Friends couldn't afford rent. Pooled together to buy homes instead

[@taylorbaumgarten8590]

I am right at 60 and would give anything to be a part of such a community because yes… this is what life is about. So healthy.

[@Bones97000]

@@taylorbaumgarten8590 you might like looking into the city of Loma Linda in California. It’s the only Blue Zone in the U.S. and they apparently value community, health, philanthropy, and faith more than the average communities!

[@Creativezon3]

People are hungry to return to community. Epidemic of loneliness and isolation is upon humanity and its great to see these people and others we have come across, doing this in one form or another. When our kids were little, we lived behind a housing co-op and had friends there, so we put a gate in the back fence, so we could come and go. Our kids loved it and as an introvert, I could retreat to our house when it got too much .

[@pred7949]

People abandoning the communities that brought them up because of their own inability to commit, only to join these borderline cult like communities😂 in a rural world of community vs community no one in this video seems like a pillar of strength i would rely on, but good on these folks for forging what they got in the very protected and privileged hamlet of SanFran😂

[@snowstrobe]

@@pred7949 Sad to choose to go through life in such a negative frame...

[@pred7949]

@@snowstrobe cope

[@snowstrobe]

@@pred7949 You're clearly the one not coping. Ironic.

[@pred7949]

@@snowstrobe yea sure helen, you tell yourself whatever you need to to make it through the day sweetie

[@fanofbooks9]

What a concept-build a community so all your friends can share space, food, child care, & support. Very special group of folks.

[@anthonywilliams3822]

@@fanofbooks9 it's simplicity at it's finest!

[@briangarrow448]

This reminds me of the neighborhood where I grew up. We lived on a dead end street and all the neighbors had families and the kids played together and parents could call anyone by just opening up a window. The nice thing was that we had two and three generations living in the same homes. The kids bought the parents house and then the grandkids bought out their parents. My kids played on the same street and woods as I had done 30 years earlier. The story finally changed when the families moved out to other places. My son moved to a small farm, and built a barn with a FIL apartment where I moved to. I have home cooked meals, grandkids to visit with along with dogs, chickens and garden space and fruit trees. I’m sitting on my porch watching this while enjoying the evening sunshine and listening to the birds singing. Life is better with family! BTW- the farm is located on a dead end road where we have three properties that have multiple homes owned by family members.

[@longgowhereto]

Nicest story one can imagine. I moved all my life averagely every 18 months -> no family no friends - retirement is close, hope to find people to live as a family by choice - like a little tribe. Lonelyness is a common curse these days.

[@consciousobserver629]

Amazing! You just described my dream! My heart is hungry for that kind of living.

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

That’s wonderful.

[@tyxeri48]

Life in the Mediterranean where I live was always like this more or less, with a lot more drama sometimes. People got and still get a lot of mockery for adult kids living with families. `

[@serenakoleno9338]

Thanks for sharing. You're living the dream. ❤❤😊😊

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

I am happy living alone. I started as an only child for the first 11 years of my life. Parents divorced/remarried and I only had half- and step-siblings on the weekends. I couldn’t imagine this lifestyle in a million years. But I am so happy to know it exists. I do believe “villages” of people make great families. Thanks to all of you for sharing this with us.

[@sashabenoit1518]

This sounds great in theory and I'm sure for extroverts it's an absolute dream but as an extreme introvert, sharing my private space, people being able to look in my windows and me see into theirs, not being able to come and go from my house without bumping into my neighbors is literally my nightmare! 😅 Although I definitely wouldn't mind having a personal chef cooking for me.. I might just put up with the other stuff just for the home cooked meals! Lol

[@avancalledrupert5130]

That's not a village. A village exists on its own in the countryside mate.

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

@@avancalledrupert5130 Mate? I assume you are from Great Britain? Yes, you have real villages in your very old nation. When I visited this lovely country the sense of place was real. But urban America is a melting pot of people of many races, religions, and all the rest. What brings us together, as an American village, is a sense of caring for those around us. The old lady who hugs your dogs when you walk them. The old men who hold a door when your hands are full. The neighbor who looks out for your kids when crazy drivers zoom down the street where children play. We city-folk do not have the luxury of quiet idyllic landscapes to call home. So we look out for each other. We are not up in each other’s business. We do not necessarily know everyone’s names. But we are ready with a smile and we notice when your life seems off. Villages in American cities are felt in our hearts. It is a lovely sense of place and belonging. Peace.

