As housing costs soar and loneliness becomes a global issue, communal living, often referred to as "intentional communities," is gaining attention as an alternative way of life.

Though the concept may evoke visions of unwashed dishes and overcrowded bathrooms, modern communal living often provides a more structured and rewarding experience.

For many, it offers not just financial relief but also a sense of belonging, shared purpose, and mutual support.

A Shared Home in London

In London, food writer Rosie Kellett discovered the benefits of communal living after moving into a warehouse in Hackney Wick. Living with six others, they pool resources, contribute to a shared bank account, and take turns cooking dinner. Weekly house meetings address chores and resolve issues, fostering open communication.

For Kellett, the best part is the constant companionship. “The housemates feel like a family,” she explains. This sense of connection is especially valuable in a city where affordable housing is scarce. However, communal living does come with trade-offs. Privacy can be hard to find, and shared amenities like bathrooms and washing machines can lead to occasional frustration.

The Upsides of Communal Living

Video by The Minimalists

Family-Friendly Co-Housing in the US

In Madison, Wisconsin, Creal Zearing lives in a co-housing community with her husband and young daughter. The Arbco estate includes self-contained homes alongside communal spaces, where residents host shared meals and social events. Zearing values the community’s support network, particularly as a parent, and enjoys the ease of connecting with neighbors.

However, challenges arise when some members feel others aren't contributing enough to the community's upkeep. Balancing personal responsibilities with communal commitments can strain relationships, but Zearing appreciates the benefits of the collaborative environment, including the friendships and resources it offers.

The Appeal of Intentional Communities

Communal living spans a wide spectrum, from co-housing setups like Arbco to informal arrangements like Kellett’s warehouse. According to Penny Clark, a board member of Diggers and Dreamers and an expert on intentional communities, these arrangements often emerge as a response to housing pressures or a desire for environmental sustainability.

Intentional communities prioritize social connection and shared goals. Research indicates that individuals in these communities enjoy a quality of life comparable to society’s happiest members. However, establishing new communities can be difficult due to financial risks and societal expectations favoring privacy and individual ownership.

The Pros and Cons of Communal Living

Communal living offers a range of advantages, from financial savings to emotional support. For many, the greatest benefit is the sense of belonging it fosters. Shared meals, collaborative decision-making, and mutual assistance in parenting or household tasks help create tight-knit communities.

Still, challenges exist. Compromises on privacy and decision-making can strain relationships, and the work required to maintain community harmony may feel overwhelming. Additionally, existing societal norms often view private homeownership as the ultimate goal, making communal living seem unconventional.

A Growing Demand for Connection

As societal pressures like housing costs and isolation grow, interest in communal living continues to rise. Existing communities often receive inquiries from those eager to join, and people like Kellett find their social media posts about communal living garner significant attention.

For those unable to find ready-made setups, creating new intentional communities may require effort and creativity. Despite the challenges, proponents argue that the rewards—both emotional and practical—far outweigh the difficulties.

Communal living offers an alternative vision of home life, prioritizing connection, collaboration, and shared experiences. While not without its challenges, this way of living provides an antidote to isolation and an opportunity to reimagine what it means to live well together. As more people seek meaningful social bonds and sustainable living solutions, intentional communities may play a key role in shaping the future of housing and relationships.