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 North Carolina — 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. Joseph of the Pines is a faith-based senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It is committed to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment.
Visit website →The Farm at Penny Lane provides supportive housing and community for individuals living with serious mental illness. It offers a therapeutic environment with opportunities for meaningful work and social connection.
Visit website →The Village at Penny Lane provides supportive housing for individuals with mental illness, offering a safe and community-oriented environment. It focuses on recovery and independence through integrated services and a strong sense of mutual support.
Visit website →A pioneering Southern cohousing community near Chapel Hill, built in the 1990s around a pedestrian lane and common house. Neighbors of all ages share meals, woods, and decades of friendship.
A cohousing neighborhood near the Eno River in Durham with 22 homes facing a shared green. Residents raise children, garden, and grow older together in deliberate neighborliness.
Homestead at Montrose is a cohousing community designed for intergenerational living, promoting connection and shared responsibilities among neighbors. It features common facilities and resident-led governance.
Visit website →Twin Streams Cohousing is a vibrant community designed for intergenerational living, fostering connection through shared meals and common spaces. Residents enjoy a balance of private homes and collaborative activities, promoting a strong sense of belonging.
Visit website →Asheville's first cohousing community, completed in 1998 on a wooded site in West Asheville. Its two dozen households share a common house, gardens, and a warm multigenerational culture.
A well-known aspiring ecovillage founded in 1994 in the mountains southeast of Asheville, with off-grid neighborhoods, natural buildings, and permaculture landscapes. It welcomes visitors, tours, and new members committed to regenerative culture.
Visit website →Pathways Ecovillage is a developing community focused on sustainable living and ecological stewardship. It aims to create a harmonious environment where residents can live lightly on the land and engage in shared environmental practices.
Visit website →The Farm is a renowned spiritual intentional community and ecovillage founded on principles of nonviolence and respect for the Earth. It has a long history of sustainable living, communal enterprise, and a strong sense of shared purpose among its residents.
Visit website →The Land is an emerging ecovillage dedicated to sustainable living and permaculture principles. It aims to create a resilient community through shared resources and ecological practices.
Founded in 1937 in the South Toe River valley, Celo is one of the oldest land-trust intentional communities in America, with Quaker roots and about forty households. Members hold land in common and welcome neighbors through its crafts, school, and summer camps.
Highland Lake Cove is a conservation-focused community designed for sustainable living and connection with nature. It offers diverse housing options within a beautiful natural setting, promoting a close-knit community experience.
Visit website →Kirkridge is an intentional community focused on spiritual growth and simple living. Residents share meals, responsibilities, and a commitment to contemplative practices.
Twin Oaks is a well-established intentional community and ecovillage in rural Virginia, known for its commitment to egalitarianism, income sharing, and ecological sustainability. Members live and work together, sharing resources and decision-making in a supportive environment.
Visit website →Wellspring Community is an intentional community focused on sustainable living and shared values. Residents participate in community meals, gardening, and decision-making processes.
Visit website →A Benedictine abbey founded in 1876 near Charlotte, whose monks pray the daily office and sponsor Belmont Abbey College. Visitors are welcome at the historic basilica and for quiet retreat.
Fearrington Village is a charming, master-planned community known for its distinctive architecture, beautiful gardens, and a strong sense of local identity. It features independent shops, restaurants, and a farm, creating a unique village experience.
Visit website →The Glade is a distinct neighborhood within the larger Fearrington Village, known for its strong sense of community and beautifully designed homes. Residents often gather for social events and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Visit website →A charming community known for its proximity to the 'Seafood Capital of the World' and coastal attractions. Residents experience a relaxed pace of life with a strong sense of local community.
A master-planned community centered around Lake Jeanette, offering various housing styles and abundant recreational opportunities. Residents benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere with shared green spaces and lake access.
Visit website →This gated community provides a resort-style living experience with amenities like a clubhouse, pool, and fitness center. It fosters a close-knit environment among residents through social events and shared recreational facilities.
Visit website →This coastal community offers a mix of residential homes, golf courses, and beach access, fostering a resort-like living experience. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community through shared amenities and a relaxed Outer Banks lifestyle.
Visit website →This waterfront community offers a tranquil coastal living experience with access to the White Oak River. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment and opportunities for boating and outdoor activities.
Walnut Cove is a private, gated golf community known for its luxurious homes and strong sense of community among residents. It offers a range of amenities including a championship golf course, clubhouse, and wellness center.
Visit website →Abbey Road is an active adult community offering a vibrant lifestyle for those 55 and better. Residents enjoy a clubhouse, fitness center, and a variety of social activities.
Visit website →Carolina Bay offers luxury senior living with a focus on active lifestyles and resort-style amenities. Residents benefit from a continuum of care and a strong sense of community.
Visit website →Carolina Meadows is a vibrant continuing care retirement community offering independent living with a focus on active lifestyles and a strong sense of belonging. Residents enjoy a wide array of amenities, social activities, and healthcare services on a beautiful campus.
