Senior Co-Housing Communities in the Bay Area

For seniors in Silicon Valley seeking an alternative to traditional housing, a growing interest in cohousing and shared living communities offers a blend of private living with robust communal support. These models emphasize resident engagement, shared resources, and a strong sense of neighborhood. While dedicated “senior cohousing” in its strictest definition (resident-developed and exclusively for seniors) is still evolving, several established and forming communities, along with other shared housing options, cater to the 55+ demographic in and around the region.

Established Senior-Focused Cohousing in Silicon Valley & Wider Bay Area:

Mountain View Cohousing Community (MVCC)
- Location: 445 Calderon Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94041
- Details: This established, resident-managed cohousing community in the heart of Silicon Valley consists of 19 condominiums.While not exclusively age-restricted to seniors from its inception, its current demographic (reporting zero child members in some directories) and design catering to an active adult lifestyle make it a significant example of cohousing suitable for seniors. MVCC features extensive common facilities, including a common house with a large kitchen and dining area, gardens, and a workshop, fostering a close-knit, environmentally conscious community.
Phoenix Commons (Oakland)
- Location: Located on the waterfront in Oakland, CA (specific address typically available via their website or direct contact).
- Details: Explicitly designed as a 55+ cohousing community, Phoenix Commons offers 41 condominium units. Though situated in Oakland, its proximity and relevance to the Bay Area senior cohousing landscape are notable. Residents actively participate in the community’s governance and enjoy shared amenities and activities, promoting a supportive environment for aging in place.

Other Shared and Community-Focused Housing for Seniors in Silicon Valley:

Agrihood Senior Community (Santa Clara)
- Name: Agrihood Senior Community
- Location: 76 North Winchester Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95050
- Details: This innovative development offers 163 affordable apartment units for seniors aged 55 and older. A key feature is its intergenerational focus, centered around a productive urban farm that provides fresh produce and recreational opportunities for residents and the wider neighborhood. While structured as affordable senior housing with significant community amenities (fitness room, library, garden plots), it shares the cohousing emphasis on community connection and shared resources, though it may differ in its initial development model (not fully resident-driven from the design phase like traditional cohousing).
Charities Housing – Senior Group Homes
- Locations: Multiple single-family homes located throughout Santa Clara County, including Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Sunnyvale. (Specific addresses for individual homes can be found through Charities Housing; e.g., 1120 Fairlands Ct, Campbell; 2011 Pollard Rd, Cupertino).
- Details: Charities Housing manages a portfolio of group homes where seniors share common living areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities. This model provides affordable shared housing and a sense of community, though it operates differently from owner-occupied, self-managed cohousing communities. Residents typically rent their private bedrooms and share responsibilities for common household chores.

Forming Cohousing Communities (Multi-Generational with Senior Interest) in the Area:

Mission Peak Village (Fremont)
- Future Location: 40871 High Street, Fremont, CA 94538
- Details: Currently in the development phase, Mission Peak Village is envisioned as a multi-generational cohousing community of 32 households. While not exclusively for seniors, such communities often attract a significant number of older adults seeking an intentional neighborhood. The project has received city approval and is actively seeking members to help shape its environment. It aims to be a walkable, inclusive community with shared common facilities.

Key Characteristics of Senior Co-housing:

Senior co-housing communities are typically designed with the needs of older adults in mind, often featuring:

Resident Participation: Seniors are actively involved in the planning, design, and ongoing governance of their community.
Private Homes, Shared Spaces: Residents own or rent their private homes but share extensive common facilities like a common house for meals and activities, gardens, and workshops.
Intentional Community: The design and social structure encourage interaction and mutual support among neighbors.
Accessibility and Universal Design: Homes and common areas are often built with aging-in-place principles.

Individuals interested in these or similar housing options are encouraged to contact the communities directly or visit their websites for the most up-to-date information on availability, membership, and specific operational models. The landscape of senior housing is continually evolving, with a growing appreciation for models that foster community and active engagement.