5. Cohousing Communities

Cohousing is an intentional community design that prioritizes social connection while maintaining private ownership. In a cohousing neighborhood, residents own their private, fully equipped homes, which are clustered around a shared central space. This central area always features a “common house” containing a large kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and recreational spaces.

Residents manage the community collaboratively and share resources. It is common for cohousing communities to host shared meals several times a week. This setup is one of the most socially engaging retirement housing alternatives available. It appeals heavily to retirees who want the privacy of their own four walls but desire a deeply connected, neighborly environment where people actively look out for one another.