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 Illinois — 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.
Genesis House provides a safe and supportive community for women and children experiencing homelessness. It offers comprehensive programs and services to help residents rebuild their lives and achieve independence.
Visit website →Homes in the Chicago area where adults with and without intellectual disabilities live together as family. It welcomes live-in assistants who want work built on friendship and mutual belonging.
The Peace House is a coliving space in Chicago dedicated to fostering community and social justice. Residents share common spaces and engage in discussions and activities centered around peace and activism.
A group of cooperative houses in Hyde Park where members share meals, chores, and decisions. It welcomes students and young professionals who want affordable, sociable South Side living.
Visit website →A cooperative living community on Chicago's North Side inspired by the folktale of shared abundance. It welcomes members committed to social justice, shared meals, and affordable communal living.
A Christian intentional community in Evanston sharing income, homes, and worship since 1957, rooted in the Mennonite peace tradition. It welcomes apprentices and neighbors exploring common-purse community life.
Visit website →A planned intentional community founded in 1973 on the Illinois prairie, now a friendly village known for early solar and sustainability experiments. It welcomes new residents interested in cooperative small-town life.
The Land is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared resources. Members collaborate on gardening, maintenance, and community projects, creating a supportive and interconnected environment.
A Benedictine monastery in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood where monks chant the hours in a former parish church. Its bed-and-breakfast guest rooms welcome travelers seeking urban monastic hospitality.
Visit website →Cantigny Park is a unique community built around a large park and museum, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural engagement. Residents benefit from access to extensive gardens, golf courses, and educational programs, fostering a vibrant and active lifestyle.
Visit website →One of the nation's largest municipal community land trusts, keeping city-supported homes affordable for generations of buyers. It welcomes working Chicagoans ready to own a home in their own neighborhood.
Claretian Associates is a community development corporation focused on affordable housing and community building in South Chicago. They work to create strong, vibrant neighborhoods through various initiatives.
Visit website →A pioneering conservation community north of Chicago where homes cluster beside restored prairie, an organic farm, and two rail stations. It welcomes families drawn to farmland views and neighborly, land-loving living.
The Village of Glenview is known for its strong community engagement and family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, parks, and local events.
Visit website →Schaumburg is a thriving suburban community recognized for its diverse amenities and strong local governance. Residents benefit from extensive park districts, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities.
Visit website →Angel Guardian Senior Living offers affordable independent living for seniors aged 62 and better. Residents enjoy a vibrant community with various activities and supportive services.
Visit website →Bethany Retirement Community offers a range of living options for seniors, from independent living to assisted care, within a supportive Christian environment. Residents enjoy various social activities, wellness programs, and a strong sense of community.
Visit website →The Clare is a luxury senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. It provides a sophisticated urban lifestyle with comprehensive care options.
Visit website →A member-led village network on Chicago's North Side connecting older adults through programs, services, and friendships. It welcomes people who want to age vibrantly in the city without going it alone.
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