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 California — 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.
St. Anthony's Foundation provides a range of services, including residential programs for individuals seeking recovery and stability. It offers a supportive community environment focused on holistic well-being and reintegration.
Visit website →The Center at Sierra Health Foundation offers a supportive living environment for individuals with specific health or social needs, often providing integrated care and community services. It focuses on holistic well-being and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
Visit website →Berkeley Cohousing is an established urban cohousing community featuring private homes clustered around shared open spaces and a common house. It welcomes individuals and families seeking a balance of privacy and community engagement through shared meals and activities.
Visit website →East Bay Cohousing is an urban cohousing community designed for intergenerational living and mutual support. Residents share common meals, facilities, and decision-making, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Visit website →Heartwood Cohousing offers a unique blend of private homes and extensive shared facilities, promoting a strong sense of community among its residents. This intentional neighborhood emphasizes sustainable living and collaborative decision-making.
Visit website →Muir Commons is California's first cohousing community, offering a vibrant neighborhood with individual homes and extensive common facilities. It's designed for residents of all ages who value mutual support, shared resources, and active participation in community life.
Visit website →Nyland Cohousing is a vibrant community designed for intergenerational living, fostering connection through shared meals and common spaces. Residents actively participate in the community's governance and daily life, creating a supportive and engaging environment.
Visit website →Oak Creek Commons is a vibrant cohousing community designed for intergenerational living and active participation. Residents share common facilities and engage in collaborative decision-making to foster a strong neighborhood bond.
Visit website →Sunward Cohousing is a vibrant, intergenerational community designed for social interaction and mutual support. Residents share common facilities and participate in community governance, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Visit website →Valley Verde is a vibrant cohousing community designed for intergenerational living, featuring private homes clustered around extensive common facilities. Residents actively participate in community governance and shared activities, fostering strong neighborly bonds.
Visit website →Claremont Graduate University offers various student housing options that foster a strong sense of community among graduate students. These residences provide a supportive environment for academic pursuits and social interaction.
Visit website →The Embassy Network operates several coliving houses in San Francisco, providing shared living spaces designed for community and collaboration. These houses welcome individuals seeking an affordable, social, and intellectually stimulating living arrangement.
Visit website →The ReFresh Project provides affordable coliving spaces focused on community engagement and personal growth. It offers a supportive environment for individuals seeking connection and shared experiences in an urban setting.
Visit website →The Berkeley Student Cooperative (BSC) offers affordable, community-oriented housing for students at UC Berkeley and other Bay Area colleges. Residents share responsibilities for cooking and cleaning, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support.
Visit website →Common Ground Ecovillage is an intentional community dedicated to sustainable living, emphasizing ecological design, shared resources, and cooperative decision-making. Members work together on organic gardens, renewable energy projects, and community events.
Visit website →The Los Angeles Eco-Village is an urban intentional community demonstrating sustainable living practices in a diverse, multicultural neighborhood. It offers opportunities for residents to engage in ecological projects, shared meals, and community governance.
Visit website →This community integrates sustainable living with artistic expression, offering a unique environment for creative individuals. Residents are committed to ecological principles and fostering a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.
Fairview Gardens is a historic farm and educational center that hosts a small residential community dedicated to sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. Residents are actively involved in farm operations and community life.
Visit website →The Farm at Malibu is an aspiring ecovillage focused on sustainable living, organic farming, and holistic wellness. It aims to create a harmonious relationship between its residents and the natural environment.
The Farm at Terra Nova is an emerging ecovillage dedicated to regenerative agriculture and sustainable living practices. It aims to create a resilient community through shared land stewardship and ecological education.
The Farm is a long-standing intentional community and ecovillage focused on sustainable living, nonviolence, and spiritual growth. It welcomes visitors and offers opportunities for short-term stays, workshops, and a chance to experience communal rural life.
Visit website →The Farm of the Future is an evolving ecovillage focused on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and holistic living practices. It aims to demonstrate a regenerative way of life through community collaboration and environmental stewardship.
