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 New Jersey — 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 organization offers a range of senior living options, including assisted living and skilled nursing, within a supportive community setting. They prioritize resident well-being and social engagement.
Visit website →The Commons at Little Falls is a cohousing community where residents actively participate in managing their neighborhood. It features shared common spaces and fosters a supportive, intergenerational environment.
Visit website →Princeton Community Village is a cooperative housing community providing affordable homes for families and individuals. It fosters a diverse and inclusive environment with shared responsibilities and community activities.
Visit website →Fair Share Farm is a small, developing ecovillage focused on sustainable living and community cooperation. Residents share resources and work together on environmental initiatives.
Crosswicks is a historic village known for its strong sense of community and well-preserved architecture. Residents often participate in local events and maintain a close-knit, neighborly atmosphere.
A leafy enclave founded in 1910 as a single-tax colony inspired by Henry George, where residents own their homes but lease land from the community. Monthly assemblies and shared traditions keep its cooperative spirit alive.
While primarily a vineyard, this location hosts a family-run operation with a strong sense of community among its residents and workers. They share a passion for winemaking and a close-knit lifestyle.
Visit website →Pendle Hill is a Quaker study, retreat, and conference center that offers residential programs for those seeking spiritual growth and community living. While technically in PA, it serves a strong NJ contingent and offers a unique intentional community experience.
Visit website →An urban Benedictine monastery whose monks chose to remain in downtown Newark and run St. Benedict's Preparatory School. The community models steadfast presence in the city and welcomes visitors to daily prayer.
A Benedictine abbey whose monks pray, teach at Delbarton School, and serve local parishes. Guests are welcome to join the community for liturgy and quiet retreat days.
This community of Benedictine Sisters lives a life of prayer, work, and hospitality. They offer a peaceful environment and engage in various ministries within the local area.
Visit website →This community offers a peaceful retreat and a life dedicated to Franciscan values. Residents engage in prayer, service, and communal living amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Visit website →This organization works to revitalize neighborhoods in Camden by providing affordable housing and fostering community development. They focus on building strong, supportive communities through resident engagement and various programs.
Visit website →A half-century-old community organization in Newark's Ironbound district, organizing neighbors around housing, environmental justice, and family services. It welcomes the neighborhood's immigrant communities into shared civic life.
A New Deal cooperative town built in 1936 for Jewish garment workers, now a small borough with an outsized artistic and communal heritage. Its residents maintain a close-knit village life around the historic school and Ben Shahn murals.
The Evergreens is a continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It provides a vibrant social environment with numerous activities and amenities for seniors.
Visit website →This active adult community offers a vibrant lifestyle for residents aged 55 and better. It features a clubhouse, fitness center, and various social activities designed to foster community engagement.
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