A directory of belonging
Places where community is built into where you live — not another club to visit, but somewhere the people around you are part of daily life. Monasteries that welcome guests, cohousing, co-ops, ecovillages, seniors villages, and neighbourhoods that actually function. Start where you are.
Compiled with AI, checked by nobody yet. These are starting points, gathered for New South Wales — real places as far as we know, but details change. Verify with a phone call before you set your heart or drive across the state.
The Sanctuary offers supported living and care services for individuals needing assistance. It provides a safe and nurturing environment with professional staff.
A developing cohousing community aiming to create a neighbourhood with private homes and extensive shared facilities, fostering social interaction and mutual support. It's for people interested in active participation in community governance and shared living.
Nightingale Housing develops architecturally thoughtful, sustainable, and affordable apartments designed for community living. Their Marrickville project emphasizes shared spaces and a strong sense of neighbourliness among residents.
Visit website →The Commons, Central Coast, is a modern cohousing development emphasizing shared spaces and community interaction. It provides private homes alongside common facilities for social gatherings and shared meals.
The Commons Newcastle is a modern cohousing development designed for sustainable and community-focused living. It features shared spaces and encourages interaction among residents while maintaining private dwellings.
Visit website →St Michael's House provides affordable shared accommodation for students and young professionals in a supportive community setting. It fosters a sense of belonging through communal meals and shared responsibilities.
A large shared house offering private rooms and communal spaces for individuals seeking a collaborative and social living environment. It's designed for those who enjoy shared meals, activities, and a sense of belonging.
A modern coliving space offering private rooms within a shared house, designed for young professionals and creatives seeking community and convenience. It fosters social interaction through shared amenities and organised events.
This long-established rural co-operative offers affordable housing and a strong sense of community among its residents. Members actively participate in the management and maintenance of the property, fostering a collaborative living environment.
A supportive housing initiative providing safe, affordable homes for people who have experienced homelessness, with a focus on community building and support services. It offers a stable environment for residents to rebuild their lives.
Visit website →This housing co-operative provides affordable and secure housing options for its members. The community is actively involved in the management and maintenance of their homes.
A not-for-profit organisation providing affordable and social housing options, often fostering a sense of community among residents. It aims to create stable and supportive living environments for those in need.
Visit website →This housing cooperative offers affordable and secure housing options for its members in the Newcastle area. Residents actively participate in the management and maintenance of their community.
This co-operative provides affordable and secure housing options for its members in the Wollongong area. Residents are actively involved in the governance and maintenance of their homes, promoting a shared responsibility.
An intentional community focused on sustainable living, shared resources, and strong social connections, with a mix of private homes and shared facilities. It welcomes individuals and families committed to ecological and community values.
Visit website →Although primarily in Queensland, a portion of the community and its influence extends into the northern NSW border region. It is a multi-award-winning sustainable community focused on ecological living and strong social connections.
Visit website →A small, established ecovillage focused on sustainable living, organic farming, and community collaboration. It offers a close-knit environment for residents committed to ecological principles and shared values.
An educational and residential hub focused on sustainable living and regenerative agriculture. It offers opportunities for learning and community engagement within an ecologically minded framework.
Visit website →The Pocket Ecovillage is a small, rural ecovillage focused on sustainable living and community connection. Residents share resources and participate in collective decision-making to foster a harmonious environment.
Visit website →An educational and residential community focused on permaculture principles, sustainable living, and skill-sharing. It welcomes individuals interested in learning and living a regenerative lifestyle.
Visit website →The Living Community is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared values. Residents engage in collaborative projects and foster a supportive environment.
The Vale is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared resources in a beautiful rural setting. Residents collaborate on various projects and enjoy a strong sense of belonging.
Wangat Lodge offers a unique off-grid living experience nestled in a beautiful natural setting. It fosters a strong sense of community among residents who share a commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
Visit website →Cloud Mountain Buddhist Retreat Centre provides a peaceful environment for meditation and spiritual practice. It offers residential stays and programs for those seeking a contemplative lifestyle.
Visit website →A Chan Buddhist monastery offering retreats and short-term stays for those interested in meditation and Buddhist practice. It provides a peaceful environment for spiritual growth and community engagement.
Visit website →A Benedictine monastery for women, offering a guesthouse for individuals seeking spiritual retreat, quiet, and a taste of monastic life. They welcome people of all faiths or none, looking for peace and reflection.
Visit website →This meditation centre offers a peaceful environment for spiritual growth and community living. Residents engage in daily meditation practices and contribute to the upkeep of the serene grounds.
Visit website →A Cistercian monastery for men, offering a guesthouse for those seeking quiet reflection, spiritual guidance, or a retreat from daily life. It welcomes individuals of all backgrounds looking for peace and contemplation.
Visit website →A tranquil retreat for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, The Hermitage offers a contemplative environment. While primarily a convent, it occasionally hosts guests seeking spiritual reflection and community.
Visit website →The Sisters of Charity in Darlinghurst live a communal life of prayer and service, continuing their mission of compassion and care. They are actively involved in various social welfare and educational programs.
Visit website →A religious order with a long history of community service, offering opportunities for lay people to engage in their mission or find spiritual support. While not a traditional guesthouse, they welcome those seeking connection and purpose.
Visit website →A small community of the Sisters of Charity resides in Pottsville, dedicated to their spiritual life and local engagement. They contribute to the community through various forms of outreach.
The Sisters of Mercy in Cronulla are a religious community committed to service and spiritual life. They contribute to the local community through various charitable and pastoral activities.
