Inside America's Hidden "Utopia" Commune

In the fast paced world of individualism and personal property, there lies the outlier community of Twin Oaks, Virginia. We wanted to uncover the truth about this place. While media exists about Twin Oaks, we believe that none of it fully encapsulates the good and bad of living in an intentional income-sharing community. Welcome to Crossroads America, episode 8.
About us: we are two college students who are genuinely curious about the wide variety of people and perspectives across the United States. This summer, we are traveling the country to answer the question: what is the current state of America? Follow along to learn as we go.
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🖥️ Our Website: www.crossroadsamerica.org
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[@janeamend-bombara279]

oh it’s me! thanks for making me look smart!

[@crossroads.america]

thanks for giving us an insight into your life!

[@dldave1978]

Very smart….great job!

[@HolisticallyMààt]

@@crossroads.americaWhen you were filming this documentary I bet they left out the fact that Thomas Freeman is a unrepentant rapist.

[@alyssaadventures1217]

I want to join 💓

[@sycadelic666]

Dude. Are you and a team making these docs? You’re coming out of nowhere making some high level documentaries. Can’t wait to see where you guys go from here!

[@crossroads.america]

Just the two of us!!

[@MightyAmygdala]

​@@crossroads.americaThat's absolutely amazing. Keep it up!!!

[@kylevsgolf6593]

Amen

[@HolisticallyMààt]

@@crossroads.america I understand that you didn't realize that you were interviewing a r@pist but that doesn't change any of the facts that Thomas Freeman is a known and unrepentant r@pist. Seeing him speak on behalf of this community is nauseating.

[@janezawadowski905]

This place has been around for 40 years, kids have been raised here to adulthood, and it even has its own cemetery! These long-term aspects of Twin Oaks stood out to me as testimony to smart governance! So sad about the fire and loss of jobs. Good job, Crossroads America! Really cool you could show us about this viable alternative to live!

[@vijayowens3041]

Almost 60 years actually

[@HolisticallyMààt]

And there has been a rapist living there for 25 years. Seeing him speaking on behalf of this community in this video is nauseating.

[@thevet2009]

Hey this is just like the Army...very low pay, long hours, comradeship, close to mother nature, crappy living quarters, free housing, free food and healthcare. Salute!

[@mlindsay527]

And yet many of us are very happy in that scenario. Happiness does not require a bunch of stuff!

[@thevet2009]

@@mlindsay527 Yep, if it cannot fit in the Army ruck sack and duffle bag...its not needed.

[@doubled3962]

I’m retired Military, people who have comfortable means , are happier and productive in life . Especially having access to decent healthcare..

[@WaxnFlaxnThoreson]

You guys know how to shoot some stunning cinematic shots! Great video, it was nice meeting you guys.

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks so much :)

[@user-gh2nz6lb3n]

The most underrated channel on KZbin.

[@TheDamnSpot]

It's called a small, provincial community and I've lived and worked in one. Probably 80% the same but not ideological - it was an island that was so remote that it had to have self sufficiency. Anyway, it is true that this can work. But unfortunately it's also a suffocating hell with being stuck with everyone who's all up in your business 24/7. Some people can live this life but I'd say it's a very small minority who can stand it long term. Add the ideological component that this community adds to the mix and you have a recipe for failure. Personal failure, not the group. This type of group has their 'man behind the curtain' types that perpetuate it long term quietly making sure that no matter what happens the foundations remain to continue the project.

[@ShiftsThaGizzim]

I could see how it might look that way from all the videos and articles about communes. But Twin Oaks actually has quite a few members who are very reclusive and don't talk to many people. Some who only work at night, alone, and it's totally fine. So long as they pull their work quota and don't cause a ruckus, they're free to adjust their work and social vibe however they wish. If there's one thing I could emphasize about Twin Oaks; it's reasonable for the most reasonable people. Usually lol

[@TheDamnSpot]

@@ShiftsThaGizzim I am super skeptical untill I see it with my own eyes. But as I am not omniscient I will give them the benefit of the doubt. If it was legit I would go live there.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

@@TheDamnSpotTom Freeman is a Rapist.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

Thomas Freeman, the man representing this community in this documentary is a known rapist.