[@sashabenoit1518]

@@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore I think the word you are looking for is Community... And the UK is also extremely diverse, more diverse than America in a lot of areas.

[@avancalledrupert5130]

@@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore That's a country but not a village. I have seen many places in America that I would class as a village. But they seem to call them one horse towns . Ive seen beautiful places in colarado like pagosa springs or Silverton and Auray that I would class as a village. But they call them small towns . But a village inside a city is just odd.

[@sun1one1]

Chosen community, and a paid cook rather than a family member who is effectively a servant. Awesome.

[@Hacknerspeaks8938]

@@LauraB.335 you’ve missed her point entirely. She is saying the cook is paid RATHER THAN a family member who is put upon to cook for everyone without compensation.

[@BetterDays_Now]

True

[@Ebizzill]

@@LauraB.335 mothers tend to be the unintentional servants.

[@hamingnu6610]

@@Hacknerspeaks8938 It's honestly a pretty good solution for today's society of 'work a 9-5, be a CEO, be born rich, or die'. Everyone's got their own lives to attend to no matter how tight the community is and it's hard to not just assume that a given family let alone a community home has 0 people who wouldn't enjoy NOT needing to be a cook every day for a bunch of people when they've got a job elsewhere to be tired from too. Until we can get back a more reasonable work culture, hiring a home cook is a pretty good solution for those who have the base capital monthly to do so. Probably not a solution for the average family, but in a big community full of working professionals, definitely a good investment.

[@Sundji]

@@Hacknerspeaks8938 That's what they said. unless they edited the thing you're talking about.

[@messinalyle4030]

I'm an extreme introvert, and this video demonstrates exactly why I ended up wishing that there were such a thing as life-long on-campus dorm rooms years ago when I lived on campus. This is the closest you might ever get to that. Only even better, because look how easily it can grow with you as you move through the various stages of life! And it sounds like these people have formed closer bonds with each other than I ever did with anyone I lived on campus with.

[@MrJethroha]

Once upon a time, rooming and boarding houses existed to serve that function, but that form of housing has largely fallen by the wayside except in the form of halfway houses

[@bjlyon615]

@@MrJethroha Yes, my first independent living situation was a residence club in San Francisco where I got a room, access to a community bath and two meals a day for $90 per month. That was in 1967. Coincidentally, I later ended up in a half-way house but that’s another story.

[@Hope-fv3kf]

Introvert with all these people ? Not for me

[@okra3000]

Their living arrangements don't even seem cost effective.

[@finally97]

I'm an extreme extrovert, too. However, I believe that this would be perfect for us. Because I worked in senior housing as well as have elders in my family/extended family, this community could be your saving grace. Ideally, your friends know you well enough to respect your boundaries while still checking in to make sure that you are okay. This way you don't get lost in the busyness of life. I couldn't do this with family but friends? Absolutely. I guess it helps that we are all introverts.

[@karinschild9020]

This is what I know as co-housing. Multiple dwellings with land to support activities, and a central communal kitchen/meeting space. The most important ingredients of course, are cooperation and community-mindedness. Love it!

[@judymckee5992]

That is what our 55+ community have , except hiring a cook .

[@cinbird6284]

@@karinschild9020 We called it cooperative housing in the Yukon. I studied their co-op for 2 years and it was very interesting. Eventually they built 3 homes on riverfront property.

[@ZERODESTRUCTION]

Thank you Kirsten, for always bringing videos that are watchable, thought provoking, and inspiring!

[@lisamcandrews5739]

Why is there a 13 minute commercial before your broadcast comes on?

[@Nphen]

@@lisamcandrews5739 You should be able to skip long ads on KZbin.

[@joeyhachtman7612]

There's the family you're born to and the family you choose. Instead of wanting more for themselves, they achieve a better standard of living through sharing. I just love it!

[@YellaBellaReno]

We don’t all need our own lawnmower, because we don’t all mow our lawns everyday; there’s so much more we could be sharing. I’ve been saying that and talking about doing this since I was a teenager, and over the last 20 years, so have more and more and more of my friends. It’s regulations and zoning that makes it hard. Plus, it’s not easy competing with builders for land in/near a big city. But I love seeing that it CAN be done. Like, “Look! Look! The’re doing it!” Also, I can’t have kids, so this would be sooooo nice. All my friends have little ones, and I would happily see them and care for them more with this sort of setup. That is missing from my life, so this would be incredibly fulfilling. Thank you for all your videos, but extra for this one. ❤️

[@kindredanastasia]

Community tool libraries for tools, yard work items, and cooking implements are catching on in communities across the country. They're often near coffee shops that host cooking, crafting, or repair nights where neighbors help neighbors repair items, sometimes chipping in to pay a visiting expert repairman to teach.

