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.
Brother James Court is a residential facility dedicated to providing care for men with developmental disabilities. It offers a supportive and faith-based environment focused on personal growth and community integration.
Visit website →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.
Misericordia provides a community of care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Residents live in various homes and apartments on a vibrant campus, fostering independence and social engagement.
Visit website →Baumhart Hall offers apartment-style living for graduate students and upperclassmen, fostering a vibrant academic and social community within a university setting. Residents benefit from shared amenities and organized events that encourage interaction and connection.
Visit website →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.
This modern residential complex offers a variety of living options, including shared apartments designed for coliving with extensive amenities. Residents benefit from communal spaces and organized social events.
Visit website →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.
Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage is an intentional community and ecovillage in rural northeastern Missouri, dedicated to demonstrating a sustainable way of life. Residents strive to minimize their ecological footprint through shared resources, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.
Visit website →Anawim Community is a Catholic Worker house of hospitality that provides shelter and community for women and children. They focus on simple living, nonviolence, and service to those in need.
Visit website →East Wind Community is a secular, income-sharing intentional community located in the Missouri Ozarks. Members collectively own and operate businesses, sharing all income and expenses, and make decisions by consensus.
Visit website →Peaceful Valley is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared values. Members collaborate on projects and activities, fostering a close-knit and mutually supportive environment.
Peaceful Valley Farm & Sanctuary is an intentional community focused on sustainable living, animal rescue, and permaculture principles. Residents share responsibilities and work together to create a harmonious and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Visit website →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 Catholic Worker House in Chicago provides hospitality and direct aid to those in need, living out the principles of the Catholic Worker movement. It is a community rooted in faith, service, and nonviolence.
Visit website →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.
This vibrant Catholic parish in the heart of Chicago offers a strong sense of community for its members, including opportunities for spiritual growth and social engagement. While not a traditional monastery, it fosters a close-knit residential community for its clergy and active parishioners.
Visit website →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 →Fox Valley Villages is a large, master-planned community known for its strong neighborhood associations and family-friendly environment. It features numerous parks, schools, and community events that encourage resident interaction.
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.
A close-knit suburban village known for its strong community involvement and local events. Residents benefit from dedicated village services and a shared commitment to local well-being.
Visit website →Frankfort is a charming village with a historic downtown and a strong sense of community pride. The village actively promotes resident engagement through various events and initiatives.
Visit website →Glencoe is a picturesque village known for its natural beauty, including the Chicago Botanic Garden, and a close-knit community. The village fosters a strong sense of belonging through its parks, recreational programs, and active local government.
Visit website →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 →La Grange is a vibrant and walkable village with a bustling downtown, historic homes, and a strong community spirit. Residents enjoy a variety of local businesses, parks, and frequent community events that encourage interaction.
Visit website →Lincolnshire is a well-planned community with a focus on quality of life and resident engagement. The village offers numerous parks and recreational opportunities that bring residents together.
Visit website →The Village of Lisle is a well-established suburban community known for its strong civic engagement and family-friendly atmosphere. Residents enjoy numerous parks, community events, and a responsive local government.
Visit website →Known for its historic village center and commitment to preserving its unique character, Long Grove fosters a strong community spirit. Residents enjoy local traditions and a picturesque environment.
Visit website →The Village of Oak Park is a diverse and historic community celebrated for its architectural heritage and progressive values. It fosters a strong sense of community through local initiatives, cultural events, and active resident participation.
Visit website →The Village of Orland Park fosters a strong sense of community through numerous public events, parks, and recreational facilities. It emphasizes resident engagement and a high quality of life within its well-planned neighborhoods.
Visit website →The Village of River Forest is a historic and affluent suburb known for its beautiful architecture and strong community engagement. Residents benefit from well-maintained public spaces, active civic organizations, and a close-knit atmosphere.
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 →Western Springs is a charming suburban village recognized for its tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and active community life. The village fosters a strong sense of belonging through numerous local events and volunteer opportunities.
Visit website →Wilmette is a charming North Shore community with a strong emphasis on civic engagement and local events. Its residents benefit from well-maintained public spaces, active community organizations, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Visit website →Winnetka is an affluent suburban village known for its strong community spirit, excellent schools, and beautiful lakefront parks. The village council actively supports local events and initiatives that bring residents together and enhance the quality of life.
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 →Brookdale Lake Shore Drive provides a luxurious senior living experience with independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and a rich program of activities and services.
Visit website →Cantata Adult Life Services offers a vibrant senior living community with various levels of care, fostering independence and social engagement. Residents enjoy a range of activities and amenities designed to promote well-being and connection.
Visit website →Clare Oaks is a faith-based senior living community providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. It emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness and offers numerous opportunities for residents to connect and thrive.
Visit website →Mather Place of Wilmette offers independent living for seniors in a vibrant community setting. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and social activities designed to foster connection and well-being.
Visit website →Plymouth Place is a not-for-profit senior living community offering a full continuum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing. It fosters a welcoming atmosphere with diverse programs and services to enrich residents' lives.
Visit website →Sedgebrook is a vibrant senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Residents enjoy a wide array of amenities, social activities, and a focus on wellness.
Visit website →Smith Village is a continuing care retirement community in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It provides a supportive environment where residents can age in place within a close-knit community.
Visit website →The Admiral at the Lake is a vibrant continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It provides a supportive environment with numerous activities and services for seniors.
Visit website →This senior living community offers independent and assisted living options with a focus on active lifestyles and social connection. Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.
Visit website →The Clare is a luxury continuing care retirement community located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It offers a sophisticated urban lifestyle with comprehensive care services and a wide range of amenities.
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 →This continuing care retirement community provides a range of living options from independent to assisted living, promoting an active and supportive environment for seniors. Residents enjoy numerous social activities, wellness programs, and a strong sense of belonging.
Visit website →The Garlands of Barrington is a luxury active adult community offering independent living with a focus on resort-style amenities and social programming. Residents enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle with opportunities for fitness, dining, and cultural events.
Visit website →The Moorings of Arlington Heights provides a full continuum of care for seniors, from independent living to skilled nursing. This Presbyterian Homes community emphasizes a supportive and engaging lifestyle for its residents.
Visit website →The Village at Mercy Creek offers independent and assisted living options for seniors in a welcoming community. Residents benefit from a variety of services and social opportunities designed to enhance their quality of life.
Visit website →The Village at Victory Lakes is a continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. It provides a faith-based environment with a focus on holistic well-being and community engagement.
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.
Westminster Place is a Presbyterian Homes continuing care retirement community offering a full spectrum of living options from independent living to skilled nursing. It is known for its beautiful campus, diverse programs, and strong sense of community.
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.
Start a community — the guide Create or join a group Register your interestBrowse by state