Visit website →This large active adult community by Del Webb offers extensive amenities including a grand clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, and numerous clubs and activities. It fosters a lively and social atmosphere for residents aged 55 and over.
Visit website →Croasdaile Village is a United Methodist Retirement Community offering a full continuum of care. Residents benefit from diverse activities, wellness programs, and a supportive environment.
Visit website →A small rural senior cohousing community north of Durham where elders live in their own cottages and share land, meals, and mutual support. It welcomes older adults seeking an active, interdependent alternative to institutional aging.
Friends Homes is a Quaker-affiliated continuing care retirement community offering a range of living options from independent apartments to skilled nursing. It fosters a peaceful and supportive environment where residents can thrive and engage with a caring community.
Visit website →Highland Farms is a continuing care retirement community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It provides a range of living options and services, fostering an active and engaging environment for its residents.
Visit website →Highland Farms is a continuing care retirement community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. It provides a secure and engaging environment with opportunities for social connection and personal growth.
Visit website →Pennybyrn is a faith-based senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. It emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness and community engagement.
Visit website →Providence Place is an active adult community designed for independent living with a focus on social engagement. Residents enjoy a clubhouse, fitness center, and various planned activities.
Visit website →The Blake at Edgewater offers resort-style senior living with a focus on hospitality and personalized care. This community provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in a beautiful setting.
Visit website →This upscale senior living community is located in the vibrant North Hills district, offering urban convenience and a full spectrum of care. Residents enjoy a dynamic social life and personalized services.
Visit website →The Cedars of Chapel Hill is a continuing care retirement community providing independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. It offers a range of amenities and services designed for a fulfilling retirement.
Visit website →The Cottages offer independent living within the larger Croasdaile Village community, providing a blend of privacy and access to extensive amenities. Residents enjoy a vibrant social calendar and a supportive environment.
Visit website →The Cypress of Charlotte is a luxurious continuing care retirement community providing an active and sophisticated lifestyle. It offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care services.
Visit website →The Cypress of Raleigh is a luxurious continuing care retirement community known for its elegant residences and extensive amenities. It provides a sophisticated and active lifestyle for its members.
Visit website →A premier continuing care retirement community, The Forest at Duke offers elegant living and comprehensive services for seniors. It provides a vibrant intellectual and social environment with strong ties to Duke University.
Visit website →A continuing care retirement community, The Pines at Davidson provides a full spectrum of care options within a supportive environment. Residents benefit from a rich array of programs, amenities, and opportunities for engagement.
Visit website →The Village at Brevard is a senior living community offering independent living options. Residents enjoy a vibrant social calendar and access to various amenities in a picturesque mountain setting.
Visit website →This continuing care retirement community offers a range of living options from independent to skilled nursing care. It fosters a sense of belonging through diverse activities and shared spaces.
Visit website →The Village at Chapel Hill offers independent living for seniors in a vibrant and supportive environment. Residents enjoy a range of amenities and social activities designed to foster community.
Visit website →The Village at Flat Rock is a vibrant senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with a variety of amenities and social activities.
Visit website →The Village at Gainesville is a continuing care retirement community providing a full spectrum of living options from independent living to skilled nursing. It emphasizes an active lifestyle with numerous social, recreational, and educational programs.
Visit website →The Village at Hendrix is a vibrant senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities designed to foster an engaging and supportive environment.
Visit website →The Village at Mayfaire is a senior living community providing independent and assisted living services. It offers a resort-style environment with numerous activities and a focus on resident well-being.
Visit website →The Village at River Landing is a continuing care retirement community offering various levels of care and independent living options. It provides a resort-like atmosphere with numerous amenities and social opportunities for residents.
Visit website →The Village at South Brunswick offers independent and assisted living options in a welcoming coastal setting. This community focuses on providing personalized care and a variety of engaging activities for its residents.
Visit website →The Village at South Fork is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. It provides a comfortable and engaging environment with various social activities and support services.
Visit website →The Village at SouthPark is a luxury senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle with personalized services and engaging programs.
Visit website →The Village at Southridge is a senior living community offering a range of care options including independent living. Residents benefit from a supportive environment and engaging programs designed to foster community.
Visit website →The Village at Summerville is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. It provides a comfortable and secure environment with opportunities for social interaction and personal growth.
Visit website →The Village at Wake Forest is a vibrant senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities designed to foster an engaging and supportive environment.
Visit website →The Village at Waterman's Crossing provides independent and assisted living services in a beautiful coastal North Carolina location. This community is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and engaging lifestyle for its senior residents.
Visit website →This active adult community offers a vibrant lifestyle for those 55 and better, featuring a clubhouse, fitness center, and various social activities. Residents enjoy maintenance-free living and a strong sense of camaraderie among neighbors.
Visit website →The Village at Woods Edge is a continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and nursing care. Residents benefit from a supportive community atmosphere and a diverse calendar of events.
Visit website →The first LGBTQ-focused 55-plus cohousing community in the country, opened in Durham in 2020. Its single-level cottages and common house support aging in a proudly inclusive village of friends and allies.
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