[@YellaBellaReno]

@@kindredanastasia that’s beautiful! I love hearing it. 🥰

[@elenalizabeth]

I’d want a community goat 😂 like a pet goat that is moved between the different grassed areas that need trimming each day. As long as it couldn’t get near the veggie garden or there’d be no more veggies. Or maybe a team of Guinea pigs (but they need to be in a big open-bottom cage so that birds cannot grab them)

[@YellaBellaReno]

@@elenalizabeth I also want a community goat! I had a neighbor with goats and they do a good job of clearing brush out. I just want to raise goats with my neighbors and make cheese and soap. 😂

[@samipso]

I love that they touch on how this is perfect for introverts. I've spent many years living in shared housing as an introvert and it's always filled me with an intense sense of freedom and fulfillment.

[@nahum3557]

It's interesting the huge impact that 'village' style living can have on peoples' lives. 'It takes a village' can relate to children growing up but also just the affect that a good community has on the quality of life of all the people that live within it

[@romaboutilier8462]

This is a great concept we need to do this aging seniors. 😊

[@JulietParrottMerrell]

Agreed. I’m a person with disabilities from birth and a lifelong power wheelchair user. I think this kind of housing model would be so wonderful for so many seniors and so many people with disabilities who need or want to live separately but also who need care and friendship too. Seniors and people with disabilities could live in one space, while caregivers lived in another space close by. And if the caregivers had children or pets, the seniors and people with disabilities could help care for them as well. But like another person said above, it does take a lot of emotional intelligence to live in this way. Most people nowadays just don’t have that.

[@judithshelton5655]

I would do this.

[@investingwithkat]

@@romaboutilier8462 golden girls

[@suziseha369]

I love this way of living. It makes so much sense. And if you have a great family (I know not everyone does!) then having the family live like this with all the generations adding their value, is just wonderful!

[@visualdog]

Amazing so many people are so compatible. Must be very responsible socially intelligent people. One difficult person could create chaos!

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

Not if the rest of them didn’t buy into it.

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

It is amazing because people are crazy, warring monkeys. But these people seem to utilize the very things needed to coexist peacefully - mutual consideration, following basic rules, etc.

[@AriFay-Long]

Okay but obvi these are mostly economically advantaged white people in a historically Black working class neighborhood in Oakland.

[@christinemose7308]

Yep.

[@robyndismon394]

@@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer Not always true. There was a psychopath living in an upscale apartment building in New York city. He terrorized EVERYONE who walked IN and out of those doors all day everyday. Meetings were held, complaints filed with management and the authorities countless times. The man was arrested several times but never changed his behavior. He made their lives a living h*'ll! Nothing the tenants did worked.

[@SoCalFreelance]

The purchasing power of a dozen people can accomplish great things. I hope you revisit them in 10 years. Would love to see how they evolve.

[@Sarah-xw2ff]

I think this is an excellent idea and I applaud the group that got together to come up with this solution to work together to conquer so many of life's problems with something better. Living in a one family in the city or burbs, often housing is prohibitively expensive, yard maintenance is overly time consuming, cooking every night isn't something anyone wants to do, childcare is laughably expensive and we don't get to see or enjoy time with our friends and neighbors nearly as much as we'd like. They divide, conquer and get to enjoy life more with less stress! I feel like the people levelling criticism in the comments don't have very good complex analytical skills.

[@consciousobserver629]

You nailed it honestly, or they know they are messy/a bit lazy and wouldn't be able to contribute enough to keep it going. I absolutely LOVE this concept and have been wanting to do something similar with my siblings, but they live all over. It's smart though.

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

Or don’t have deep friendships.

[@blueman5924]

Pretty cool arrangement. I like that there seems to be no hard feelings when it’s time to “move on”, even if it is just down the street. 👍👍

[@MalinaCC]

I love that they have a kids yard and an adults yard. It’s kind of like having a semi private park that you can go to when needed but you know who is there and you can easily keep an eye out for each other’s kids. Having your own homes is key in this layout so you have privacy of your own space but community! Sounds like a great concept for families with kids and seniors.

[@janieterrel681]

What an amazing concept for urban living. I have seen farm coops before, but this is the first time I have seen anything like this in a city environment…totally love it 👍🏽💕❣️❣️

[@bjlyon615]

Interesting living arrangement. Reminds me of the 60’s without the drugs.

