Rocky Hill has been a thriving, inter-generational community since we moved here in 2005-2006. Our life together fosters connection, inclusion, learning, and living lightly on the earth. Rocky Hill is distinguished by its beautiful setting, wide range of ages (from newborn to age 80), and our location in an academic and cultural hub in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts.
Our 28 homes are clustered on 9 acres, leaving 18 acres of forested conservation land, with walking paths and a bicycle path. We are two miles from downtown Northampton, and another cohousing community, Pathways, is next door. Our children enjoy the safety of the inner pathways and play areas, away from roads and parking areas. All homes exceed energy star standards, and many of the homes have solar arrays.
We meet monthly for consensus decisions, and are committed to keeping lines of communication open. Each community member participates in at least one committee: Buildings and grounds, design review, community life, process, finance, sustainability and more.
There are ample opportunities to socialize with our neighbors, casually or in organized groups. Every Sunday night is reserved for a communal meal. We have game nights, movie night, and occasional celebrations. Other active groups are the garden club, book club, chicken club, bee keepers, quilters, hot tub club, a long-standing men’s group, and our elders meet monthly for potluck and discussions. Residents have enjoyed our two yearly retreats.
Our common house and outdoor “moon circle” form the center for community gatherings. The state-of-the-art media system in the great room is used for movie nights, music and dancing, lectures and presentations. This is where we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, adoptions, change of seasons. The basement is set up with ping pong, foosball, air hockey, a crafts area, laundry and a sauna.
We share common concerns for the planet and for the wellbeing of our neighbors. Our circle of care has welcomed a large Congolese refugee family who have resided here since April 2018. We strive to minimize our negative impact on the world, and improve our individual and collective stewardship of the earth.
For more detailed information, including our mission statement and photos, visit our website at www.rockyhillcohousing.org.
