The Baby Boomer generation has long been known for redefining life stages, and as more Boomers enter retirement they are reshaping the idea of “aging in place” by emphasizing connection with their broader community. Remaining socially engaged and supported by neighbors and peers is increasingly recognized as essential to health, independence, and overall well‑being in later life.
In recent years several community-based retirement options have gained attention. Models such as NORCs and Villages and “CCRCs without walls” offer different levels of shared services and mutual support. Beyond these established approaches, many soon-to-be retirees are proactively creating their own living arrangements—often called resident-created or intentional retirement communities—that prioritize connection, cooperation, and accessible resources. These intentional communities take a variety of forms, each suited to different preferences and levels of need.
Cohousing
Cohousing brings a group of individuals together to design and build a neighborhood where residents both own private living spaces and share common areas. The planning and development phase can take a few years, during which future neighbors collaborate closely and build relationships. Once established, each household maintains its private unit while sharing outdoor spaces, communal facilities, and organized social activities. Cohousing communities tend to attract people who are relatively healthy at move‑in, with the expectation that neighbors will provide informal support during times of illness or need, supplementing professional care when required.
Pocket neighborhoods
Pocket neighborhoods are smaller clusters of homes—often within existing neighborhoods—where residents intentionally cultivate close, watchful relationships with a handful of neighbors. These arrangements are flexible and low‑cost: simple shared practices such as leaving an exterior light on overnight to signal safety, checking in during extreme weather, or swapping emergency contact information can create a reliable safety net. Pocket neighborhoods emphasize local familiarity and mutual oversight while allowing residents to remain in the broader community they already know.
Shared homes
Shared housing involves two or more people living together in a single dwelling, often splitting rent, utilities, and household responsibilities. This model can take the form of a landlord/tenant arrangement or a cooperative roommate setup. A growing number of online platforms and community organizations help match older adults who are seeking roommates, making it easier to find compatible housemates for apartments, condos, or single‑family homes. Shared homes can reduce isolation, lower living costs, and provide everyday companionship and practical assistance.
No matter which living arrangement a person chooses for retirement, research consistently shows that maintaining meaningful social connections outside the home contributes to greater safety, better health outcomes, and a higher quality of life. Whether through intentional communities, informal neighbor networks, or shared housing, staying connected helps older adults thrive while remaining independent.