Cascadia Commons Cohousing is a community of 26 homes and a common house located in a pleasant suburb six miles southwest of the center of Portland, Oregon. We were self-developed over the period beginning with our incorporation as an LLC in 1995 (after a couple of years as a talking group). Construction was completed in 2001. We continue to develop as an “second-generation” community.
We occupy 2.9 acres of land, of which approximately half is legally designated wetlands and wetlands buffer that is required to be maintained in a natural state. Our homes are a mix of renovated townhouses, and newly constructed flats and townhouses. We are a quarter of a mile from good bus service to the center of Portland, a 35-minute ride. It takes about 10-15 minutes by car.
Our current residents range in age from 3 to 85. We are a mix of singles, single moms, couples, and families. We are ecumenical as to religion, or lack thereof, philosophy, sexual orientation, dietary preferences, and, at least in principle, politics. We share green values of caring for the earth and its creatures.
We are egalitarian in our governance, using consensus decision making, with provision for breaking impasses, as required by Oregon’s condominium law.
Sharing, caring community; Living in community can be a little like living in a rock tumbler. We all have rough edges that could use smoothing. It helps to be able to experience misunderstandings and disagreements as opportunities to grow. Cohousing to us means community: child-friendly, elder-friendly, sociable living; cooperative interaction; a chance to make long-term personal connections with neighbors who share many of your values. In many ways we’re like an extended family more than a neighborhood.
Only as occupancy of homes change; renters are also welcome (sublet). Prospective buyers tour and meet with current members through joint meals and work parties. It is a mutual decision process. We do keep a waiting list, when there are no sales or rentals available.
Personal guests of community members visit by arrangement with their hosts.
Non-affiliates contact us by email or telephone. Explain interest and reason for visit. A host will be assigned to work out details.
Currently we reach out via Zoom meetings.
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
We have some leadership roles in committees
Only by the willingness and capacity of some to do more work than others.
With legally required provision to break impasses
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Regular fees: $350
Labor: Yes
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
Screening of finances is by lenders for individual mortgages
We have a nominal minimum of work/labor of 3 hours per month ( monthly work party) , and required presence at monthly HOA meetings. We also require members to be on one of the organizational committees.
The costs of becoming a resident/owner are all that is required.
Regular Home Owners Association dues are prescribed for each home.
Common House, Garden(s), Library, Workshop, Hot tub or hot springs, Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas
Residential areas outside city centers but within metropolitan regions.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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