What is communal living? How does it impact our health?

They say, ‘happiness is only real, when shared’. Be it the poets, or the philosophers, the preaching boils down to one bottom line – the joy is tenfold when you get to share that with people! But, did anyone think that there would come a day when people would opt for more of a ‘community living’ instead of making homes out of their individual houses? Perhaps, not. However, with the rise in the cost of living and loneliness becoming a global concern, "intentional communities" are getting increasingly popular.
Whether, sharing our living space with people, more likely to be strangers, might sound daunting initially – there are several upsides of the ‘communal living’.

Humans have been living together in community groups since our very first upright steps, and probably even before that. But the industrial revolution, social changes, and new technology of the last few hundred years have made communal living a thing of the distant past for many people around the world. Today, architects are returning to communal living models which promote personal connections, sustainability, and – say proponents – the good life.
Communal living is a way of life where people live together in a group, sharing resources and responsibilities. It refers to a group of people intentionally choosing to live together, sharing resources, responsibilities, and often pursuing common goals or interests, essentially creating a community where individuals contribute to a shared space and lifestyle; this can include sharing meals, chores, decision-making, and other aspects of daily life within a shared living environment.

In some cases, communal living is simply an effective way to temporarily reduce your household rent and utility bills. This kind of communal living is practiced by students living together in shared houses, programmers in the “hacker homes” of Silicon Valley like the house that Mark Zuckerberg and his Facebook co-founders rented during Facebook’s start-up phase, and young professionals in global cities where housing and rent prices have skyrocketed above the rate of inflation (Barcelona, London, Dublin, New York, and many more).
The word "communal" is related to the word "common", which means something shared. Humans have lived in communities since the beginning, but social changes, the industrial revolution, and new technology have made communal living less common in recent centuries.
Cohousing: A communal living model that involves shared responsibilities and resources, and aims to increase interaction with neighbors.
Communes: Traditional communes where people live together with a strong emphasis on shared values and collective living.
Co-living spaces: Modern, often urban living arrangements where individuals have private rooms but share common areas and amenities like kitchens and lounges.
Ecovillages: Communities focused on sustainable living practices and environmental stewardship, often incorporating communal living elements.
Student dorms: While not always considered "intentional communities," student dorms can be seen as a form of communal living due to shared spaces and a sense of community.


Shared spaces: People living in a communal setting typically share common areas like kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, and sometimes even bedrooms depending on the arrangement.
Intentional community: Unlike just roommates, communal living often involves a conscious decision to live together with a shared philosophy or purpose, creating a sense of community.
Shared responsibilities: Individuals in a communal living situation usually contribute to maintaining the shared space by taking on chores, participating in decision-making, and supporting one another.

Research suggests that communal living can be beneficial for your health, particularly mental health, as it often provides a strong social support network, reduces feelings of loneliness, and encourages healthier lifestyle habits through shared activities and meals; this can lead to decreased stress and improved overall wellbeing.


Reduced social isolation: Living with others can combat loneliness, a major contributor to mental health issues, especially among older adults.
Increased social interaction: Regular interaction with neighbors can foster a sense of community and belonging, leading to positive social connections.
Emotional support: Having people readily available to talk to can provide emotional support during challenging times.
Healthy lifestyle encouragement: Shared meals and group activities can promote healthier eating habits and physical activity.
Stress reduction: A strong social network can act as a buffer against stress.
However, there are some important factors that need consideration when one is opting for communal living:
Individual needs: While communal living can be beneficial for many, it's important to consider personal needs and preferences for privacy and space.
Community dynamics: A positive and supportive community environment is crucial for maximizing the health benefits.
Potential challenges: Issues like conflicts with roommates, lack of personal boundaries, and noise can arise in communal living situations.
The future of communal living, often referred to as "co-living," is likely to see a significant rise in popularity, particularly in urban areas, as it offers a viable solution to rising housing costs, promotes community building, and caters to individuals seeking a more social living experience, with a focus on shared spaces, flexible lease terms, and technology-driven management systems to optimize resident interaction and convenience.