Valverde Commons

Description:

Mission
The Valverde Commons Association exists to provide a cohousing community for adults 55 and older.

Vision
Community members balance the privacy of independent living with community-building social activities, follow sustainable environmental practices, prepare for the realities of aging, plan for responsible fiscal practices, and maintain sound management of community resources.

Community
Valverde Commons, in the heart of Taos, New Mexico, is a senior (55+) cohousing community of 28 private home sites designed and operated by its residents. Responding to the impact of climate change is important to us, and our homes are built with energy efficiency, water-saving features, and harmony with the local environment in mind. Our homes encircle the Commons, a central area rich in native plantings bordered by a circular path connecting neighbors who love to take advantage of opportunities to socialize.
Residents share a Common House that features a full kitchen, laundry facilities, a library, game collection, art displays, and meeting spaces. In addition, a Common Barn provides a complete woodworking shop, shared landscaping tools and equipment, and space for individual projects.
Valverde Commons is well situated in a stunningly beautiful natural setting within easy walking distance to the many venues for cultural and outdoor experiences that Taos offers. Sunset Park, adjacent to Valverde Commons, provides 10 acres of open space for the greater Taos community.

A Sustainable Cohousing Community
Valverde Commons was envisioned by long-time Taos residents, Bob and Isabella Draper, Stephen Rose and Barbara Zaring, who wanted to create an intentional community in their beloved town of Taos, New Mexico. They bought a 10-acre parcel within walking distance to Taos Plaza and, soon after, like-minded Taosenans joined the many potlucks and planning sessions. With zoning approvals obtained, roads, water, electricity, sewers, fiber optic cables and phone lines established the infrastructure of Valverde Commons in the fall of 2009. The first home was completed in 2010. Currently, Valverde Commons has twenty-six private homes, a well-appointed 2,200-square-foot community house, and a barn, home to a professional quality woodworking shop.

Our Flavor of Cohousing
Cohousing is defined as an intentional community where residents actively participate in the design and management of their own neighborhood. Residents have their private spaces but make a commitment to look out for their neighbors’ well-being. Every cohousing community is different as each strikes its own balance between individual space and social contact.

The Valverde Commons Homeowners Association (VCHOA) utilizes majority rule in decision-making and empowers committees to make decisions within their purview. All Valverde Commons Association members (Commoners) are welcome to be on any committee. VCHOA facilitates monthly business meetings for discussion and community information and, as needed, vote on important issues.

Commoners have designed and built their own homes following HOA Covenant guidelines of aesthetics, sustainability, and stylistic elements that are harmonious with the northern New Mexico environment. Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their private property. Nearly four acres of open space and two buildings, a 2,200-square-foot common house and 1,000-square-foot barn are shared in common. These buildings and the open space are maintained by all homeowners through their HOA fees and monthly work days.

Participation in all activities and meetings is optional.

Commoners commit to being respectful and generous neighbors, and are comfortable with letting relationships build organically.