.
🔗 SkagitCohousing.org
Sunnyside Village Cohousing – Marysville, WA
Sunnyside offers 32 detached cottages on five acres, with shared amenities including a common house, workshop, gardens, and trails. Sunnyside is more than a place to live—it’s a community for life.
🔗 SunnysideVillageCohousing.com
Meet Talullah and Jezebel: Zoom's Unofficial Feline Ambassadors
If you’ve been on a Zoom call with Clare from Sunnyside Village, chances are you’ve already met her two ever-present companions: Talullah and Jezebel. Talullah, the tabby with boundless energy, is famously obsessed with playing fetch — yes, like a Labrador in cat form — and will drop toy mice at Clare’s feet with unrelenting enthusiasm. Jezebel, the more dignified tortie, prefers the subtler art of disruption. Rather than chase toys, she takes her spot behind Clare during meetings, delicately pawing at her hair. Why do cats always demand attention during Zoom calls? At Sunnyside, it might just be their way of joining the community, one mouse toss or hair tangle at a time.
Know someone exploring cohousing? Forward them this newsletter! And don’t forget to check out what’s new at SunnysideVillageCohousing.com.
Let us know what you'd love to see in future issues!
Warmly,
Norm and Jennie and all of us at Sunnyside Village Cohousing
Find us on Facebook: Sunnyside Village Cohousing
You can reach us at outreach@svcoho.org