Having worked for cohousing groups over the years, creating budgets and schedules and cash flow plans, I have often been asked, “Why does our project have to cost so much? Why is our budget so high?” Recently the question was asked of me again in Brooklyn, so I thought it might be good to address this issue in writing and share it with the greater cohousing community.
News Flash: Worst Downturn in Housing Market in Decades! Mortgage Crisis Forces Glut of Foreclosures! Too Many Homes For Sale – Nothing Selling! Fresno Cohousing Prices Locked in at Above-Market Rates! Fresno Cohousing Membership Votes to Increase Prices by $10K!
What’s wrong with this picture? Or, perhaps more significantly, what’s right with it?
The number of cohousing communities is increasing impressively. This map is based on the data from a recent census conducted by Betsy Morris, Ph.D., Coho/U.S.'s research director. As shown, built cohousing communities in the U.S. numbered 113 at mid-year. Other results of that census can be found in the Research Topic Room. (Registration as a member is required, although it is free.)
The 2008 Cohousing Conference “was a resounding success,” says Craig Ragland,
Coho/US executive director. One participant said, “Anyone who has an interest in upgrading the way their life works should attend the conference. An overview and five pages of photos from the conference.
“I feel a little intimidated to say this,” the attractive older woman began hesitantly, “but living in senior cohousing next to Songaia was what drew me here in the first place. I don’t want to live in a community where children are the main focus. I do want this to be senior cohousing.”
