Traditional forms of housing no longer address the needs of many people. Cohousing re-establishes many of the advantages of traditional villages within the context of modern life. Cohousing communities usually include a mix of singles, couples, families with children, and elders. Housing units are clustered, linked by pedestrian walkways that connect with a common house. Communities usually choose to share several evening meals in this building.
Parking is located on the periphery.
Housing units are individually owned, by condominium or similar arrangement. Cohousing originated in Denmark in the late 1960s. The idea was brought to the United States in 1988. In North America there are more than 40 occupied cohousing communities and more than 150 in development. Cohousing is an ideal way to raise children with support from others.