Not Sure if Communal Living is Right for You? Here’s How to Find and Visit Intentional Communities
If you're curious about communal living but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, one of the best ways to figure it out is by visiting intentional communities firsthand. Over the past few months, I’ve visited 12 communities, and it's completely reshaped how I think about living. I’ve experienced the joy of shared resources, the ease of mutual support, and the real sense of community that forms when people come together with a common vision.
So, how can you get started on your own journey of exploring intentional communities? Let me walk you through it.
Step 1: Use These Directories to Find Communities
There are several online directories you can use to discover intentional communities worldwide. These directories let you filter based on location, type of community, and specific values or practices:
IC.org Directory: One of the largest directories, listing intentional communities from around the world.
Ecovillage.org: Focuses on ecovillages and sustainable communities.
Cohousing.org: A great resource for finding cohousing communities, which blend privacy with shared spaces.
Once you’re on one of these directories, search based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a community close to home or one with specific sustainability practices, these sites have you covered.
Step 2: Reach Out to Communities for a Visit
Once you've found a few communities that interest you, it's time to reach out and see if you can arrange a visit. Most communities are open to visitors, especially if you explain why you're interested in communal living. Here’s a sample message you can use to get started:
Hi [Community Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’ve been exploring intentional communities as a way of life. I came across your community through [Directory Name], and it seems like a perfect match for what I’m looking for. I’d love the opportunity to visit, learn more about your community, and see if it could be a good fit for me.
Would it be possible to arrange a visit? I’m flexible with dates and would appreciate any guidance you can provide on how to proceed.
Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Alternatively you can skip the research and join me on a tour!
This January, I’ll be joining a tour of 8 stunning ecovillages in Hawaii. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the lifestyle and see if communal living is right for you—without the legwork of arranging individual visits.
Book your spot on the Hawaii ecovillage tour here and use the discount code GAYBRITISHBEAR200 at checkout for $200 off your tour.
If Hawaii isn’t an option for you or the tour sells out, don’t worry! There are plenty of other tours available through Ecovillage Tours, so you can still explore intentional communities in different parts of the world. Check them out here.