Nyland is a cohousing community of around 135 residents, in 42 privately-owned homes outside Boulder, Colorado.

Planning began in 1988
First occupancy in 1992
It's still going strong today.

Barbara and I visited Marcia there while it was being built.

Having endured New England winters, we were majorly envious of the Fimbulwinter–scale insulation and double glazing going into the construction. I mean, have you ever fondled foot-thick insulation?

Later, I recall getting off a plane for a week-end visit and being told, “We're cooking dinner (in the Common House) for 40 tonight.” Sigh!

Marcia lived there for a decade, serving on the Board of Directors, Land Committee, and other governing bodies.

Social

As a professional musician, she enjoyed basement jams with the Nyland band.

Interaction is much greater than you would find in most American neighborhoods today. In part due to the group governance process.

Governance

Everyone serves on one or more of the committees at one time or another. You get to know your neighbors.

Consensus-based decision making has given Nyland a resilience. There are strong, very strong, voices. But no guru.

In fact, a close reading of their Mission Statement suggests they may require extra effort to get people to lead.

One as yet unresolved issue is people being priced out of the Nyland market.

There's not much turnover. But when someone does move on, or families change size, it's become difficult for renters to buy.

Mutual Support

Mutual support is greater than what you would expect to find in an American suburb. But not so much as in a coop such as ours, or a commune such as Twin Oaks.

It's more a pattern of neighbors helping neighbors through an immediate infirmity rather than long-term caregiving.

Marcia left Nyland when a medical condition required a stronger support system..

“It's a great way to live if you have the time and energy to put into it.”

Takeaway

The Nyland Mission Statement offers excellent guidance for any form of group living.