[@MrGwizyadig]

I'm sure there are some drugs lol

[@youcanknowanything8489]

@@bjlyon615 Walden 2?

[@Ebizzill]

lmao!!!

[@CS-mv3nw]

It’s like the small town that I grew up in. 50’s & 60’s

[@rudetuesday]

I like how considerate they are about the quality of time they're spending together. The psychology is very interesting and relationship-focused, and very warm.

[@ChrisNymanWeller]

I grew up, as a child, in both successful and unsuccessful communes. I think the KEY is to have both private and public space. And clear rules & expectations… that cohabitants respect.

[@bijoux-hw9dh]

I’m getting extremely envious here. WOW. This is so nice and those kids will have beautiful stories to tell about their childhood 👏🏾👏🏾❤️❤️

[@latebloomerabroad]

I would do this in a heartbeat with friends that I trust. Especially in the Bay Area, this was a brilliant idea!

[@larse9999]

I am now a president of any HOA of townhomes. I had moved from Hawaii to the east coast. For the first few years I was so disappointed that there was not a sense of community in our HOA and not much aloha spirit. The majority of people just wanted to close their doors and shut each other out. Didn't help that we do not have a communal building. This all changed when we experienced hurricane Sandy and power was out for days. I brought out my camping gear and began communal cooking meals. Over the years we've experienced terrible blizzards, and storms- all of which made neighbors realize that we need each other, and that life was better when we worked together. I introduced garages as communal gathering places, as that is what people do on the islands. We've since had many potluck parties and spontaneous gatherings, movie nights outside and many a holiday and life's celebrations. We didn't chose our neighbors but they've grown to be our friends and extended family whom we love and care for. Its nice to know I am not alone and I have several close friends that I can trust and count on in an emergency and just in general. We look out for each other and we feel so fortunate to live in our neighborhood that is safe and comfortable.

[@pickles9440]

Good to hear, i am moving from kauai to South Carolina due to outrageous inflation.

[@millsykooksy4863]

this is beautiful

[@kelmac1618]

@@larse9999 the nature of HOAs, in creating a group of neighbors to police others, isn’t supportive of a community sense.

[@larse9999]

@@kelmac1618 I agree but sometimes you have to police when its comes to public safety or property value. For example unless its something that will endanger someone, we do not harass unit owners. Put there are occasions where people park and block people in, or do not allowed egress in a fire lane, or whose children do things like play with fire, or people leaving unsecured rubbish outside, etc. These are the things that must be addressed. The holiday decorations and planters, etc, don't need harsh reactions.

[@kelmac1618]

@@larse9999 That’s a rare HOA approach. Communities have resorted to having many HOAs to police neighborhoods, for a fee - so that municipal entities can wash their hands of that reponsibility. I find it atrocious that people willingly put their investments at risk since HOA can essentially foreclose on your home due to fees when the fees go up and up. It’s exploitation of the intention you’re focusing on. You know?

[@gfdthree1]

Great news story. This could be the future. We’re social creatures and this set-up is so healthy. Financially it makes sense too

[@kathleenlankford6027]

You can choose your neighbors......perfect!!!❤

[@kimcaudle125]

This community of friends is awesome!

[@jazz3799]

I crave this sense of community. A few of my friends have talked about building something similar together. I want to be further out in nature and with yards that are visible to each other but not quite so compact, though.

[@ShellyBomb]

🏡🏠🏡🏠🏡 ~ This is such a wonderful community for not only young families, but seniors too 🥰

[@TEPO--]

I have thoroughly enjoyed numerous episodes as you delve into architecture, environments, cultural and personal stories of our diverse human habits. As a person that has experienced several unconventional, wonderful and much loved living approaches over 50 years, Radish is an absolute delight. An example of community, connection, individuality health, beauty, creativity and actually living lighter on the earth rather than the weight of indiviual/isolated living approaches. From my perspective as the differnt seasons of our lives shift, our desires tend to also and the beauty of flexablity, adaptability while valuing lifelong creative approaches that nurture relationships, joy, depth, laughter and individual expression along the way nurtures optimum health and wellness and vibrant living. Wonderful and much appreciated this Radish expression of community.

[@Strylover]

They built a "village"....nice. I do wonder about the idea that they consider themselves to be many "introverts". I consider myself to be an introvert and I am not sure how it would feel to live in such an open, shared way with so many others. But I like what they have done here.

