In a world with so much isolation and division, Jackson Place Cohousing offers a refreshing alternative. Originating from Denmark in the 1960s, cohousing made its way to Seattle, where Jackson Place was founded in 2001 with the vision of creating a space where diverse households can connect, share resources, and foster genuine relationships.
According to Heidi Neff, one of the original members, “the vision was to have a community where a diverse group of households could have built-in ways to connect with each other.” Each family has their own unit, but they also benefit from shared amenities that promote interaction and collaboration, such as a communal kitchen, kids’ room, and tools workshop.
At Jackson Place, governance is rooted in a “consensus” decision-making process. “Consensus is where we work together to find decisions that everybody can agree to,”Neff explained. Small committees manage various aspects of community life, from landscaping to finance, ensuring that every voice is heard. “Every adult member owner that lives here does at least one of the three things,” Neff said, referring to committee work, attending meetings, and contributing to chores.
Living in a cohousing community not only fosters meaningful connections but also promotes environmental sustainability. Some household items are shared at Jackson place. “You don’t have as much stuff, like we have one lawn mower for the community and it’s shared,” Neff explained. “I feel like it’s fairly environmentally responsible, and also a good antidote to rampant consumption and capitalism.” Additionally, the location of Jackson Place Cohousing allows for more environmentally friendly modes of transportation like the bus, biking, and carpooling with neighbors.
While the benefits are clear, Neff did note some downsides, particularly the economic barriers to entry. “You lose some level of economic and racial diversity,” she pointed out, recognizing that Seattle’s high cost of living can limit who can join such communities. Although cohousing is more affordable than buying a house in the city, there are monthly dues paid in order to maintain the facilities and utilities, which makes it more expensive than living in an apartment. However, Neff expressed a deep appreciation for the connections made at Jackson Place. “I love knowing my neighbors,” she said, highlighting the value of shared experiences across generations.
As cohousing continues to grow in the U.S., Jackson Place stands as a testament to the power of community living. For those seeking meaningful connections and a supportive environment, it may just be the answer in a fast-paced urban world.
