Wise Acres Cooperative Association

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • Home-sharing
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 1990

What we do

Wise Acres is a cohousing community of nine member households. We are comprised of teachers, programmers, artists, farmers, cooks, entrepreneurs, and craftspeople. We are children, adults, elders, and pets.
Each member household owns title to a 1/3-acre lot, as well as an equal share in the 13-acre forested greenbelt, large and abundant organic garden, orchard, hot tub, sauna, community house, etc.
We also have several rental options – a yurt, 2 1-bedroom attached apartments, 1 2-bedroom detached ADU, the more options currently under development. Please contact us to see what might be available currently.
The group shares dinners twice each week, regular meetings, and spontaneous trips to local mountains, movies, beaches, etc. There are no required political or spiritual affiliations. We are individuals and families inspired by the riches gained by committing ourselves to actively participate in community.

Our Mission

Wise Acres is a cohousing community of nine member households. We are comprised of teachers, programmers, artists, farmers, cooks, entrepreneurs, and craftspeople.

  • Purpose
  • Home-sharing
  • Community type
  • Cohousing

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 1990
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 1990
  • Started living together
  • 19 Total members
  • Not open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
49

How to join

It is on our website

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Wise-Acres gathers for community dinner every Monday and Wednesday at 6:00. Please call or email ahead to arrange a visit, at least one day in advance.

Primary decision-making authority

  • All Community Members Together

The whole membership decides collectively.

Decision-making process

  • Modified Consensus

Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Conflict resolution approach

Wise Acres has a decision model that strives for consensus, and has an alternative fallback process.

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

Regular fees: $60
Labor: Yes
We have community dinners twice per week (Monday and Wednesday evenings). Attendance is not mandatory (occasionally folks will miss dinner for other meetings or events, kid sports schedules, plans, etc….), but it works best when their is an intention to preserve this time for connection, sharing, celebration while maintaining balance with other committments. Each household cooks for the group (of about 30ish people) approximately once per month. We have a large organic garden, and from approx March-October each household commits to at least 2.5 hours of gardening per week. Each household also commits to a one community chore (annual sign-up) ranging from hot tub cleaning, garden coordinating, treasurer, common house cleaner, lawn mower, trail and blackberry clearer, etc… These jobs on average take approx 4-5 hours per month. (some are more seasonal than others: eg. Lawn mowing is approx 10 hrs/mth summer, zero in winter…). Members are expected to attend our monthly business meeting (2nd Wednesday of month, 6:30-8:30 pm), and our monthly community support meeting (4th Wednesday of the month, 7:00-8:30 pm).
Wise Acres collects quarterly membership dues.

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

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Hot tub or hot springs, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Dietary restriction

  • People can cook and eat what they want in their own residence

Substance use culture

  • Substance use appears in public spaces but no pressure
  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Religions
  • Christian
  • Buddhist
  • Jewish
  • Unitarian Universalist

Gender composition

  • Roughly balanced (no group over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Family-focused (many children and parents)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

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

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Community type

  • Cohousing

    Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
    interaction while maintaining independence.

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar

Self-produced food

  • 33 - 66%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics
  • Land area size
    17.5 acres

Guest Book

Written reviews are available for plus members. Click here to upgrade.

Location

  • Washington, United States

Wise Acres Cooperative Association

Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located Just
Need

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Communities

A residential project: people live here as their primary home.

Organizations

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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