Our second Journey: Reasons to live in community
Dear individual members of GEN Europe,
The reasons why people choose to live in intentional communities are as diverse as the communities themselves. Some are drawn by the vision of a more sustainable lifestyle, others by the desire to raise children in a supportive environment or simply to avoid loneliness. For many, it is also about finding a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
In this article, we explore some of the most common motivations for choosing community life. We bring together voices from people at different stages of their journey and share resources that may help you reflect on your own reasons for engaging with community.
Living more sustainably
Sustainability is one of the most frequently mentioned motivations. Many feel the gap between their values and their daily reality, caught in a system where time and energy are consumed by work, leaving little space to live in alignment with ecological principles.
Julio Greenway, a former GEN ESC volunteer at Arterra Bizimodu in Spain, described how community life has allowed him to close this gap:
“Living here, I am impressed by the number of practical and creative solutions to reduce environmental impact. The building is heated by burning olive pits, for example, a waste product that replaces cutting down trees. Being surrounded by these solutions inspires me to embody the change I always wanted to see in the world.”
Research supports this experience. Studies on ecovillages show that their ecological footprint is significantly lower than the national average, proving that sustainable lifestyles are not only possible but already practiced at scale.
Source: Bocco, Andrea et al: The ecological footprint of Siebenlinden, 2018, p. 27
Connection with people, nature and self
Another strong motivation is the search for connection. Modern life often isolates people and leaves them feeling lonely or cut off. Communities, on the other hand, create space for deep and authentic relationships that also serve as a mirror for personal and collective growth. Many ecovillages are located in rural areas and some even engage in restoring the surrounding environment. Living in such places not only fosters bonds with other people but also nurtures a closer relationship with the land itself.
Interviewees from our Member Interviews echoed this point. Peter Hagerott from Charlottendal in Sweden emphasized that “development is when you come into yourself, and there is no better place for that than in an ecovillage with all the feedback loops.” Macaco from Damanhur added that community life “pushes you to be real, without masks” and helps meet two basic needs at once: to be part of a group and to grow as an individual.
A supportive place for families and children
For many parents, the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” becomes a lived reality in intentional communities. Children grow up surrounded by different generations and role models, while parents can share responsibilities with others. Hampus, raising his family in Ängsbacka, explained in the member interview that living in alignment with the community’s vision nourishes him as a father and gives his children the chance to grow up differently. Community life also benefits those without children, offering opportunities to engage with younger generations and share knowledge and skills. This intergenerational exchange strengthens connections across age groups and fosters learning and growth for all members of the community.
Shared resources and mutual support
Practical aspects play a big role too. Alex from NextGEN pointed out that communities provide everyday support, from help with projects to emotional care and assistance in times of illness or old age. Living among people with diverse skills creates resilience and makes it possible to share both the workload and the joy of creating something together. Sharing resources such as washing machines, cars or tools not only makes life more efficient but also reduces the overall carbon footprint and saves valuable resources.
Kristiane from Avnø Oasis described community as “a meaningful, enjoyable place to learn from, about and with relationships.” Silvia from the Community of Living Ethics added that community provides endless opportunities to take on new tasks and grow, even envisioning collective practices as a way to create new realities together.
Cultural transformation
For many, community life is not only about external change but also about inner transformation. Living closely with others means being confronted with different perspectives and behaviors every day, a process that often acts as a mirror. While this mirroring can be uncomfortable, many describe it as one of the most powerful ways to grow.
Some community members explained how it taught them to listen more deeply, to respect the boundaries of others and to recognize the different roles they themselves tend to take on in daily situations. This recognition can then help to break old patterns and explore new aspects of one self in a safe container. Often this also leads to an expanded tolerance and acceptance, both toward others and toward one self.
Steffen Emrich from gASTWERKE put it most directly: “If you want to find a place where you get a mirror, move to a community — there you are constantly mirrored.”
These personal stories highlight a common theme: the intensity of shared life accelerates self-discovery. Living in community can strip away masks and open up pathways to healing, confidence and new forms of relating with each other.
Exploring your own “Why”
Understanding your personal reasons for community living can guide your next steps. Are you motivated by ecological values, by a longing for connection, by practical needs, or by personal growth? Reflecting on these questions helps to find communities that align with your vision and needs.
Living in community is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a diverse field of experiments where people continuously create new ways of living together. The reasons to step into this journey are personal, yet the outcomes often ripple far beyond the individual.
As Peter reminded us: “What does the world need today? – Inspiration. And this is what happens when people in the ecovillage movement come together.”
Further ressources to explore:
BBC article on why community living can make us happier
10 Reasons to live in Intentional Community (by Community Finders)
Perspective of political scientist Karen Litfin who visited ecovillages on all continents…
TED talk by Kosha Joubert; former director of GEN and co-founder of Gaia Education