[@hollyshaw-elliemae]

feels like going to camp permanatly. im hella introverted but this looks like something i could do. you can always dip off into your own place and close the door to be alone i guess :)

[@Ebizzill]

I like the idea that there's spaces where you can go to that are closed off. I am an introvert myself and I have those long stretched moments where I need my isolation and then I have those moments where this setup will benefit me. Hell, I think that if I had something like this, my long isolation stretches would decrease because I have some place to go that is familiar and accessible.

[@AnneCaulder]

@@Strylover This introvert finds that way too many people, and I would love to see more generations together since I don’t think I’m going to get grandbabies of my own, so I’m looking to adopt them. LOL

[@Nphen]

@@AnneCaulder I knew when I watched, that people would misinterpret that part. She only meant for her ADU-home and out towards the common area. They only really showed the ADU where the family likes the openness, and another ADU that was the actual common area. The other living spaces were so private, we didn't even see them! As far as I saw, none of the drone videos were able to see into any of the bedrooms of the 4 other buildings. And a few people also had homes down the street. So introverts could absolutely take part in a venture like this, and have as much privacy as any urban dwelling.

[@ginamariec81]

I think this is great! As a new mom it is very isolating. Would be awesome to walk outside and have a community.

[@Nphen]

Back in 2016, we had 2 kids under 2 years old. We were lucky to have friends nearby, and family coming to visit. We moved in 2019, and got a house with space for my dad to live with us. He pays a lot less than he would for an apartment, my wife and I have more freedom with my dad home with the kids. We eat meals together sometimes and he helps us pay a for a housekeeper a few hours a month. There are compromises, of course. I'd love to have a small ADU for my dad in the backyard. But having grandpa around is good for him, and the kids.

[@usflin]

Based on this video's title I thought they would touch on the financial aspect, which was totally skipped over. I have no idea if this setup is cheaper, the same, or more expensive than living in a non-communal unit in the same area. Or if they're all living here because they want community living but the costs are irrelevant. Given that a friend came from their own house down the street, it seems like it's not actually cheaper to live here, if they can afford to move out and still be within walking distance.

[@YellaBellaReno]

I imagine it is cheaper. Does that mean they’re spending less? Provably not… but they’re getting more. I imagine banding together and forming an LLC gave them much better buying power to compete with builders and investors.

[@waggermama]

@@usflin whilst property costs might be the same, I imagine childcare costs, food costs and building management expenses must be lower.

[@Brian-jv8iy]

They all might afford living alone, so their friend saved up as much as they needed and moved out

[@LaughingInTiny]

It really depends on the how and where. Zoning restrictions and permits like he mentioned can cause issues and increase costs, BUT most cities are currently trying to grapple with housing crises and need to look for alternatives. So working with the planning commission or relevant city planning department is a possibility. The costs of living communally are generally MUCH lower. Even buying food for example... most buy in bulk at restaurant quantities which gives you incredible leverage if done properly. The same is true for what's referred to as "barn building". So anything that needs building or doing en masse can be done "in house" simply by way of having extended resources. Maybe one person's brother is an electrician, another person's father is an accountant or has connections wherever needed. It becomes like one large family. The biggest benefit, even for introverted people, is the social fabric. Our health, both mental and physical are greatly impacted by our access to community. Whether you're extremely rural and isolated, or extremely urban and isolated, it has a negative impact. Having people who look out for you and whom you can connect with when it works for you is beneficial. The benefits of good health are intrinsically cost effective. So basically the house purchase is only a fragment of how it's a financially opportune way to look at housing. Especially if you start quite young, where you're already probably living with roommates. If people realize that they can buy instead of rent, it will save them thousands.

[@Ebizzill]

I imagine it makes life a bit cheaper overall. Because they can access co-working space, internet, streaming services, sauna, babysitting, free garage, FOOD, each of these alone cost a pretty penny when added up, and imagine, being so fulfilled in such an environment your monthly therapy costs is reduced or none because of this.

[@janeysiegrist5061]

You guys find the most amazing person and places. Everyone you meet has a wonderful story. I love this channel so much.

[@SandraNelson063]

This is a wonderful way to raise children. How secure they must feel knowing that every adult around them will be a guardian.

[@kbdefay]

This is the way we were supposed to live.

[@ryanb418]

Are you sure?

[@bastionwolf]

​@@ryanb418 without a doubt.

[@imamountainheadtoo]

@@ryanb418 who knows? But this, is really cool!

[@ryanb418]

@@imamountainheadtoo LOL, you don't know anything about it, but you think it's cool.

