Puget Ridge Cohousing

Puget Ridge Cohousing, situated in West Seattle, Washington, embodies a modern approach to communal living focused on fostering community connections and shared responsibilities. Founded on the principles of cooperatively living and breaking down the isolation often found in suburban areas, this community consists of approximately fifty residents, including a diverse group of individuals ranging from infants to seniors. The living arrangement features twenty-three duplex and triplex units organized around communal areas that encourage social interaction, gardening, and shared meals, thereby creating a supportive network. Community values at Puget Ridge are deeply rooted in friendship, cooperation, and respect for individual differences. Residents actively participate in community governance through monthly consensus meetings. In alignment with their commitment to inclusivity, the community emphasizes diversity across various aspects, such as ethnicity, age, and economic status. Additionally, the cohort fosters an environment conducive to family life, aiming to provide a nurturing space for residents of all ages, particularly children. The physical layout of Puget Ridge enhances its community-focused ethos. Occupying 2.4 acres, the development features a 4,000 square-foot common house, which acts as a central hub for gatherings and communal activities. Amenities within include meeting spaces, a commercial kitchen for shared meals, a lounge, and recreational facilities. The external grounds, thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact, integrate pathways, courtyards, and play areas within a lush landscape that includes organic gardens and preserved natural areas. This topography not only enriches the visual appeal of the space but also contributes to the ecological sustainability goals of the community, with dedicated efforts for recycling and composting. Residents engage actively in maintaining their community through a self-managed condominium association. Each household contributes to oversight via homeowners' dues that fund utilities and maintenance. Families partake in service responsibilities such as regular chores and larger work parties to accomplish significant maintenance tasks. This collaborative effort in property stewardship reinforces the bond among residents and their commitment to communal life, resulting in a vibrant, interconnected community ethos characterized by cooperation and mutual support. Overall, Puget Ridge Cohousing illustrates a significant shift towards community-oriented living, promoting sustainability, common values, and shared life experiences, appealing to individuals seeking an enriching and communal lifestyle.