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 Azuay — 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.
This is a well-established care home providing long-term residential care for elderly individuals in a supportive environment. Residents benefit from communal living, meals, and various activities designed to foster well-being and companionship.
Hogar de Ancianos 'San José' is a care facility providing a supportive and communal living environment for elderly residents. It offers personalized care, social activities, and a sense of family among its inhabitants.
This care home provides a supportive living environment for elderly residents, offering personalized care and social activities. It fosters a sense of community among its residents and staff.
This care facility provides a supportive living environment for individuals in need, emphasizing community and compassionate care. Residents benefit from shared activities and a dedicated staff.
This protective home provides a communal living environment for vulnerable individuals, offering care and support in a structured setting. It aims to foster a sense of family and belonging among its residents.
This residential facility offers care and community for elderly women, providing a safe and nurturing environment. It emphasizes shared living, daily support, and opportunities for social engagement among its residents.
A long-standing institution in Cuenca, Hogar Miguel León provides residential care for the elderly and those with disabilities. It fosters a supportive community environment for its residents, offering medical care and social activities.
Visit website →This long-standing care facility provides a supportive living environment for elderly residents. It fosters a sense of community through shared activities and dedicated care.
While no formally established cohousing communities exist, there are informal groups of individuals in Cuenca who purchase properties together or rent large homes to share. These arrangements aim to create a supportive, intentional living environment.
Various informal coliving houses exist in Cuenca, often catering to expats, digital nomads, and students seeking shared living arrangements. These spaces typically offer private rooms with shared common areas, fostering social interaction.
While not a single physical location, various expat groups in Cuenca frequently organize shared housing and coliving arrangements. These informal networks connect individuals seeking community and shared living experiences.
The Yunguilla Valley is home to several small, informal communities and individual initiatives focused on sustainable living and agriculture. While not a single ecovillage, it attracts individuals seeking a rural, community-oriented lifestyle.
While not a physical residential community in the traditional sense, CVX is a lay Ignatian community that emphasizes shared spiritual life and service. Members often live in close proximity and engage in regular communal activities and support.
Comunidad Kawsay is an emerging intentional community focused on sustainable living and holistic well-being. Members share resources and work together on permaculture projects.
Several rural farms in the Azuay region, particularly around Gualaceo and Paute, offer opportunities for visitors to stay and participate in farm life. These often provide a communal living experience focused on sustainable agriculture and local culture.
This is a community of religious sisters dedicated to spiritual life and service within Cuenca. They live communally, supporting each other in their mission.
A religious community focused on education and service, where brothers live together in shared purpose. They contribute significantly to the local educational landscape.
The Dominican Fathers maintain a monastic community in Cuenca, dedicated to prayer, study, and preaching. They live communally and contribute to the spiritual life of the city through their ministries.
A religious community of priests dedicated to various pastoral and social works within Azuay. They live communally, fostering a supportive environment for their spiritual and service-oriented lives.
This religious community of Oblate Fathers offers a structured communal living environment focused on spiritual life and service. They are involved in various pastoral and social activities within the Cuenca area.
This religious community of Redemptorist Fathers in Cuenca provides a spiritual living environment focused on prayer, service, and communal life. They are actively involved in local pastoral work and community outreach.
This is a well-established religious community in Cuenca, known for its educational and social work. They offer a structured communal living environment for their members.
The Salesian community in Cuenca provides a residential setting for its members, focusing on religious life and social work. It's a place where individuals live together, sharing resources and a common mission.
This cloistered monastery of Conceptionist nuns offers a serene environment for spiritual reflection. While primarily for nuns, they welcome lay guests for short stays in their guesthouse, providing a quiet space for retreat and connection.
This Carmelite monastery offers a contemplative environment for nuns and also welcomes lay visitors for prayer and spiritual guidance. While not offering long-term stays, it provides a space for short retreats and connection with a religious community.
This cloistered monastery is home to a community of Franciscan Poor Clares dedicated to prayer and contemplation. They maintain a quiet, communal life within their sacred space.