[@baloghbotond4250]

HOW in the name of all that`s holy, you only have 3k subscribers? It`s an honor to be here after seeing the boat captain video. Have my humble subscription.

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks we appreciate you!

[@burakutkanuyan2541]

Exactly same happaned to me

[@lems18902]

I would love to hear more about the jobs they have to get their hours. What types of jobs are there? Who handles plumbing, electrical work, accounting, administrative tasks like maintaining the car insurance on the community vehicles, arranging and paying utilities, etc. I would also be so interested in hearing how they make difficult decision - like lowering the ‘allowance’. How do they decide when there is a need to buy another vehicle. How do they decide WHAT vehicle they are buying? This is so interesting - I would love to hear more!

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks for watching! Yeah it was so interesting we feel like we could make a whole full-length doc on this type of place!

[@TobiasOnQuinks]

We have plumbers and carpenters who get labor credits for that (Muska and Trout are some of their names). There are many accountants, because there is one for each business as well as overall accountants. Hawina manages car insurance, Kathrine pays the regular bills. Eve buys the vehicles and Christian makes sure they are all running and in good repair. The decision to lower allowance came from the Fire which destroyed 1.5 businesses and over a million dollar of inventory. We needed to cut budgets but we want to not cut our services and this is why we cut allowance to maintain many other things. We have a vehcile shop and we buy into our fleet - we have 6 prius and we would not buy another sedan type vehicle that was not a prius - to maintain simplisity of parts and uniform maintenance schedules.

[@vijayowens3041]

That’s the beauty of it! Everything is a job. Cooking. Cleaning. Gardening. Childcare. Clerical work. Making hammocks. Making tofu. Milking cows. Making cheese. Delivering stuff. It all counts. In the “real world” we have to work our 40 hour weeks and then still do all of our cooking and cleaning and shopping on top of that.

[@Zielloss]

@@TobiasOnQuinks Just curious, but what happens with people who get sick and can't work? Or perhaps they have a stroke or something? And what about elderly? Not really sure how this stuff would be handled in these communities.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

@@Ziellossask him what happens to rapists?

[@Zer0suM207]

Love what you two are doing, and hope you get some much deserved recognition throughout the next few months! Fabulous cinematography and compelling stories. Thank you.

[@crossroads.america]

That’s so nice, thank you so much!!

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

Explain to me how one travels every other year to a foreign Country while only getting paid $78/month? It's a sincere question, not trying to be cheeky. I've always dreamed of communal living, I had considered visiting the communal living in India. The gentle soul who lost his daughter and was able to get through that through this community touched me the most. That is what communal living is all about and I think that is where we miss out as a Society nowadays. Great mini-doc, enjoyed it!

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks! For him, keep in mind that the $78/mo was after the fire so the $100+ number from before was what would have allowed him more flexibility. But also, from our full interview, it seems like he just really values travel and used a lot of his allowance on it. Glad you liked this video!

[@caraziegel7652]

@@crossroads.america i thought some of his travel was funded by the community as community exchange programs, but i could be wrong, i'm not sure I actually asked.

[@TobiasOnQuinks]

I live at Twin Oaks. I travel with some regularity associated with community functions. I have been to a bunch of trade shows in the last year. I have presented about Twin Oaks at events i have been invited to. I have also done political work away from Virginia which the community has supported. We car pool and ride share fiercely and ex-members very often welcome current memebrs to stay for free at their new places. There are also many travelers coming thru, who are often the support needed to get someone somewhere.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

@@TobiasOnQuinks Smh.

[@vbkngx]

To each their own, but this income-sharing intentional community seems to have a lot of the same trappings as life in your typical capitalist community, just with a lot less personal wealth and freedom i.e. 38 hour work weeks in exchange for board, food and an 'allowance' that seems to be at risk of being slashed by a significant %. You'd have to really love living on a commune for it to make sense over living your own life elsewhere.

[@lucycoleclough1182]

yes its certainly not perfect and in need of positive constructive work, establishing communes is very preliminary and challenging

[@HolisticallyMààt]

You also have to like living with a rapist. As Tom Freeman is a know rapist.

