Frequently Asked Questions

As with any group of humans, conflicts and challenges arise from time to time. Neighbors disagree, priorities clash, and not everyone communicates the same way. What sets cohousing apart isn't the absence of problems—it's the shared intention to work through them together. We commit to direct communication, consensus decision-making, and treating each other as true neighbors rather than just people who live nearby. This shared commitment to being a real village helps us navigate the inevitable bumps with care and accountability.

Yes! Every home at Harmony Village is a fully private residence with its own kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. There’s never any requirement to share meals or cook communally. The Common House features a commercial kitchen that residents can reserve for community dinners or private events—perfect when you want to host without having to clean your own home.

Cohousing and communes are both intentional communities, but they differ in how people live and share resources. In cohousing, each household owns or rents a private home with its own kitchen, living space, and front door. Residents keep separate finances but contribute monthly dues to support shared spaces and community projects. Participation in communal activities is highly encouraged but voluntary, and decisions are typically made through consensus or democratic processes. In contrast, communes involve a much higher level of shared living. Members usually pool their income and resources, share expenses, and often live together in shared or semi-private spaces. Daily life in a commune is more collective, with members working, eating, and making decisions together as a group.

Absolutely. Children here grow up surrounded by built-in playmates of all ages, watched over by a community of adults who know them by name. Safe, car-free paths invite biking, exploring, and free play. Parents enjoy the support of neighbors who help with carpools, share childcare, and understand the daily joys and challenges of raising kids. It’s the kind of village many parents wish they had. And with playgrounds, open space, gardens, and a meandering creek, there’s no shortage of adventure right on the property!

Harmony Village is a great fit for introverts. There’s no pressure to socialize or take part in anything unless you want to. You set your own pace—enjoy the privacy of your home, or join in when it feels right. What many introverts love most is how easy casual connection can be: a friendly chat on the bricks, a wave across the courtyard, or joining a shared meal without the effort of planning or scheduling. Community is always nearby when you want it, and when you’re ready for quiet, you simply close your door.

Homes are privately owned. Check our Available Homes page for current listings. Reach out to be added to our Interested Buyers list, which Sellers may use when advertising their home, (timing and selection are up to each owner).

While cohousing communities have HOAs to manage shared property, the key differences are intentional community and participation. Cohousing neighbors actively support each other, make decisions by consensus rather than voting, and contribute work hours to care for shared spaces. While we pay for services like mowing, residents handle many other tasks themselves—landscaping, building maintenance, event planning, and more. You collectively shape your community's future.

Harmony Village is organized as a homeowners association (HOA). Each household privately owns their home and shares ownership of common spaces like the Common House, grounds, and gardens. The HOA manages shared property, budgets, and policies—but it's run entirely by residents, not a management company.

We make decisions by consensus at monthly community meetings. Consensus means proposals are discussed and refined until everyone can support them or agrees to stand aside. It's not unanimous voting—it's collaborative problem-solving where your voice matters. In 28 years, consensus has been blocked fewer than 5 times. Decisions that do not require the whole community to weigh in are delegated to working teams who handle day-to-day operations within community-set parameters.

Harmony Village is served by Jefferson County Public Schools. Shelton Elementary School is within walking distance. Bell Middle School and Golden High School are also nearby, all within 1.2 miles. The area also has many preschool options such as KinderCare, Lookout Mountain, South Table Mountain, Golden Community Center, and Shelton Preschool. See our Location page for a map showing school proximity. Golden is also home to several highly-regarded Montessori schools including Compass Montessori, Cornerstone Montessori and Free Horizon Montessori.

All public schools have bus service, but many kids walk or bike instead—Shelton Elementary is close enough that HV kids often walk together with neighbor kids. Golden High School is just 100 yards away, an easy walk for teens. Bell Middle School is also bikeable on dedicated paths. Families sometimes coordinate carpools too!

Yes. Neighbors can step in to watch kids for a short stretch, help with after-school care, or trade babysitting so parents can run errands or enjoy a date night. It’s informal and reciprocal—the kind of support that naturally develops when you know and trust the people around you. Several residents without children have even become honorary grandparents, teaching songs, sharing stories, or simply reveling in the joy of watching kids play.

Yes. Harmony Village is designed so that vehicles stay on the outskirts, while the brick paths running through the village are completely car-free. Kids can safely ride bikes, scooters, and play outdoors without worry. Play areas are visible from porches and the Common House, giving children a sense of supervised freedom. With multiple adults nearby who know each child by name, help is always close if someone takes a tumble. It’s the kind of safe, outdoor independence that’s increasingly rare in modern suburbs.

Kids love having built-in playmates, the freedom to roam safely, and spaces designed for play. They enjoy community meals where they help set tables and see friends. Older kids appreciate having dedicated spaces in the Common House for homework and hanging out. Multi-age play teaches responsibility and empathy. Many kids who grew up here say the community felt like an extended family.

Like any neighborhood, kids have different personalities and friendship dynamics change over time. The advantage at Harmony Village is multiple playmates across different ages, so kids can find their people. Adults help navigate conflicts when needed, and there's always the option to take space. Most families find that learning to navigate relationships in a supportive community is valuable for children's social development.

Some owner‑occupied homes include a smaller rentable space that becomes available from time to time. Contact us to be added to our Interested Renters list.

HOA fees vary by home size and household. They cover building exteriors, grounds care, insurance, and reserves for long-term maintenance of buildings and shared spaces including the Common House. Because residents contribute 4 hours per month of work, HOA fees are lower than comparable communities that hire out all services.

Life happens. If you can't contribute your 4 hours in a given month, you can pay $20/hour as an alternative. Some months are busier than others with work or travel, and the community understands. The expectation is contribution over time, not perfection every month.

Pets are welcome at Harmony Village. Many households have dogs and cats. Residents are responsible for their pets and expected to follow community agreements about cleanup, leashing, and being good neighbors.

Most homes have private storage spaces like basements, and covered carports have closets for storage. Some units include garage space. The Common House also has some shared storage for tools and equipment used by the community. Specific storage varies by unit—ask about options for individual homes during a visit.

Yes. Community meals, social events, and most activities are completely optional. Residents are highly encouraged to attend the monthly 3-hour community meeting, and each adult is required to contribute 4 hours of shared work per month. However, flexibility is built in—if you’re short on time, you can contribute $20 per hour in lieu of work.

Conflicts happen in any neighborhood. At Harmony Village, we address them directly and collaboratively. Some neighbors talk things through one-on-one. Others bring concerns to community meetings or ask a trusted member to help mediate. We also hold quarterly Social Capital Meetings focused on relationship-building, trust, and communication skills. The goal is to resolve issues while maintaining strong relationships.

In consensus decision-making, your concerns are heard and addressed. Proposals are refined collaboratively until you can support the decision or choose to 'stand aside' (disagree but allow the group to move forward). Blocking consensus is rare and reserved for serious concerns. In 28 years, consensus has been blocked fewer than 5 times. Your voice shapes the outcome.

To tour a home for sale, contact the seller directly. If you're interested in seeing and learning more about Harmony Village, contact us to schedule a tour!

Harmony Village sits on 5.5 acres in Golden, Colorado near the School of Mines and Clear Creek. See the Location page for galleries, maps, and directions. Free parking is available on Illinois street, or in one of the parking spots labeled "VISITOR" around the property.