Enter CoHousing Houston, a multimillion-dollar project of the exact nature that “will serve as an interactive livable space for neighbors in a sustainable environment.” It’s no affordable housing project by any means – the average cost of a unit is $550,000 – but households are acquiring more than just square footage. Per Lynn Morstead, another CoHousing Houston member, households are investing in a sense of community and mutual support. A central feature is the 4,200-square-foot “common house” for shared meals and socializing, complemented by amenities such as an edible garden and an indoor courtyard. Morstead also mentions a sustainability element; the housing development will have a geothermal heating and cooling system and a collective composting setup. “It is a grassroots initiative by private citizens who want to live differently in a more connected and sustainable way,” Morstead said. “We are building our own homes, investing in some eco-friendly more sustainable features, such as geothermal heat and cooling exchange.”
Watch it on The Interest: New Housing Endeavors
The feasibility of CoHousing Houston hinges on perspective—it could be seen as a daring move or an opportune choice. Houston, the second-fastest-growing and fourth-most-populous metropolitan area in the nation, according to the U.S Census Bureau, is notorious for its sprawling and car-centric nature. The city resembles a concrete jungle and is seldom lauded for progressive urban planning, all set against the Texan backdrop of wide-open spaces, large homes, and a strong sense of independence.
However, the residents of Houston are known for their open-mindedness, cultural diversity, and creative inclinations. “Texas gets a reputation for being an uptight, red state, but I’ve come to find that the people I meet here are open-minded,” Springer says.