[@SolarAndrew]

I live less than 10 minutes down the road from this place. Pretty cool!

[@crossroads.america]

Yeah, fascinating!

[@105.5billionthperson]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing some of Twin Oaks's story, and congratulations on your project.

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks for watching!

[@feniesferbs1857]

Loved this short documentary. Very nice insight and very well shot and put together!! Interesting topic for me, so thanks for making the effort to tell the story :)

[@OmnificAmore]

This is the kind of lifestyle I've been dreaming about my whole life. I would drop everything to join a community like that..

[@crossroads.america]

Glad we could share it with you!

[@Shane-rp5tr]

Until you live there, hippies are the worst, you have not got a clue bro.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

Tom Freeman is a rapist. Most of the people at Twinoakes are aware of this.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

Thomas Freeman. The man speaking on behalf of Twinoakes in this documentary is a known rapist.

[@dldave1978]

Your documentaries are really, really well done. Amazing. Keep up the great work!

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks so much for your support!

[@hughslaton]

Excited to have found your content. Keep it up!

[@YeseniaMariee]

I love this !!!! So happy to bump pass with you two. I’ve been in the middle of wanting a lavish lifestyle and just selling my house and traveling the world ✔️

[@crossroads.america]

Great bumping into ya!

[@IndaloMan]

I would be bored senseless living a life like this, each to their own 👍 Would be interesting to revisit the community in 10 years time....

[@Shane-rp5tr]

It won't be there in 10 years time.

[@oswaldsweezlebogger6826]

? it’s been operating since 1967 and in that time has been through periods of scarcity and surplus, as have we all.

[@Lasekfraek]

New favorite documentary channel on the tube. Professional quality content and such incredible places to document. Absolutely love learning about all of these unique places. Thank you for bringing us along on these journeys :) You guys are going to do great things.

[@YOUDONTKNOWTHISMAN]

78 bucks a month? Good luck saving up and moving out.

[@danielboxx-]

I had to scroll down to the comments after I heard this, that is absolutely AWFUL, less than 3 dollars a day ? what the HELL can you even buy ? basically nothing. this is not a commune of beautiful socialism, this is extreme poverty and wage-slavery WORSE than capitalism. they need to figure out their money situation because that is insane...

[@Archubb]

its a commune tho, they shouldnt even be thinking about money like that. This just sounds like a super failed communist town.

[@lucycoleclough1182]

​@@danielboxx- but no expenses, its about the same excess as i was making in a city when i was quite heavily optimising everything i bought whereas at a commune i visited, i was having nice food for every meal, had a shit ton of funky clothes, places like this are much nicer, no boss, a place to practice movement to self sufficiency saving up and moving out is a problem yeah, but doable. The perspective to approach it with is one of a respectful creative builder.

[@plantain9193]

for some, it's an opportunity to learn skils while also being able to have an outdoor life with room and board covered.

[@vijayowens3041]

@@danielboxx-You misunderstand I think… when it’s not necessary to earn enough money to pay for rent, and food, and electricity, and car payment, and gas, and insurance, and clothes, and so on then it’s okay to make only a few dollars a day. You’re looking at it as if they have to survive in the “real world” on that amount. But they could save every penny of their allowance and still live a happier life than many people who make 50x as much

[@heath1234able]

This is great stuff guys, keep pumping it out and dont stop, the algorithm will notice eventually and you will skyrocket. Liking, subbing, sharing, donating. Good luck!

[@hazybeatbox]

These are getting so good!!! keep up the hard work guys!

[@crossroads.america]

Thank you! Excited to keep sharing these

[@ws00912]

Came across you guys tonight, I've watched a lot of Tommy G and Peter Santanello, so i'm sure that's why you were recommended. Right up there in terms of quality, really enjoy these videos and love to see all of these pockets of America many will never experience! Keep it up guys!

[@crossroads.america]

That’s so cool thanks for watching! We’re inspired by both of those guys so that means a lot 🙌

[@Schect3r]

this channel is awesome, and no doubt in my mind it's gonna blow up soon. these documentaries are top notch

[@terrymccanski8350]

Another great video! The stories are fascinating.

