Not just neighbors—a collection of stories.

A group of seven elderly women sitting on a stone ledge in a garden, engaging in conversation and smiling. The garden has large rocks, green plants, and trees in the background.

We are a vibrant group of active adults (55+) who began as strangers and are growing into a true community. We didn’t just set out to find a piece of land—we set out to discover a better way to live.

At Snowberry Commons, our neighborhood reflects the people who call it home. Whether we’re sharing ideas or sharing a laugh, we’re creating more than homes—we’re building a culture of connection.

Our Shared Values

  • People gathered outdoors on a patio of a modern building with multiple stories, large windows, and string lights hanging above. There are umbrellas, potted plants, and trees, indicating a social or dining event.

    Community & Social Connection

    We seek to build a community where the atmosphere is welcoming, where our members cooperate and collaborate in both work and play, where there is a sharing of interests and activities, opportunities for creativity, a balance of shared time and alone time, not to mention laughter shared with both people and pets.

  • A woman in a striped sweater and purple gloves tending to plants on a rooftop garden with another person in the background also working among the plants. There is a yellow wall behind them and clear blue sky overhead.

    Healthy & Sustainable Living

    We want to help protect the environment through our way of living. We plan to use green building principles, support healthy eating through the food we grow and cook, choose a walkable site close to transit and preserve affordability and accessibility as much as possible.

  • A group of elderly people gathered around a table looking at large posters and photographs of urban design and architecture. Some people are pointing at the displays, discussing the projects.

    Shared Governance

    We plan to create a clear decision-making process that will help us to resolve conflicts quickly and fairly while ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard.

  • Group of eight smiling older adults standing closely together outside on a patio, wearing colorful aprons and casual clothing, celebrating together.

    A Culture of Inclusivity

    We are all individuals with varied characteristics and interests, but we respect each other and we strive to be informed citizens and supporters of social justice, both within our community and in the world around us.

  • Courtyard of a modern apartment complex with colorful doors, outdoor seating, a BBQ grill, and potted plants.

    Aesthetics

    We appreciate beauty and plan to create and maintain the kind of homes and grounds that promote comfort and peace.

Our Vision of Community

Rooted in Nature & Shared Care

An elderly man with a white beard, wearing a black cap, red jacket, jeans, and sandals, holding gardening tools, standing next to a green wheelbarrow in a garden with plants, tomatoes, and a wooden fence in the background.

Snowberry Commons will reflect the passions of the people who call it home—including a deep love for gardening and the outdoors. A shared community garden will be a natural gathering place, shaped by residents who enjoy tending, growing, and caring for the land. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply enjoy being close to nature, there will always be an opportunity to dig in and grow together.

A Community that Celebrates the Arts

A man wearing sunglasses, a hat, and patterned clothing stands near the water with a mountain in the background, holding drum sticks and making drumming motions

Creativity and the arts are part of the fabric of life at Snowberry Commons. From group outings to local theater and music performances to informal gatherings and shared experiences at home, there’s a natural rhythm of creativity here. With interests ranging from music and performance to visual arts, the community will make space for both enjoying and creating—together.

An Active, Engaged Lifestyle

A woman hiking in a forest with a mountain in the background, wearing a baseball cap, glasses, and a backpack, smiling at the camera.

At Snowberry Commons, staying active is part of everyday life. Whether it’s a morning walk, a hike, or seasonal activities like cycling or cross-country skiing, there’s always someone ready to join you. It’s a community that encourages movement, wellness, and enjoying the world around you—together.

Curious, Connected, and Well-Traveled

A woman in sunglasses and a teal jacket smiling while standing on cross-country skis, holding ski poles on a snowy landscape with mountains and leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

Our community is shaped by a shared curiosity about the world. Many of us are travelers, lifelong learners, and language enthusiasts who value new experiences and perspectives. From exploring cultures abroad to practicing conversation at home, we bring that sense of discovery into everyday community life.

Thoughtful Living, Together

Six elderly people in a meeting room sitting in a circle, discussing and holding papers.

Balance matters here. Alongside activity and exploration, you’ll find space for quiet moments—reading, reflecting, and meaningful conversation. Snowberry Commons is a community of engaged, thoughtful active adults who value both independence and connection, creating a place where you can truly feel at home.

meet the members of Snowberry commons

Snowberry Commons Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are currently in the site search phase and actively exploring potential locations. Our goal is to create the community in the North Seattle area.

  • Snowberry Commons will be self-governed using a collaborative model called Sociocracy. Some decisions will be made by smaller working groups or committees, while others will involve the full community—ensuring shared input and thoughtful, efficient decision-making.

  • We anticipate offering a small collection of thoughtfully designed homes, likely ranging from approximately 650 to 1,200 square feet. Plans may include one- and two-bedroom options, with the possibility of a limited number of studio homes.

  • A formal pet policy has not yet been established. As the community develops, members will work together to create guidelines that reflect shared needs and preferences.

  • Snowberry Commons is being created for active adults - 55+ - who are seeking connection, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose in this stage of life. It’s an opportunity to live among peers in a community that values independence, engagement, and belonging.

  • Cohousing communities are created through a collaborative, resident-driven process. Future residents help shape the vision, design, and priorities of the community—often working alongside developers, architects, and other professionals. This approach ensures the final community reflects the values and needs of the people who will live there.

  • HOA dues have not yet been finalized. Monthly fees will be structured to cover shared expenses such as utilities for common spaces, insurance, and maintenance of the buildings and grounds.

  • The best way to learn more is to become an Explorer. Explorers are actively engaged in getting to know the community, attending meetings, and participating in the early stages of development. We also offer monthly virtual info sessions and casual meet-and-greet events to help you learn more and discover if Snowberry Commons feels like a good fit. You can find more details on the Explorer page.

If this way of living speaks to you, we invite you to
Explore Snowberry Commons and see if it feels like home.

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