The article explores the growing trend of older women considering communal living arrangements as a retirement option, inspired by the popular TV show 'The Golden Girls.' Author Polly Hudson reflects on the appeal of such a lifestyle but questions its practicality. She draws parallels between the idealized portrayal of friendship and cohabitation in the show and the realities of sharing living spaces with friends, particularly in later life. Hudson recounts her own experiences with flatmates in her 20s, highlighting how minor annoyances can become magnified when living in close quarters for extended periods. She notes that while the idea of living with friends who understand your quirks is appealing, the reality of constant proximity may lead to conflicts over everyday issues like shared spaces, personal habits, and privacy. The article references a New Mexico retreat called 'Golden Girls Weekend,' organized by the Modern Elder Academy, which has attracted women in their 50s to 70s discussing communal living. A poll by Upworthy found that while many women expressed interest in the concept, a significant portion preferred maintaining separate living spaces, with 33.7% choosing 'Next Door? Perfect. Same House? No,' and 29.4% selecting 'Yes, but I need my own bathroom.' Hudson concludes that while the Golden Girls' dynamic was entertaining on screen, real-life cohabitation requires more compromise than most people anticipate, suggesting that maintaining separate residences might be the most practical solution for preserving friendships in later years.

The project is the first of its kind in Colorado and aims to serve as a case study for future teacher housing communities.

As Americans face a housing crisis, this development shows how communal living can bring homeownership within reach – and foster connection

Let’s imagine what a commune created by autistics would be like

“Despite the risks, I had to see whether these experiments in alternative lifestyles might offer answers to some of the most pressing issues of our time.”

Alexa, 22, lives in a 16-person share house in Newcastle, NSW, where high expectations and clear communication are vital for maintaining harmony. The house, established nearly two decades ago by an environmentalist couple, operates on a communal model with weekly food contributions, shared chores, and monthly meetings. Residents range in age from 18 to 53, fostering intergenerational connections that provide life lessons and deeper community bonds. While challenges like privacy and conflict exist, the structure ensures responsibilities are shared, and meals are a central part of daily life. The article highlights how this setup counters modern isolation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional living by prioritizing relationships over convenience. Despite the complexities, Alexa finds value in the collective effort, even convincing her sister to join the household. This model challenges societal norms around individualism, suggesting that shared living can thrive with mutual respect and clear boundaries.

Finland’s first known student housing unit of its kind will open in Lappeenranta, Yle reports. The Lappeenranta region student housing foundation LOAS has converted a house into a shared home for 11 students. The building is located in the Skinnarila district, just over a kilometre from LUT Unive…

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