[@mordimerlives]

Thanks for another stunning video!

[@BigSpaghetti6]

First youtube channel i have rung the bell on, will recomend this channel to my friends

[@crossroads.america]

🙌🙌

[@KK20238]

Incredible journalism, production quality and content, you guys are going to blow up.

[@crossroads.america]

Appreciate that!

[@DigitalHer0]

I can smell this video.

[@hd_progaming264]

Amazing video :)

[@crossroads.america]

Thank you!

[@goodson77784]

great video!

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks!

[@kylevsgolf6593]

This channel is a hidden gem great interviews amazing soundtracks

[@crossroads.america]

We appreciate that a lot! Thank you!

[@tommygclipspage]

you guys rock! cool story!

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks Tommy 👊🏼

[@Bishopspipes]

One step below a cult? 🤔

[@hannaheno5208]

I lived here for some months when I was 10. Coming from 1970s England it was idyllic. I'm sure it still is.

[@socalrefrigeration548]

This was always possible but it requires a small tight knit community and full bellies. Just toss kids into those communities and watch the domination start.

[@vijayowens3041]

I’m not sure I understand what you mean. The kids? Domination?

[@xdydus3951]

your videos are great

[@theflashgamerhd9398]

You guys are so underrated!

[@crossroads.america]

Thanks!!

[@michaellopez-lq5fn]

I love how the first girl says “there’s no charismatic leader” as if being charismatic and a leader are bad things.. Reminds me of when I was a kid and being a “try hard” was a bad thing. Pretty immature take

[@johns3106]

Being (or following) a “charismatic” leader IS a bad thing! It means the leading is done not based on policies, logic and thought, but rather on the personality of the leader, no matter if the policies they endorse make any sense. Following “charismatic leaders” is how we end up with cults and nations led by megalomaniac, totalitarian leaders. Keep in mind…Jim Jones, Charles Manson, Stalin, Mussolini, the long line of North Korean leaders, and so many other examples throughout history

[@bigtiddies5366]

A “charismatic leader” means a cult leader

[@ianlominski5227]

She means there is no one person trying to take the reins over the whole operation. It is a group effort.

[@ThatBrubakerFellow]

There's no Charles Manson.

[@michaellopez-lq5fn]

@@ThatBrubakerFellow this is how I took it. This is people’s impression, and I think it’s kinda sad. Like throwing the baby out with the bath water. Just because people have abused the position of “charismatic leader” doesn’t mean all charismatic leaders are Manson or Jim Jones. Maybe they’re a good reminder to stay vigilant and always follow your heart even if charismatic leader says something crazy or to do something unspeakable.. but to dismiss charismatic leaders seems like a damn shame. I hope to do some charismatic leading at some point in my life, but genuinely from a place of helping people improve their lives and their health. I think that’s why this is a touchy subject for me

[@SheeshDumaaaaa]

New content!!

[@crossroads.america]

Excited to share it with you 🫡

[@endurofurry]

I couldn't do this. XD. I like my independence way too much.

[@crossroads.america]

Yeah it’s a tough trade off and super interesting to see all the sides of it!

[@endurofurry]

@@crossroads.america oh im not knocking their way or anything. just is not for me. but I do agree its worth seeing all sides

[@devouredbroward8489]

Give me a little taste! A tease! Whats up next?!

[@crossroads.america]

let’s just say… 🍑🇬🇪…

[@vijayowens3041]

I would have liked to hear more from some of the other older/long term residents. Did they not want to be filmed?

[@fallenfate93]

Both Thomas and Keenan are in their 60s and have lived there for over two decades each, Keenan specifically mentions he has been there for 40+ years. They've each raised multiple children there. I think it is true, more younger folks are interested in the camera, but its not like you didnt hear from older or long term residents. Also, there are plenty of other documentaries/reports on Twin Oaks. Check out the VICE mini-doc.

[@HolisticallyMààt]

Thomas Freeman is a Rapist.

[@thequeens2cents555]

The man speaking in this video. Thomas Freeman is know rapist.