Ananda Village is a spiritual intentional community based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, offering a holistic lifestyle centered on meditation and service. It welcomes individuals seeking a deeper spiritual path and a supportive, like-minded community.
Visit website →Canticle Farm is an urban intentional community dedicated to ecological living, social justice, and spiritual practice. They cultivate food, host educational workshops, and provide a space for contemplation and community engagement.
Visit website →Commonweal Garden is part of a larger non-profit campus, offering a residential program focused on healing, learning, and service. It provides a supportive environment for individuals engaged in various social and environmental initiatives.
Visit website →Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and intentional community focused on health, healing, and spiritual renewal, known for its natural hot and cold spring pools. It offers various accommodation options and welcomes guests and residents seeking a peaceful, clothing-optional environment.
Visit website →This intentional community is dedicated to the practice of mindfulness and compassionate living. Residents share a commitment to personal growth, shared meals, and collective well-being in a serene setting.
Esalen is a renowned retreat center and intentional community offering workshops, personal growth programs, and a unique living experience overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It welcomes individuals seeking deep personal exploration, community connection, and a transformative environment.
Visit website →The Farm at San Benito is a holistic wellness retreat and intentional community focused on health, healing, and sustainable living. It offers various programs, accommodations, and a serene environment for guests seeking personal transformation and a connection to nature.
Visit website →The Ojai Foundation is an educational and retreat center that fosters community through council practice and nature-based programs. While not strictly residential, it offers long-term residency for staff and program participants in a community setting.
Visit website →Wolf Creek Ranch is an established intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared resources. Residents engage in organic farming, permaculture, and a cooperative lifestyle amidst a beautiful natural setting.
Visit website →This university offers a unique living and learning environment rooted in Buddhist principles, integrating academic study with monastic life. Residents engage in daily meditation, communal meals, and service, fostering a deep sense of community and spiritual growth.
Visit website →The San Francisco Zen Center offers residential practice opportunities for individuals dedicated to Zen Buddhism. Residents live communally, engaging in daily meditation, work practice, and study.
Visit website →This center offers a spiritual community focused on Siddha Yoga meditation practices and teachings. It provides a supportive environment for residents to deepen their spiritual journey and engage in service.
Visit website →Siddhachalam is a Jain pilgrimage center and monastery that welcomes visitors and offers opportunities for spiritual retreats and longer stays. It provides a peaceful environment for those interested in Jain philosophy, meditation, and a communal spiritual life.
Visit website →The Abbey of New Clairvaux is a Trappist monastery that welcomes male guests for spiritual retreats and offers a peaceful environment for prayer and reflection. Visitors can experience monastic life, attend services, and find solace in the quiet rural setting.
Visit website →The Zen Center of Los Angeles offers residential programs for individuals seeking to deepen their Zen practice within a monastic-style community. Residents engage in daily meditation, work practice, and communal living.
Visit website →The City of Davis actively promotes neighborhood engagement through various programs, community gardens, and local events. It encourages residents to build strong local connections and participate in shaping their community environment.
Visit website →The City of Santa Monica is known for its extensive community programs, neighborhood resource centers, and active resident engagement initiatives. It fosters strong community ties through events, services, and opportunities for residents to connect and participate.
Visit website →Carmel Valley Manor is a continuing care retirement community offering a range of living options and amenities for seniors. It provides a secure and engaging environment with opportunities for social connection and personal enrichment.
Visit website →Claremont Manor is a continuing care retirement community offering various levels of care and independent living options. Residents enjoy a vibrant social calendar and a supportive community environment.
Visit website →Claremont Manor is a continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in a vibrant setting. It provides a supportive environment for seniors with numerous social activities, wellness programs, and amenities.
Visit website →Claremont Place offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in a vibrant senior community. It provides a supportive environment with a wide range of activities, amenities, and personalized care to enhance residents' well-being.
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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