Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is cohousing?

    Cohousing is a collaborative living model where residents design, develop, and manage their own community. Individuals or families have private homes but share common spaces, resources, and responsibilities.

    This approach fosters connection, belonging, and mutual support through shared activities and collaborative decision-making. Cohousing creates a close-knit and intentional environment that balances meaningful social interaction with the comfort of personal privacy.

  • What is the common house?

    At Lukoli Commons, the future common house will serve as the heart of the community—a shared space designed to bring neighbors together and make daily life more connected, creative, and convenient.

    It will be a place for shared meals, gatherings, and celebrations. It will also offer spaces for workshops, crafts, and group activities—encouraging residents to pursue hobbies, learn new skills, and enjoy time together.

    The common house will include practical features like mail pickup and flexible rooms for meetings, wellness classes, or quiet reflection. Guest rooms will welcome visiting family and friends, and a dedicated caregiver apartment will provide comfort and support as members’ needs change over time.

    More than just a building, the common house will be the center of community life—designed to grow and adapt with the people who call Lukoli Commons home.

  • Who should live in cohousing?

    Cohousing is designed for individuals seeking a collaborative community. Emphasizing inclusivity, diverse backgrounds, and lifestyles are welcome. Residents value shared responsibilities and a sense of belonging, creating an inclusive environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective experience of cohousing living.

  • Are there age restrictions?

    Cohousing is a wonderful model for all ages, offering connection, collaboration, and a supportive environment where people thrive together. While many cohousing communities are intergenerational, Lukoli Commons is intentionally designed as a 55+ community.

    Here, adults in their later years can enjoy shared resources, social engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. Seniors find companionship, purpose, and mutual support—reducing isolation and enhancing well-being. While our community is age-restricted, we warmly welcome children, grandchildren, and friends of all ages as visitors.

    With shared meals, activities, and decision-making, Lukoli Commons will foster meaningful relationships and a vibrant lifestyle—built for connection, while honoring the independence and privacy of each member.

  • What kind of outdoor spaces will the community include?

    Cohousing communities are thoughtfully designed to celebrate the beauty of their natural surroundings and encourage a lifestyle of connection and ease. Meandering walking paths, community gardens, and inviting outdoor gathering spaces create opportunities to enjoy nature and one another.

    Shared resources—like the common house, guest rooms, and garden areas—help simplify life and bring neighbors together. The result is a peaceful, well-planned neighborhood where residents can enjoy fresh air, natural beauty, and a strong sense of belonging.

  • How are cohousing communities developed?

    Cohousing planning and design are inclusive and resident-driven. Future members take part in hands-on workshops to shape the community’s layout, shared spaces, and overall vision.

    This collaborative approach emphasizes well-designed common areas, affordability, and practical features that create a cohesive, people-centered community reflecting the shared goals and values of its residents.

  • How is cohousing financially structured?

    Cohousing communities like Lukoli Commons are built on a simple and transparent structure. Each household owns its own home and shares responsibility for the community’s common spaces. This approach combines the independence of private ownership with the benefits of living in a supportive, connected neighborhood.

    Residents contribute to shared costs through a member-approved monthly fee, which helps maintain common areas and supports the smooth operation of the community.

    Financing typically comes from a combination of member investments, bank loans, and sometimes grants. Members contribute toward both their individual homes and the shared facilities, ensuring the community is developed with care and long-term stability in mind.

    Collaborative decision-making and financial transparency guide every step of the process, creating a clear, dependable framework for a thriving, enduring community.

  • How are decisions made in cohousing communities?

    Cohousing decisions are made collaboratively through consensus-based processes. Residents actively participate in discussions, contributing to community decisions on issues ranging from design to shared responsibilities.

    This inclusive decision-making fosters a sense of ownership, promotes community cohesion, and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in shaping the collective life of the cohousing community.