Two books have been a cornerstone for many successful cohousing communities. The content in the books are easy to understand and the stories within are beautifully told. Most importantly, they clarify what cohousing is, which makes them the ideal resource for those who are interested in buying in.  Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities by Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant, and the Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living  by Charles Durrett,

 

"If I could make only one suggestion for your long-term success and the continued success of cohousing, it would be that all your prospective members have read these book(s), and that the folks in your town/area know what cohousing is. It is better for your community and the success of cohousing if people who are buying a house in your cohousing community actually know what cohousing is—in detail.   New residents who have read the book and refer to it from time to time are the happier buyers. It sets the community up to succeed and helps get people in your cohousing community who want to be in cohousing. And it makes it more fun for everyone. "(Charles Durrett)