People move to Emerson Commons because they want to live in a community where they know and interact with their neighbors. And we have room for more wonderful neighbors.
While building, buying, or renting a home at Emerson Commons is legally and technically like building, buying, or renting a home in any neighborhood, we do need future residents to be well informed before making a commitment.
Before jumping in with both feet, we ask you to learn about cohousing and about our neighborhood in particular. Please follow the steps below to the best of your ability:
While building, buying, or renting a home at Emerson Commons is legally and technically like building, buying, or renting a home in any neighborhood, we do need future residents to be well informed before making a commitment.
Before jumping in with both feet, we ask you to learn about cohousing and about our neighborhood in particular. Please follow the steps below to the best of your ability:
1. Read About Emerson Commons
Read about our cohousing community and the Crozet, Virginia area:
2. Learn About Cohousing in General
Understand the elements of most cohousing communities and the benefits of this way of life. Read this intro to cohousing and explore other resources at cohousing.org. We also recommend reading Creating Cohousing by McCamant and Durrett.
3. Take a Tour
Schedule a tour of Emerson Commons so you can get a feel for how the community is laid out, see our common house, grounds, available lots and/or homes, and get answers to your initial questions about what it's like to live here.
4. Meet the Neighbors
After taking a tour, we encourage all who are interested in living here to attend a social event like a common meal, open house, or workday to meet community members.
5. Observe Our Meetings
After an initial social visit, join us to observe one of our plenary meetings so you can see our system of governance and decision-making in action. We strive for consensus, listening to and discussing each other's concerns until we find creative solutions to the challenges we face.
6. Examine Our Agreements
The agreements, processes, and structures that support cohousing communities are not so obvious if you're not living in cohousing. We invite you to browse the resources linked below.