They range in size from 6 to 80 households, with the majority between 15 and 33 residences. Yet, cohousing is distinctive in that each family or household has a separate dwelling and chooses how much they want to participate in community activities. There are, of course, other innovative ideas being experimented with for example, single-parent cooperatives and congregate housing for the elderly with private rooms arranged around shared living spaces. Cohousing also differs from intentional communities and communes. Communes are often organized around strong ideological beliefs.
Most intentional communities function as educational or spiritual centers.
Cohousing, on the other hand, offers a new approach to housing rather than a new way of life. Based on democratic principles, cohousing developments espouse no ideology other than the desire for a more practical and social home environment. Residents organize and participate in the planning and design process for the development and are responsible as a group for all final decisions. The process can be long and frustrating, but those now living in cohousing communities universally agree that it was well worth the effort. Intentional Neighborhood Design.