The Sisters of Mercy have a historical presence in Gunnedah, continuing their mission of education, healthcare, and social justice. Their community provides a supportive environment for their work.
This community of the Sisters of Mercy is dedicated to spiritual life and various ministries, offering a supportive and faith-based living environment. They are involved in education, healthcare, and social justice initiatives within the local area.
Visit website →This religious community of Sisters of Mercy has a long history of service and communal living in Parramatta. They are involved in various ministries and maintain a strong spiritual presence.
Visit website →This community of Sisters of Mercy is committed to living out their charism of mercy and justice. They are involved in various works, including education and care, serving the needs of the community.
Visit website →This religious community of the Sisters of Mercy is committed to spiritual life and service, offering a place of reflection and communal support. They engage in various outreach programs and maintain a strong presence in the Singleton area.
This community offers a supportive environment for the Sisters of St Joseph, dedicated to prayer, service, and communal living. Residents share a life of faith and contribute to various ministries within the local area.
This community of the Sisters of St Joseph is committed to living out their charism of service and hospitality. They engage in various ministries, fostering a spirit of community and outreach.
Visit website →This community of Sisters of St Joseph has a long history of service and presence in the Hunter Valley. They live a life of prayer and ministry, often engaging with local community initiatives.
This community of the Sisters of St Joseph lives out a shared commitment to faith, education, and social justice. They provide a supportive and prayerful environment for their members, contributing to the wider community.
This community is home to the Sisters of St Joseph, who live a life of prayer and service. They are actively involved in various ministries, contributing to the local community and beyond.
Visit website →This community of the Sisters of St Joseph is dedicated to various ministries and living a life of faith. They are involved in local outreach and support within the Penrith area.
This community of Sisters of St Joseph is actively involved in the Port Macquarie region, living out their charism of service and prayer. They contribute to local spiritual and social initiatives.
This religious community of Sisters is dedicated to prayer, service, and living a communal life. They engage in various ministries while maintaining a contemplative and supportive environment.
Visit website →The Sisters of the Good Samaritan live in community, dedicated to their mission of compassion and service. They engage in educational, pastoral, and social justice ministries within the local area.
Visit website →The Sisters of the Good Samaritan in Pymble live a communal life dedicated to prayer, community, and mission. They are involved in education, pastoral care, and social justice, embodying a spirit of compassion.
Visit website →This congregation of Presentation Sisters lives a communal life dedicated to education and social justice. They contribute to the local community through their ministries and shared spiritual journey.
Visit website →Known for its strong community spirit, numerous community groups, and active neighbourhood centres that foster local connections and support. The council actively promotes community engagement and well-being.
Visit website →Offers extensive community programs, neighbourhood centres, and initiatives designed to connect residents and build local resilience. It provides diverse opportunities for social interaction and support across its various suburbs.
Visit website →Actively supports numerous community centres, neighbourhood houses, and social programs aimed at fostering local connections and reducing isolation. It provides resources and spaces for residents to engage and build community.
Visit website →IRT Berala provides a welcoming community for seniors seeking independent living or assisted care. The village offers various amenities and a supportive atmosphere for residents.
Visit website →IRT Dalmeny provides independent living and care options for seniors in a coastal village setting. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and support services.
Visit website →IRT Green Hills offers independent living and care options for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and support services.
Visit website →A vibrant seniors' village offering independent living units and a range of community facilities and activities for residents. It provides a supportive environment for older adults to live actively and socially.
Visit website →IRT Macarthur provides a vibrant seniors' living community with a range of independent living units and care options. Residents enjoy social activities, amenities, and a supportive network.
Visit website →IRT Peakhurst offers a supportive and engaging environment for seniors seeking independent living. The village provides a variety of amenities and social opportunities to enhance residents' lifestyles.
Visit website →IRT Towradgi Park is a well-established seniors' village offering independent living options and a range of community facilities. Residents benefit from a friendly atmosphere and convenient access to local amenities.
Visit website →IRT William Beach offers a welcoming seniors' community with independent living and aged care services, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. It provides a comfortable and secure environment with opportunities for social engagement.
Visit website →IRT Woodlands is a vibrant seniors' village offering independent living and a range of community facilities. Residents enjoy an active social calendar and a supportive environment.
Visit website →Kookaburra Village provides a welcoming community for over 55s, offering independent living units and a variety of amenities. Residents can participate in social events and enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Visit website →Riverside Gardens offers a peaceful and secure environment for seniors seeking an engaging community lifestyle. Residents enjoy well-maintained facilities and a range of social opportunities to connect with neighbours.
Visit website →Riverside Living offers independent living units for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of social activities and amenities designed for an active lifestyle.
Riverside Village is a vibrant seniors' living community designed for independent residents over 55. It offers a range of facilities and social activities that encourage connection and an active lifestyle.
Visit website →The Sanctuary Illawarra is a contemporary retirement village offering independent living options and a strong sense of community. It provides residents with modern facilities and opportunities for social engagement.
Visit website →The Vale is a vibrant seniors' living community designed for active and independent residents. It provides a supportive environment with various social activities and amenities to foster connection and well-being.
Visit website →The Village Byron Bay offers independent living for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of facilities and social activities designed to foster connection and well-being.
Visit website →Wollongong Seniors Village provides independent living options for older adults with a focus on community engagement. Residents benefit from various social programs and convenient access to local amenities.
Wyndham Estate offers a vibrant retirement village lifestyle with a range of independent living units and community facilities. Residents enjoy social activities and a supportive environment within a picturesque setting.
Visit website →The other path
If your state's list is thin, that's not a dead end; it's the reason this project exists. Three friends on one street is already a community. The guide walks you through the whole path.
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