You might be surprised to learn its not a college student, but the senior citizen who doesnt want, or cant afford to live alone. A growing number of us are trying a new option shared housing. Its an alternative that can save between 50 and 75 percent of housing costs, and makes it possible for seniors to feel secure, pay their bills, and enjoy companionship.
There are scores of shared-housing situations scattered around the country: communes in Baltimore, a townhouse in Boston, group housing in California, to name a few. The number of participants ranges from 3 sharing an apartment in Brookline, Massachusetts, to 125 in Share a Home in Winter Park, Florida.
Whatever the size of the living-together project, members usually have at least one private room, and in some cases a private bathroom, too. They share common living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Their rents are prorated, and they usually include utilities and basic Wi-Fi and cable television costs.
Although almost all shared-housing have full-time or part-time staff and administrative help, members may often do the work and also share food shopping, cooking, and other chores. Most households hold regularly scheduled meetings so that all members can participate in decisions necessary to keep the household running harmoniously. They can also hire and fire the staff, and vote on the admissions of new members.
