Joining · 2 min read
How to find a community
A seven-step path from "I'm curious" to "I'm ready to commit" — without rushing the parts that matter.
Joining a community is a two-way decision. You are checking whether it fits you; they are checking whether you fit them. Take your time, visit, ask many questions, and get the important things in writing.
1. Know yourself
Before you search, write down what you want to share, what you need to keep private, how much you can pay upfront and monthly, and what your deal-breakers are. The Community compass and What do you actually want? help.
2. Search widely
Look at more communities than you think you need. Good places to start:
- The Kibutz community list — curated starting points around the world
- The Foundation for Intentional Community directory (ic.org)
- The Global Ecovillage Network map (ecovillage.org)
- National cohousing networks, which often list groups that are still forming
Groups that are still forming are often easier to join than established communities with waiting lists — and you get a say in what gets built.
3. Shortlist three to six
Compare them using the same questions, so you’re comparing like with like:
| Field | What to note |
|---|---|
| Model | Cohousing, ecovillage, kibbutz, co-op… |
| Size | Number of people and households |
| Housing | Is anything available now? Rent or buy? |
| Joining cost | Upfront, and whether it’s refundable |
| Monthly cost | What’s included, what’s not |
| Work | Hours expected, what counts |
| Decisions | Method, and whether newcomers take part |
| Trial period | Length and what happens at the end |
| Leaving terms | Notice, refunds, housing |
| Children and access | What is actually provided |
| Gut feeling | 1–5 |
4. Make contact
Read their website properly first — communities get many messages that ask questions already answered there. Then write a short, specific message. See Writing your first message.
5. Visit
Attend an open day, a visitor week, or volunteer for a period. Join meals and work. Talk to several members, not only the visitor coordinator. See Visiting a community.
6. Try it out
Most communities have a provisional or trial membership, often six to twelve months. Treat it as a real test for both sides: say what’s working and what isn’t.
7. Commit — with everything in writing
Only commit once you understand housing, costs, work expectations and leaving terms, and you have them in writing. If something is vague, ask again. A healthy community will be glad you asked.
The single most useful question: “Who left recently, and why?” The answer tells you more about a community than its website does.