[@Blumenfreund84]

I want to live there

[@TheXavier20000]

what do they do about lazy people who are essentially free loaders?

[@crossroads.america]

They told us that hardly ever happens because joining is quite a long process, but in that case people get many chances to make up their work before they are eventually kicked out of the community.

[@TheXavier20000]

@@crossroads.america Thats interesting, thanks for the reply!

[@deathroar409]

You're working 38 hours a week to make 78$ a month. You've accepted servitude. She said they lost millions of dollars in inventory. So someone is making money off of them...

[@caraziegel7652]

no one owns the business outside of teh community. the rest of the money is paying the bills. and those work hours include cooking, cleaning, childcare, shopping - all the things you have to do on top of your 40 hours

[@deathroar409]

@@caraziegel7652 you really think it takes millions of dollars to buy food and provide electricity to this community. seeing as they have solar panels they're mostly energy independent. so what you have said makes even less sense, and means they are being taken for even more of a ride.

[@caraziegel7652]

@@deathroar409 I've spent a lot of time there. I KNOW how it runs. I lived in a similar commune. you have no idea.

[@vijayowens3041]

I think you’re confused. They have a hammock business. They make the hammocks. Some pieces of wood and lengths of rope don’t have as much value as a completed hammock. A handful of soy beans doesn’t have the same value as a finished block of tofu. Someone had to plant the soybeans. Someone had to water them. Weed them. Pick them. Process them. Someone had to weave the hammocks. There is machinery involved that had value that was lost. There were tools and raw materials that had value that were lost. Stop looking for bad guys around every corner. Sometimes a hippie commune is just a hippie commune

[@fallenfate93]

They lost millions of dollars in inventory because a wildfire caused their major warehouse to burn down. Did you even pay attention?

[@RonFilco.9358]

Appreciate the documentary,, very well done 💪💪

[@h8f5]

What a completely arbitrary way to avoid using money. Will those accumulated points help with a hospital bill?

[@louisazraels7072]

Pretty sure they have health insurance and a mutual fund, they do give out allowances in $, they have businesses too (the guy said "seed business) They didnt completely seggregate from the monetary system but they found a way to run their community without exchanging money internally, they are also much more self reliant than a classic community for their basic needs

[@vijayowens3041]

Well they have been around for almost 60 years so I’m pretty sure the system they came up with is working even if it seems a little weird to us at first. Saying that folks who live at TO can’t afford hospital bills is a weird way to measure success or failure when the rest of us can’t afford them either 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kellymoore4517]

In the fire they lost a couple of million dollars and it was tough for a day or so, not sure tein oaks can make it 5 more years, wtf.

[@vijayowens3041]

I think maybe she meant it was emotionally devastating for a few days but they picked themselves up and dusted themselves off and started the work of rebuilding. I think Twin Oaks had about 100 people when I used to visit 15 years ago or so. Maybe part of the secret to recovering from the fire is to allow the community to grow to 125 or 150

[@johnwallis1274]

Why are there never children at these communes?

[@crossroads.america]

There were a few, we just didn’t put them in the film!

[@_boils_8492]

Y’all think they share underwear?

[@crossroads.america]

We do yeah

[@crossroads.america]

ohhhh the commune… sorry we got a little confused

[@burntrubber7458]

Communism

[@Gingermarie745]

Hello, May I share the most important news you will ever hear in your whole entire life? God the Father sent His holy Son Jesus Christ(Y'shua Ha' Mashiach) from heaven to earth, to be born of a virgin. He grew up and died on the cross for our sins. He was put into a tomb for 3 days, and then Abba Father raised Jesus to life and He appeared to people and went back to Heaven. We must all sincerely receive Jesus to be a true child of God. It says in John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Will you genuinely believe on Christ Jesus and truly receive Him today, before it is too late?

[@michaelfabian2401]

Just binged and subbed the entire channels boys. Outstanding job! I wouldn't trust this modern day "hippy" commune with my dog for the day, let alone allow Children around them. Also, Ladies watch yourselves and when things mount up and seem way too sketchy, GET THE HELL OUT!

[@crossroads.america]

Welcome aboard! Glad you like our videos