Is Pacifica Right for Me?
We think cohousing is great, but it’s not for everyone.
Are the houses shared?
Cohousing is more about connections than shared living arrangements. Each household is a private home, with individual residents setting their own balance between privacy and community. However, the design of cohousing means you’ll interact with neighbors when you pick up mail, walk to your car, or work in your garden. Cohousing neighbors collaboratively manage shared space.
How much participation is required?
It takes time to keep the community running. Although no set level of participation is mandatory, we encourage all to attend monthly meetings and join at least one committee. Each household contributes four hours of community labor a month, either during shared workdays, committee work, or at their convenience.. Households that do not complete four hours of community labor monthly are assessed a $21/hour fee for each hour of missing community labor in addition to HOA dues.
What socializing opportunities are there at Pacifica?
Pacifica is relatively large for cohousing, with 46 households and around 90 residents. That means we encompass a terrific array of interests, talents, backgrounds and skills. However, we may be less socially intense than in a smaller community. In-person events occur less often now than pre-pandemic, but we have traditionally enjoyed community meals and events such as gatherings on the patio, film nights, snow day brunches, board game afternoons, yoga and more.
Do people get along? What happens if you have a conflict?
By and large, people get along well, which is not to say conflict never occurs. It does. But it is generally defused through sensitivity and creative thinking. Generally, residents resolve conflict through dialogue and thoughtful discussion. A conflict resolution committee exists to help residents work through tensions with others.
Who makes decisions about how the community is run and operated?
All decisions affecting the community are made by the community. Our process is based in consensus and is guided by our core values. The decision-making process may not be quick but it is thoughtful, open and inclusive.
We strive to manage HOA finances carefully and responsibly. HOA fees include contributions to a cash reserve fund for large expenses. Our finance committee assesses future expenditures and income to ensure we’re on track.
Community Labor
Shared responsibility for the maintenance of our community is an important part of Pacifica.
Community labor strengthens social connections and provides a range of ways for residents to contribute to the health of the community.
Each household contributes a minimum of four hours of community labor each month. Community labor can be completed on residents’ own time or during community work days.
Held on the second Saturday of each month, community work days are when we join forces to complete larger projects such as landscaping, cleaning, and repairs.
Are there any special rules or guidelines in Pacifica?
There are a number of community guidelines that we have adopted over time through community decision-making, such as our Pet Policy. In addition, we are bound by the bylaws of the HOA. Here are links to some of these documents for potential home buyers:
Want to learn more about Pacifica?
Contact the Pacifica Cohousing Outreach Committee to learn about:
- A tour of the community offered by one of us
- Attending an HOA meeting.
- Joining us for a community meal.
Want to learn more about co-housing?
Check out the National Cohousing Association