[@imamountainheadtoo]

@@ryanb418 and you're a lousy internet troll, what's up fam?

[@kiza4178]

Pure family enrichment in the best way! How awesome to allow yourself to be free in friendship.

[@CarrieMHB222]

😮 This is so different and cool. I smiled the whole time watching this. Fantastic idea.

[@9catlover]

even though i couldn't live like this as i am an introvert and prefer the company of close family and cats, i really admire they all got together and built this. i couldn't stop watching this and admiring them for creating this community

[@Nphen]

There's probably a cat introvert in one of the 6 units that have so much privacy, we never saw inside of them. They only showed the actual common area, and a family living in an ADU they designed to be a semi-common area. That's what I love about this; the different buildings allow for different use cases.

[@SLB_888]

Those are some blessed children who will be very securely attached adults….love this!

[@RottenlyMoodyChild]

I love stories like this. Basically anything about how zoning regulation reform has allowed people to reclaim urban land use and space to create healthier and happier communities. Unfortunately things like this are illegal in most of the US. We desperately need housing and zoning reform to allow communities like this upzoning, ADUs, tiny house communities, mixed use multifamily medium density, single stair point access blocks, etc. They basically made their own baugruppen 💚

[@BS-detector]

I encourage you to write often to legislators to pass laws that allow for your vision. If enough people do this on a regular basis, better laws will be passed.

[@Nphen]

Go to City council meetings. It's a local thing and your voice has a big impact. A lot of times, folks at the city government just haven't heard of this stuff. There's not always a young urbanist in the City Hall building to explain this, and even if there is, the "electeds" want to "hear from the community" on issues like this. If you stand up you might also inspire other residents at the meeting. Then you can talk to them, and direct them to Strong Towns and Not Just Bikes. Do you have a local Strong Towns meeting you can go to?

[@mrdeanvincent]

More videos like this one, please! In many places, this kind of arrangement is so difficult to get approvals for. But I think we need much more of this!

[@debbralehrman5957]

When are kids were toddlers we lived in a Cul-te-sac with my mother and dad (Gma & Gpa), my family and my brothers family. It was very nice the kids could go back and fourth. See Gma & Gpa took turns watching kids. It was really wonderful. This is a cool idea. Like a small town. Thanks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

[@jebidiahkorn]

Wonderful adults. The world would be a much _much_ better place if the managerial & creative class held their ideals.

[@ah64dwife82]

This makes me tear up it’s such a wonderful concept. But concept sounds clinical…it’s like the wonderful days of small towns or places in the city where we all knew our neighbors. Reminds me also of our days living on Army posts all over the world. They were my neighbors, family, the people still important to me today, 40 some years later. Love this!!!!!❤

[@islandgirl75]

I think it's so lovely that this system gives them a life with quality. For me, this would be a nightmare. :D But it's whatever makes people happy and it's so nice they found what works for all of them. As someone who absolutely LOVES being alone, I would feel constantly overwhelmed by all the talking and activity.

[@johnatyoutube]

This looks like a fancy college dorm to me. You could also call it a commune. I can see how it helps introverts overcome isolation. And it seems like a good choice for early 20 somethings who aren't quite ready to leave the nest. I'd love to see a model like this for retitees, but with a bit more private space.

[@gblakev]

Basically, it’s not a commune because they don’t share their incomes. They have private living units - apartments to which they can go anytime. I agree this arrangement would be great for older adults too. Or even better if they were various ages including older adults. Many intentional communities include older adults.

[@Nphen]

A lot of people have said they want senior living options like this. I already see senior condo communities with homes close together. The idea of a shared food & chef budget, and a common area is great, and should become a model for condo HOA to organize.

[@mankind5709]

Good for you, analyzed the problem , came up with a solution.

[@mog068]

I want this so bad. We're in Charlottesville, Virginia. Have lived in the same 1938 house since 1995 and we have heavily customized and improved it. So it is going to take a massive force to get us to move. No kids. But ever since I saw collective child care in the "yard" in Jamaica also 1995, I've known that the everybody has their own, no sharing model is not good and it costs too much. Elder care is the other frontier which I will soon enough be facing. Finding the right balance of community and privacy is what we need. This is inspiring and thank you.

[@9catlover]

i imagine if they are a lot older it will also really help them that people are around. i wish there was more of this community living.

