What is Bellingham Cohousing?

We are an intergenerational and collaborative community of 33 households. Our design allows for both privacy (with individual condos) and shared spaces for social interaction. Our ongoing goals are creating a real community and living more lightly on the earth.

What do I commit to if I buy or rent?

You commit to living as a part of a community with its enormous benefits and real obligations. You commit to some hours a month of community participation from a broad array of choices. It could be participating in a landscape work party, stewarding a common area, cooking as part of a meal team or serving on a committee, working group, etc. You commit to participating in community decisions through a consensus process.

What are the benefits?

Each community member answers this a bit differently. Most agree that high points range from regular community meals and occasional celebrations to friendly help from your neighbors if you need a ride to the airport or a supportive hand during a personal hard patch. We all find that the more we put into the community, the more we get out of it.

What are the shared spaces?

The heart of our shared space is our Common House located in the center of our community. Our Common House has a large kitchen and dining/gathering area, two living rooms, two guest rooms, a play room, shared laundry room, and an office. Other shared spaces include a well-equipped workshop, a vegetable garden, a play field, a large room for exercise and other activities, and a wetland (next to an orchard) where we feel nature close to us.