This religious community of Oblate Sisters focuses on education and social work, often welcoming volunteers and guests for short stays. It provides an opportunity to live and serve within a dedicated community.
Barrio Cayambe is a well-established residential area in Cuenca known for its strong community ties and active neighborhood council. Residents often participate in local events and initiatives, fostering a close-knit environment.
This historic neighborhood is known for its strong community bonds and traditional architecture. Residents actively participate in local events and maintain a vibrant, close-knit atmosphere.
El Cebollar is a residential neighborhood in Cuenca characterized by its mix of housing and local businesses, creating a vibrant and self-sufficient community. Residents benefit from convenient access to amenities and a strong local identity.
Located near the city center, El Ejido is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It fosters a strong sense of community through its parks and local gatherings.
One of Cuenca's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods, El Vado is known for its strong community spirit and local artisan workshops. Residents often participate in neighborhood events and maintain close social ties.
El Vecino is a charming and well-established neighborhood with a strong sense of local identity. Its residents often gather in public spaces, fostering a friendly community spirit.
Barrio Kennedy is a well-established residential area in Cuenca known for its strong community ties and active neighborhood council. Residents often participate in local events and maintain a friendly, supportive environment.
A historic neighborhood in Cuenca, Las Herrerías is known for its artisan workshops and strong community bonds. Residents often participate in local events and maintain close relationships.
Known for its vibrant community spirit and historic charm, Barrio Las Peñas offers a strong sense of belonging among its residents. Local events and shared public spaces encourage interaction and a close-knit neighborhood feel.
Miraflores is a well-established residential neighborhood known for its green spaces and strong community ties. Residents often participate in local events and maintain a close-knit atmosphere.
This well-established residential area is known for its strong community ties and active neighborhood association. Residents often participate in local events and maintain a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Located just outside central Cuenca, Ricaurte maintains a distinct community identity with local traditions and strong neighborly bonds. It offers a more rural feel while still being connected to urban amenities.
San Blas is a historic neighborhood in Cuenca recognized for its strong community identity and active local participation. Residents often engage in cultural events and maintain a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Known for its picturesque setting along the Yanuncay River and its agricultural heritage, San Joaquín has a close-knit community feel. Residents often engage in local farming and maintain strong social connections.
San Roque is one of Cuenca's historic barrios, characterized by its traditional architecture and a vibrant community spirit. Residents often gather in its central plaza and participate in local cultural events.
Located near the historic center, San Sebastián is a vibrant neighborhood with a strong sense of local identity and community. It features a popular park and cultural center that hosts various community programs and gatherings.
A residential area known for its quiet streets and family-friendly atmosphere, Totora has a close-knit community feel. Neighbors often interact at local parks and small shops.
Totoracocha is a vibrant neighborhood with a strong sense of local identity and active community associations. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, promoting local interaction.
Known for its panoramic views, Turi is a growing neighborhood with a mix of local residents and newcomers. It has a community center and local initiatives that promote neighborly interaction and shared activities.
A residential area along the Yanuncay River, this neighborhood is known for its green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere. Local parks and community initiatives foster a sense of belonging among residents.
La Castellana is a planned residential community offering a secure and family-friendly environment with shared green spaces and recreational facilities. It fosters a sense of belonging among its residents through various community activities.
This urbanización is a planned residential community that has developed a strong sense of belonging among its residents over the years. It features shared green spaces and a community association that organizes activities.
Managed by the municipality, this center provides day programs and some residential options for seniors, focusing on well-being and social integration. It aims to create a supportive community for older adults in the city.
This residence offers a peaceful and caring environment for seniors, promoting social interaction and well-being. It provides various services to ensure a comfortable community living experience.
El Paraíso offers a comfortable and secure living option for seniors, providing various amenities and social programs. It aims to create a supportive and engaging community for its residents.
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.
Start a community — the guide Create or join a group Register your interestBrowse by state