Hey There

Please read this section carefully before applying. By applying, you affirm that you are genuinely interested in adapting yourself to a shared system—not shaping the system around you. Choosing not to apply is a successful outcome if this does not feel like your way of living.

Our community is not a lifestyle amenity. It is a shared system that prioritizes connection, curiosity, shared control, creativity, and long-term community health.

Are We a Fit?

At True North, we recognize that determining the right fit for our community is one of the most complex and challenging aspects of creating a successful cohousing environment.

It is also the most important thing to get right - more than location, forms of housing, or any other physical component of the community.

To foster a harmonious and thriving atmosphere, we believe in being transparent about our expectations and the commitment required from each member. While this may come across as demanding, our intention is to ensure clarity from the very outset, helping you make an informed decision about joining our community. We do not make exceptions to these norms. Fit is determined by patterns of behavior over time, not values statements or enthusiasm.

Living at True North requires the following:

You will regularly participate in slow, consensus-based processes without pushing for shortcuts or exceptions.
You will sometimes be asked to support decisions you disagree with—and to do so without disengaging or undermining the group.
You are expected to name and repair tension directly rather than avoiding it, outsourcing it, or waiting for it to pass.
Your ideas, once shared, belong to the group and may be changed, delayed, or not used at all.
You will contribute to unglamorous, repetitive, and often invisible work as a normal part of belonging.
You are willing to examine and take responsibility for your impact, even when your intent was good.
You are comfortable not being central, influential, or deferred to.

If you feel mostly aligned and steady reading this, our community may be a good fit.

If you feel constrained, misunderstood, defensive, or tempted to negotiate these expectations, it is very unlikely to be a good fit.

WE MAY WORK WELL TOGETHER IF…

You are seeking an engaged, relationship-based way of living rather than a purely private residence.
You enjoy contributing to shared projects, collective care of space, and the ongoing evolution of a community.
You value women-centered culture, cooperative leadership, and emotionally aware ways of relating.
You are comfortable with clear boundaries, honest communication, and navigating differences with care.
You are engaged in creative, civic, or social-change work and appreciate living alongside others who are similarly purpose-driven.
You are looking for an adult shared-living environment rather than family-oriented housing.
You appreciate shared decision-making and are willing to take responsibility for the impact you have on others.
You are open to a trial period and mutual discernment as part of joining.

WE MAY NOT BE A FIT IF…

You are looking for a private, low-interaction living arrangement rather than an engaged, participatory community.
You prefer minimal shared responsibility for household care, governance, or collective projects.
You are seeking a family-style or child-focused living environment.
You are uncomfortable with direct communication, feedback, or addressing conflict in real time.
You expect clear hierarchy or top-down management rather than shared decision-making.
You are not interested in contributing time or energy beyond your individual living space.
You are seeking a temporary or hands-off rental rather than a relationship-based way of living.
You are unwilling to participate in a trial or orientation period to explore mutual fit.