Cohousing residents own their individual private homes. These are arranged to allow neighbors to easily share activities and facilities, such as the large Common House, while at the same time protecting everyone’s privacy. There are no shared financial arrangements, apart from homeowners association (HOA) fees to cover expenses of shared facilities and grounds. There are no shared religious or spiritual beliefs. Legally and financially, it is usually a conventional condominium development. [Note: we will not use this type of legal status. Instead, Gainesville Cohousing will have individually titled homes with a homeowners association.] But there are two big differences: cohousing units are designed by the future residents, and residents decide how they will govern themselves and make decisions. In addition, residents are expected to stay actively involved in the community so that it continues to represent our values and goals in order to be a more sustainable, cooperative neighborhood
Brooks Nelson
Overview
Brooks Nelson Location
About Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, a city located in the state of Florida (FL), is home to a population of approximately 220,929 people. Gainesville boasts a median age of 26, with around 14.9% of its residents aged 60 or above. 4.9% of the population identifies as US Veterans. 9.7% of Gainesville residents are disabled. The city has an average household income of $43,783, while the unemployment rate stands at 5.5%, and around 29% of the population is considered to be living below the poverty level. In terms of housing, the average home value in Gainesville is $215,487, with a monthly rent averaging $1151.
About Cohousing
Cohousing refers to private communities where residents live in clusters of homes or condos close to one another. Cohousing embraces community involvement as a lifestyle. Residents share everything from mealtimes to cleaning and laundry duties and even celebrations and holidays.
Senior cohousing communities are specifically designed to foster strong bonds and a sense of community among residents. These communities provide an opportunity for active seniors to join a close-knit group of individuals who share common interests and values. Living in a senior cohousing community allows you to engage in social interactions with fellow residents, both inside your own private home and within the common areas of the community. The physical layout and design of these communities facilitate easy interaction and encourage neighborly connections.
These communities often offer a range of shared activities and resources, such as craft classes, woodworking workshops, day trips, and extended travel opportunities. The emphasis is on creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their own talents, skills, and abilities to contribute to the community.