BENEFITS TO NEIGHBORS
Cohousing residents tend to be very civic-minded, and they work to improve neighborhood services. In Sacramento, the Southside Park neighbors are very supportive of cohousing. In Davis, the Muir Commons residents are an asset to the community. In Emeryville, the neighbor who led the opposition changed his mind after cohousing was built, saying he had no idea what good neighbors cohousers would be. In Sebastopol, three neighbors, who had previously opposed the project, cut holes in their fences so they could join the cohousing community.
Read letters of support: Sacramento Davis Emeryville Sebastopol
SAFETY: Cohousing communities always have someone around. With so many “eyes on the street,” the residents provide a deterrent to crime.
REDUCED TRAFFIC: Cohousing residents are very environmentally conscious, and they encourage carpooling, walking, and bicycling. This reduces the automobile traffic they generate.
More about traffic …
GOOD FOR KIDS: Because there are many playmates in the community, there is no need to drive children to play dates. Furthermore, the kids' play area becomes a magnet for children in the immediate neighborhood, providing a safe and fun place for children to gather.
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER: The Common House is available to the adjacent neighbors for meetings and social gatherings.
COMMUNITY-DEVELOPMENT: Cohousing residents are vested in the community because they are owners, and they take the long term view in solving problems. They look for ways they can improve the neighborhood. Cohousing attracts people who are active as community volunteers.
INCREASED PROPERTY VALUES: Several communities have found that cohousing increases surrounding property values.
Read letters from Mayors: Sacramento Chico Emeryville.
A Fair Oaks appraiser stated that property values depend on whether projects are owner-occupied, high-quality construction, and well-maintained. A cohousing appraiser conducted an analysis of cohousing neighborhoods in the greater Sacramento area and determined that neighboring property values are not adversely impacted.
Read letters: Fair Oaks Appraiser Cohousing Appraiser.
Furthermore, the respected Urban Land Institute (ULI) cites research that indicates no discernible difference in the appreciation rate of properties located near higher-density development compared to those that are not. Read excerpt of ULI report.
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