[@lamdao1242]

I raised my kids in a gated university community. It was so easy to raise our children because they all played together and would run in & out of their friends home. The kids played together and essentially raised each other. The kids regulate each other. They have to learn to get along or they would learn to manage the bossy kid. As a parent you do need to keep an eye on the dynamics but it did work out.

[@nutsbutdum]

"Does anyone have dietary restrictions?"... "We have a chart." Ladies and gentlemen, I present you the most Bay Area conversation ever outered!😂

[@Nphen]

*uttered, and yes. Of course now I can't eat red meat due to Long Covid, so (like many Bay Area things) dietary restrictions are becoming more common.

[@joannejohnson7006]

Community 😊 this was great. The living areas can be adjusted for different living situations. Really enjoyed this thanks

[@valk7229]

Great idea. Would be interested in the cost per member and cost of upkeep of the common areas and features such as the hot tub, sauna and RV.

[@marcosv3131]

This is beautiful and so genuine! ❤

[@tammyburke9453]

one of her BEST but geez, there are no bad podcasts! with Kristen ,just the best!

[@jayembee2109]

Love your videos Kirsten, always so uplifting

[@wallykramer7566]

Wow! This solves so many problems at once! I am challenged to think of any new problems this might produce! Wow!

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

Must be nice to have friends you can trust to this level. Having been betrayed several times, I’ve lost trust in the vast majority of people. So thankful I have a husband I can trust with all my heart who is a true partner and my best friend. These people are blessed to know each other!

[@Nphen]

I had some bad experiences with shared living with friends when I was in my 20's. A lot of people are still finding themselves. Some of the people who struggled back then have really come into their own in their 30's. They mentioned that they weren't friends with everyone at first; there were a few new people. That got me thinking. I always have this thought in my head of a bunch of friends from the old days getting together, but if I could find just even 2 other families to start, and then find other like minds to join the project.

[@its-all-good]

I live and is from Oakland. So happy you came here 💛💚

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

Well done Kirsten! Yes loneliness is definitely a problem these days. Fascinating 🇨🇦 ❤

[@shaunaoverbeek]

Love this, great way to deal with housing costs and bringing up kids x

[@hollyshaw-elliemae]

i had a snarky comment in my pocket about oakland and im glad i kept it in my pocket. this place is gorgeous. id love to live in a small community with friends. id need that many friends but...lol

[@BrittneyLarko]

I felt like I knew all these people by the end of the video. So nice to see. Thanks for sharing.

[@KarenHernandez-ng3rt]

purposing this to my circles lol ty. and this is incredible!!

[@azsinger49]

Being a napper, I loved the bed under the stairs. I like sleeping in small spaces like that.

[@Ventura574]

I have a bed tent. Lol. I love it. It's like being in my own cave, and it's so cozy during the winter. I have one of those U-shaped body pillows under the mattress pad, too. Like having a nest.

[@Tom-_-Hanks]

Thanks, thumbs up, have a great day.

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

We as humans have lived like this (in community)since the beginning of time but we have gotten so off track from how we are meant to live in the past few hundred years. It is so lovely to see this community thriving. I loved the minimalist aesthetic of the homes and how the focus is on the people and especially the children. Every city should have zoning to allow people to live like this so we can get back to what it means to be human.

[@wishihadanickel]

I love this way of living as well -- we need more of this -- please seek out more of these communities to share with us and thank you!!

[@christafisher8533]

Love this concept...and micro spaces too!

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

I think it's a wonderful idea. Loneliness, as mentioned here, despite all of the social media that is supposed to keep us connected, is widespread and concerning. But it seems like these people are professionals that are well to do. I can't imagine that this was an inexpensive proposition. And it wasn't made clear why some people have left. And then how do they decide who the new incoming 'tenant' will be to replace the outgoing one. Is it an interview process? A friend of someone that already lives there and they feel they would be a good fit? Also, how do they resolve any conflicts that may come up? Again, I think it's a wonderful idea, but these are questions that could've been interesting to ask.

[@mez888]

love this! so fortunate to have a group of friends with common goal/mindset .. they have managed to secure a roof over their heads to start families instead of paying off someone else's mortgage.

[@tomstopper5281]

Human beings being humans beings . Just great.

[@ninez2698]

I couldn’t imagine me living in this type of setting. I very much cherish and enjoy my very private home and my own little world. But I so appreciate other people’s living choices. This is a very interesting eye opening modern trend. I do wish you all live in harmony and enjoy the big extended family happiness ❤️🙏👍

[@dawn-from-the-lab]

I’ve been wanting to do this with those closets to me! Over the past 2 years, I’ve cut a lot of people out of my life. Now my circle is very small and I want those left, that got me through the hardest times in my life, closer to me. I love this so much. We are not meant to live in isolated homes like we do; we are social creatures.

