Understanding the Core of Cohousing
As cohousing becomes more popular in the US, understanding the fundamentals may help you decide if it is right for you - right for you to become a member of Newark Cohousing Delaware.
The 6 Universal Fundamentals of Cohousing
Every true cohousing community—including those forming in Delaware—is built on six structural pillars defined by the Cohousing Association of the United States:
Participatory Process: Future residents design the neighborhood. Members work together from day one to plan the site layout, financial structures, and community guidelines.
Neighborhood Design: The physical layout prioritizes human interaction. Parking is strictly pushed to the periphery, leaving a central, car-free pedestrian walkway or green space where neighbors can organically meet, chat, and play safely.
Common Facilities: Communities build a central Common House designed for daily use. It functions as an extension of everyone's private home and typically features a large dining room, a shared kitchen, guest rooms, a workshop, and a laundry room. [1]
Resident Management: There are no outside landlords or corporate property managers. Residents manage the community themselves, splitting up tasks like mowing, roof repairs, and bookkeeping into volunteer committees.
Non-Hierarchical Decision-Making: Decisions are typically made by consensus rather than a simple majority vote. This ensures every member has a voice and avoids creating "winners and losers" within the neighborhood. [1]
No Shared Economy: Cohousing is not a commune. Members maintain completely separate finances, hold distinct jobs, and own or rent their independent private residences
Cohousing can bring you closer to people while still providing privacy. Our group is multigenerational, open to all persons who want to join.
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