A Senior (55+) Cohousing Community

Valverde Commons was envisioned by long-time Taos residents, Bob and Isabella Draper, Stephen Rose and Barbara Zaring, who wanted to create an intentional community in their beloved town of Taos, New Mexico. They bought a 10-acre parcel within walking distance to Taos Plaza and, soon after, like-minded Taosenans joined the many potlucks and planning sessions. With zoning approvals obtained, roads, water, electricity, sewers, fiber optic cables and phone lines established the infrastructure of Valverde Commons in the fall of 2009. The first home was completed in 2010. Currently, Valverde Commons has twenty-six private homes, a well-appointed 2,200-square-foot community house, and a barn, home to a professional quality woodworking shop.

Our Flavor of Cohousing

Cohousing is defined as an intentional community where residents actively participate in the design and management of their own neighborhood. Residents have their private spaces but make a commitment to look out for their neighbors’ well-being. Every cohousing community is different as each strikes its own balance between individual space and social contact. Contact the National Cohousing Association and the Foundation for Intentional Communities for more information.

The Valverde Commons Homeowners Association (VCHOA) utilizes majority rule in decision-making and empowers committees to make decisions within their purview. All Valverde Commons Association members are welcome to be on any committee. Committees include: Landscaping, Barn, Property Management, Web/Internet, Common House, Care, Facilitation, and Community Culture. A five-member Board of Directors consisting of residents elected for alternating three-year terms is responsible for fiscal and general management. VCHOA facilitates monthly business meetings for discussion and community information and, when needed, votes on important issues.

Residents have designed and built their own homes following HOA Covenant guidelines of aesthetics, sustainability, and stylistic elements that are harmonious with the northern New Mexico environment. Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their private property. Nearly four acres of open space and two buildings, a 2,200-square-foot common house and 1,000-square-foot barn are shared in common. These buildings and the open space are maintained by all homeowners through their HOA fees and monthly work days.

Participation in all activities and meetings is optional.

Commoners commit to being respectful and generous neighbors and are comfortable with letting relationships build organically.

Mission

The Valverde Commons Association is a cohousing community that emphasizes sustainable environmental living for adults 55 and older.

Vision

Community members will balance the privacy of independent living with community-building social activities, while following sustainable environmental practices, preparing for the realities of aging, planning for responsible fiscal practices, and maintaining sound management of community resources.