[@Lady_Lefty]

This is how people used to live.. it’s a small village, with everyone living together and being a community… introverts are actually gaining huge benefits from communal living, for someone like me, I’m not either all the time, sometimes I’m extra social, other times I don’t even wanna talk. So this would afford me the ability to socialize even when I struggle to, but need company. Not having to leave my home would be amazing… also the safety and support is astounding. I will say that it would be hard to make sure you end up with the right people, all with similar values and living styles. .

[@denasewell]

FYI for anyone out there like me who did not know what an ADU is ... An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, independent home or apartment on the same property as a single-family home.

[@anitraridgeway2714]

Love this. I would hv loved this when my girls were small. I hv a big group of military friends.

[@CK1000ism]

None of these kids will need to go to preschool. I feel like they could probably hire a teacher for cheaper than what they would pay individually at a school, even if they did decide they wanted some curriculum and wanted the time away.

[@jillismyname]

Love this. I'm curious who does the dishes/cleans the common spaces. That was always a sore spot when I had roommates.🙂

[@gardenjoy5223]

They don't even cook themselves, but pay for a cook. This is for the richer communities. Obviously. With an entire building erected for communal benefit, but also communal costs. Perhaps they have someone to do most of the cleaning too?

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

Wonderful. It reminds me of what went on with us for Kate for the Sudbury Valley school in Framingham, Massachusetts.

[@stevemiller7949]

This is a huge inspiration. People are hungry for this option. Please do a segment on the guy who is a partner on Cul de Sac, who is working to expand co living in America.

[@aysen8366]

Love it. One of your best videos. Thank you very much for sharing :)

[@joseromero9933]

Awesome video thanks for posting

[@AmyAURA]

Needs a follow up, how do they share chores and split up bills, who cleans and how they pay for food. What happens if there is a disagreement between how things are run. Do they vote Etc

[@19katsandcounting]

It’s an exciting experiment. I’d like to see where they are in 5 years. I hope it works out and everyone continues to respect each other.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Sounds like they have already spent years doing this.

[@19katsandcounting]

@@serenakoleno9338 it’s interesting because most communes don’t work out but this one is sort of a hybrid.

[@larsstougaard7097]

He said they have been there 6 years

[@19katsandcounting]

@@larsstougaard7097 let’s see if they get the 7 year itch

[@kimfindlay3500]

Great concept where you have shared spaces to go to for social interaction & to build community, but places to retreat when you've had enough. Also you get a higher quality of life. I hope this becomes the norm

[@AwokenEntertainment]

Community is priceless..

[@user-cd3nb6yg8z]

This was so fascinating. I’m an introvert but I could see living here in my thirties with children. Now that I’m 67, I adore the peace and quiet of living alone with my husband. We even moved out of the city and onto a 20 acres rural property.

[@razsbags]

Glad to find your channel again Kirsten. Wonderful videos. Love the idea of families sharing spaces. Wonder how much the land tax rates are per house.

[@hikki6089]

This definitely inspires me as an urban planner! I’ll check out your website!

[@beck1365]

This looks wonderful. I wish they would have talked a bit about conflict resolution too. That would be essential for this to work long term

[@firesign4297]

🤗🤗🤗 PRICELESS!!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🤗🤗🤗.... Reminds me of my family Downsouth all they bought was land land land and family houses Everywhere to this day🤗 So it's always easy to go....HOME☺️🙏🏿☺️ Again.... PRICELESS!!!...Idea🤗👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🤗

[@kaylamika5926]

I feel like all the important questions and concerns of this setup weren't covered at all. Like the cost vs. normal renting, possible legal contracts, the reality of drama that can come up when sharing space with so many people, handling of chore up keep, etc.

[@DBoyTommie]

Gorgeous place with beautiful people.

[@d.e.s.2919]

So pleased to know these kinds of places exist -- Kudos to the "visionaries" who realized this living experiment & THANK YOU for all your wonderful videos which let us know about them! PS Am amazed that with all the toddlers in this "village" there don't seem to be any ugly giant plastic toys in the courtyards -- good call! In my experiene children don't really care for them either, after the "novelty" factor wears off:)

[@SonjaAmbroXOX]

This is a DREAM living situation, when we r so isolated now a days

[@Tsusagi]

It feels like a village 💕❤