Emerson Commons Cohousing

  • Community
  • 0 followers

About the Community

  • Established
  • Town/Small City

What we do

At Emerson Commons near Charlottesville Virginia, we have designed a pedestrian-oriented multi-generational neighborhood where we cross paths with each other often. We can easily take the time to stop and chat. A beautiful club house allows us to have potlucks and neighborhood events togeth¬er. Neighbors co-manage the community and meet each other that way. A beautiful pool, walking trails by a creek, and multiple playgrounds give us further excuses to connect with our neighbors.

Emerson Commons is the first cohousing community in Central Virginia and is the first all-solar community in Virginia. All homes feature solar panels and each have a private backyard facing a forest. Rooftop terraces and decks provide views of the creek below for some homes and mountain views for others.

An 1890s farm house with an attached 1840s cabin has been renovated as the community club house. This extra space includes guest rooms that residents may reserve for out-of-town guests. Shared features such as shared lawnmowers, shared tools and space for storing bicycles and canoes will free up space in private homes and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle. Read more at the EmersonCommons.org web site.

Community Features: – 26 private homes surrounding a central green – community playground and car-free central area where kids can run free. Creeks on property. – large swimming pool with stone terrace – orchard, shared organic gardens and edible landscaping – 1890 farmhouse renovated as a club house – historic 1840s log cabin with fireplace – in charming town of Crozet – walkable to stores and restaurants – 19 minute commute to Charlottesville – 15 min to Shenandoah National Park and Appalachian trail.

Emerson Commons is well balanced intergenerationally. There are many families with children as well as folks who are retired or retiring and in between.

Our Vision

Emerson Commons cohousing has created a diverse, welcoming community that lives in harmony with one another and with the earth.

Our Mission

Emerson Commons cohousing has created a diverse, welcoming community that lives in harmony with one another and with the earth.

  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • 54 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
  • Open to volunteers
Total
54

How to join

Contact us before visiting. Come visit us for a tour, attend a meeting, and consider if you’re ready to buy a house in our community.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Please contact us at [email protected]

Primary decision-making authority

  • All Community Members Together

The whole membership decides collectively.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Monthly fees/dues: Yes (amount not specified)
Labor required: 2 hours/week
Membership is for condo owners. There will be a condo fee for upkeep of the property and community amenities.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Library, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • About once a week

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a Land Trust, Home Owners Association, or corporation

Setting

  • Town/Small City

Smaller municipalities with local services but rural character.

Self-produced energy

  • 33 - 66%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%
  • Land area size
    6.3 acres

Reviews

Location

  • Virginia, United States

Emerson Commons Cohousing

Promoted Needs and Offers

Need
11 months ago

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