The Western United States grapples with escalating living costs, a challenge amplified by the dual pressures of short-term vacation rentals supplanting affordable housing in beloved Rocky Mountain resort towns and the influx of high-paying technology companies inflating prices in California’s Bay Area. This economic landscape has rendered the quintessential American dream of homeownership an unattainable aspiration for many low-wage workers in states like Montana and Wyoming, as the affluent elite’s desire for expansive wilderness properties drives up demand and prices. Statistics reveal the severity of the issue, with seven of the ten states experiencing the most significant housing shortages located in the West. While the lack of affordable housing can foster feelings of despair, a new book by Samantha Paige Rosen provides a compelling exploration of communal living, presenting it not merely as a practical necessity for those facing financial strain but as a deeply enriching model for fostering support and connection.

Rosen’s book, Living, Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection (Beacon Press), compiles essays and interviews that argue for the multifaceted benefits of communal living. It challenges the pervasive cultural narrative in America that elevates independent living as a paramount achievement, a message that remains inaccessible to a growing segment of the population. As Rosen writes, "Shaping our homes to better address physical, social, emotional and financial needs is essential for our survival." Her personal journey underscores this sentiment; in her late twenties, while navigating personal challenges including mental health, her sexuality, and chronic pain, a significant rent increase prompted her to move back in with her parents. This unexpected arrangement provided her with a profound sense of relief across various aspects of her life, fostering a harmonious dynamic with her parents that lasted for five years, well beyond her initial period of need.

This experience inspired Rosen to pose a crucial question: "How might we live together in order to have happier, healthier, and more connected lives?" Collaborating with 21 contributors, ranging in age from their twenties to their nineties, all residing within the United States, Rosen delves into the diverse motivations behind communal living arrangements. One poignant essay by Adam Vitcavage, founder of the literary platform Debutiful, recounts the healing of a strained familial relationship in Arizona. In a state where rents surged by 72% between 2010 and 2022, and median home sale prices rose by 57%, his sister moved in after a divorce. Their renewed proximity facilitated a reconciliation, allowing them, as Vitcavage describes, to "stop wearing masks… maybe for the first time."

The pervasive housing shortages across the nation have had far-reaching consequences, forcing families to relocate, extending commute times, and placing significant burdens on senior citizens. In San Francisco, an essay by Jake Montano illustrates how the city’s housing crisis has contributed to these challenges, while also highlighting the creation of a supportive home within the queer community. Montano, reflecting on their experiences in drag pageants under the stage name Imelda Glucose, details their integration into a chosen family—a household formed by individuals often estranged from their families of origin. This chosen family, Montano writes, "plays a critical role in addressing and remedying experiences of homophobia."

Los Angeles County, despite a population decrease of over 500,000 in the past decade, faces a growing housing demand fueled by an increase in single-person households. Amidst these pressures, author Gabrielle Korn found an innovative solution by renting out her home office on Airbnb to supplement her income. This experience unexpectedly led to the formation of deep emotional connections with her guests, inspiring her to establish The Pink Door Artist and Writer Residency, offering a haven for creatives who might otherwise be unable to afford such opportunities.

In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a county renowned for its extreme wealth, housing prices have skyrocketed, driven by the exorbitant demands of celebrities and affluent individuals. In response to this affordability crisis, Adam Meyer hosts popular monthly dinner parties, bringing together friends and strangers, many of whom have been priced out of homeownership. This tradition traces back to Meyer’s college days, when he envisioned a future where all his friends would reside together in a large apartment building, cherishing the spontaneous interactions of dorm life, where "walking by your neighbor’s room, seeing their door open, and chatting for thirty minutes" was a cherished experience.

Living, Together serves as a powerful reminder of our collective capacity to reimagine and reshape the world around us. Several communities are already demonstrating this potential: Boulder, Colorado, recently repealed occupancy limits that had long curtailed the existence of co-housing arrangements, signaling a shift towards more inclusive living models. In Durango, residents of a mobile home park successfully collaborated to purchase their community, with assistance from a land trust, thereby preserving their homes and neighborhood from corporate acquisition. Elsewhere, Rosen highlights intergenerational neighborhoods that foster mutual benefit by integrating seniors with families adopting children through the foster care system.

In an era dominated by private equity and astronomical housing prices, where vacant second homes stand as stark symbols of wealth disparity in resort towns, individuals are increasingly turning to each other to address systemic challenges and embrace communal living. Rosen’s introduction, imbued with warmth and empathy, echoes the sentiment of fellow anthology editor Margot Kahn, who described such collections as "the town hall bound in pages." Anthologies, by their nature, invite dialogue and diverse perspectives, offering a valuable counterpoint to the often polarized discourse found in contemporary public forums. In a world where even traditional town halls can become arenas of conflict, this harmonious chorus of voices dedicated to building community deserves a heartfelt reception from readers seeking connection and innovative solutions.