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 Maine — 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.
A land-based mutual-aid community founded in 1970 in the Emmaus tradition, offering housing, crafts workshops, and support to low-income and homeless neighbors in rural Maine. Volunteers and guests are welcomed into its daily life of shared work.
The Cedars is a non-profit senior living community offering a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It fosters a compassionate environment where residents can thrive and participate in a variety of programs.
Visit website →A multigenerational cohousing community of super-insulated, energy-efficient homes on farmland in midcoast Maine. Neighbors share a common house, gardens, and a commitment to low-impact rural living.
Visit website →A rural cohousing neighborhood of clustered homes on shared land near the Maine coast, founded in the 1990s. Residents share common facilities, trails, and community meals, and welcome households of all ages.
Ocean House offers shared living spaces in a historic building, catering to individuals seeking an affordable and community-oriented lifestyle. Residents benefit from communal areas and a supportive atmosphere in a convenient urban location.
While primarily a summer camp, Friends Camp also hosts year-round community living for staff and volunteers who uphold Quaker values. It fosters a peaceful environment focused on service, simplicity, and community engagement.
Visit website →Genesis Community Farm is a small, intergenerational community focused on sustainable agriculture and simple living. They share meals, work on the farm, and engage in spiritual reflection.
The last active Shaker community in the world, where a small number of Shakers continue a life of work, worship, and hospitality begun in 1783. Visitors are warmly welcomed to tours, the museum, and Sunday worship.
Visit website →Located within Acadia National Park, this campground offers a unique community experience for those seeking immersion in nature. It provides a structured yet communal living environment for visitors to connect with the outdoors and each other.
Visit website →This community is dedicated to sustainable living and shared resources on a beautiful coastal property. Residents engage in organic gardening, renewable energy, and collaborative decision-making.
A volunteer-powered village network on the Blue Hill Peninsula helping older residents stay in their own homes and stay connected. Members enjoy rides, practical help, and social gatherings from caring neighbors.
Friendsview is a Quaker-affiliated retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents enjoy a supportive environment with various activities and opportunities for social engagement.
Visit website →Ocean View is a vibrant senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities, social activities, and a supportive environment.
Visit website →Piper Shores is Maine's first and only non-profit lifecare retirement community, situated on a picturesque oceanfront campus. It provides a full continuum of care and a rich array of programs and services for active seniors.
Visit website →The Highlands is a premier senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. It provides a vibrant and engaging lifestyle with numerous amenities and a strong sense of community among residents.
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