Is this a cult? Is it a commune? No! Don’t worry. We welcome your individual voice and believe that individuals are what make the community great. We don’t ask anyone to check their individuality at the door. We simply work together as neighbors and friends for the good of our community.
What is cohousing?
Cohousing is an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space. Simply put, it feels like a friendly neighborhood! You know your neighbors and still have your privacy. Houses are intentionally smaller, since shared community spaces reduce the need for large private homes. Those shared spaces enable you to have brief, spontaneous interactions or longer chats with neighbors during your day.
- We have 30 private homes at Winslow Cohousing. Compact and efficient living units range in size from studio (520 sq ft) to four-bedroom (1,400 sq ft). We also have three accessible units.
- Each private home has traditional amenities (kitchen, bathroom(s), living room, bedroom(s), laundry).
- There are nine garages that are individually leased independently of the home.
- We have resident parking for one car per household.
- There are about 50 adults and 20 children who live here at Winslow Cohousing. Our residents currently range in age from under 2 years to over 80 years.
- Shared spaces at Winslow Cohousing include the resident parking lot, a 5,000 sq ft common house with a commercial kitchen, large dining room, rec room, laundry room, and a guest suite. Outdoor amenities include garden space, an orchard, compost area, chicken coop, and work shed, plus a playground and open space with natural areas and trails for recreation.
- Watch this PBS video about cohousing.
What kind of participation is expected of residents?
- We all put in a few hours each month to help our community run smoothly. All adults are asked to participate in one of our four clusters: Process & Communication, Grounds, Maintenance, and Common Facilities. Each cluster meets once a month, with additional work time depending on projects.
- We hold a full general meeting each month to brainstorm solutions, address community issues, and make decisions by consensus. Facilitation rotates among members so everyone has a chance to lead.
- Since we are a cooperative housing corporation, we also have a board of trustees that meets regularly. Every member is encouraged to serve on the board at some point. Our Board of Trustees acts to preserve community assets and represent our cooperative in legal and contractual matters.
Is cohousing a good fit for you and your family?
Before requesting a tour, we encourage you to work through this self-assessment. The questions cover the key aspects of cohousing and community life, helping you reflect honestly on whether this way of living aligns with your needs and values.
What is the form of ownership of these homes?
Our community is organized as a cooperative corporation. Members own shares in the corporation and hold a proprietary lease for a specific home. In addition to your individual home, your shares give you an ownership interest in the common house, the grounds, and other shared facilities.
Are there HOA fees?
WCG collects monthly assessments, similar to HOA fees, to cover shared expenses. These include general community operations, property taxes, insurance, water and sewer, and a reserve fund. The annual budget is approved by a membership vote. Our community’s collaborative approach keeps our budget managed efficiently. Additional assessments haven’t been needed in over 30 years.
Monthly assessments vary by unit size and number of residents. In 2026, they range from $600 to $1,400 per month. Because WCG is a residential cooperative, members do not receive a separate property tax bill; this is included in the monthly assessment.
- What is involved in purchasing a home in this community?
Purchase prices for homes are established by the seller of the shares allocated to a unit. As with all market rate housing, prices depend on unit size, location, and custom amenities. To ensure prospective members understand our community and cooperative structure, our membership application and joining process must be completed before the community will consent to the transfer of shares to a new member. Our only requirement is a genuine desire to participate in community life. - Can anyone come to visit and learn more about Winslow Cohousing?
We welcome visitors by appointment. To protect the privacy of our residents, please email Lori to arrange a tour.
More about Winslow Cohousing:
Winslow Cohousing is the second cohousing community completed in the United States (1992), and the first to be designed and developed entirely by the owner-residents who moved in upon completion.
- How much land do you have?
Our property totals just over five acres. About 1.5 acres of dense forest is protected in a land trust, and about half an acre is dedicated to our community garden. - What were some of the significant dates in your development process?
Our first general meeting was held February 11, 1989; construction began on May 10, 1991; the move-in process began in earnest April 1, 1992. - Are there special considerations for media visits?
Members of the media who wish to visit should contact Lori by email to make arrangements. - Have there been any articles written about Winslow Cohousing?
Yes, many articles have been written over the years, including a cover feature in Time magazine. One of the earliest is available online from the Context Institute: Winslow Cohousing: A Self Portrait. Here is an article from Communities Magazine Issue #106 titled “Winslow Cohousing – The First 10 Years.”