The American West is grappling with an escalating cost of living, particularly in its desirable resort towns and booming tech hubs, pushing the dream of homeownership further out of reach for many. In iconic Rocky Mountain destinations, the proliferation of short-term vacation rentals has significantly eroded the availability of affordable housing options, while the influx of highly compensated technology companies in areas like California’s Bay Area has predictably driven up property values and rental rates. This trend, fueled by the affluent’s desire for access to natural beauty and wilderness, means that essential workers and lower-income households in states like Montana and Wyoming find themselves increasingly unable to secure stable, affordable housing. Compounding this crisis, data reveals that seven of the ten states experiencing the most severe housing shortages are located in the western United States, creating an environment where a sense of hopelessness can easily take root. Amidst this challenging landscape, Samantha Paige Rosen’s new book, Living, Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection, offers a compelling exploration of communal living as a potent, albeit age-old, solution to contemporary housing and social isolation issues.

Rosen’s collection of essays and interviews argues persuasively that communal living should not be relegated to a mere practical necessity for those facing financial hardship, but rather recognized as a potentially rewarding arrangement that fosters robust support systems and deepens human connection. She observes that American culture persistently emphasizes independence as a significant life milestone and a mark of personal achievement, a message that is "nearly inescapable." Yet, for a growing segment of the population, this ideal of independent living remains an unattainable aspiration. Rosen posits that "Shaping our homes to better address physical, social, emotional and financial needs is essential for our survival," highlighting the critical role our living environments play in our overall well-being.

Rosen’s personal journey informed her exploration of these themes. In her late twenties, she experienced personal struggles with mental health, her sexuality, and chronic pain while living independently. A significant rent increase of 10% prompted her to move back in with her parents, an arrangement she initially approached with apprehension but ultimately found to be a source of profound, full-spectrum relief. She discovered a harmonious dynamic with her parents, where household responsibilities were shared effectively, and this supportive living situation endured for five years, even after she had regained her footing and financial stability. This transformative experience prompted her to ask the central question that guides her work: "How might we live together in order to have happier, healthier, and more connected lives?"

To answer this, Rosen collaborated with 21 contributors from diverse backgrounds and age groups, ranging from individuals in their early twenties to those in their nineties, all residing within the United States. Together, they delve into the multifaceted reasons why people choose to embrace communal living arrangements. One particularly poignant essay by Adam Vitcavage, founder of the literary platform Debutiful, recounts the process of repairing a fractured family relationship in Arizona. In Arizona, rent prices saw a substantial increase of 72% between 2010 and 2022, while the median sale price of homes climbed by 57%, illustrating the widespread housing affordability crisis. Vitcavage’s sister moved in with him after her divorce, and their renewed proximity allowed them to mend a relationship that had become nearly estranged. Living together enabled them, he writes, to "stop wearing masks… maybe for the first time," fostering a genuine and vulnerable connection.

The pervasive issue of housing shortages has had a tangible impact across the country, forcing families to relocate, necessitating lengthy commutes, and placing significant strain on senior citizens, as seen in San Francisco. In this context, Jake Montano’s essay explores the profound sense of belonging he found within the queer community. Montano reflects on his experiences in drag pageants under the stage name Imelda Glucose and details his integration into a "chosen family" living in a communal house. Many members of this chosen family had experienced estrangement from their biological relatives, and Montano emphasizes how this supportive network "plays a critical role in addressing and remedying experiences of homophobia," providing a vital sanctuary and source of affirmation.

In Los Angeles County, despite a population decrease of over 500,000 people in the past decade, housing demand has paradoxically intensified due to a rise in single-person households. Amidst these pressures, author Gabrielle Korn found herself renting out her home office on Airbnb to supplement her income. She was unexpectedly moved by the emotional bonds she formed with her guests, which inspired her to establish The Pink Door Artist and Writer Residency. This initiative provides a much-needed opportunity for creatives who might otherwise be unable to afford such an environment, offering them a supportive space to work and connect.

The luxury housing market in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, situated in one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, has witnessed astronomical price increases, largely driven by the demand from celebrities and affluent individuals seeking exclusive properties. In response to this escalating unaffordability, Adam Meyer hosts popular monthly dinner parties, bringing together friends and acquaintances, many of whom have been priced out of homeownership in the area. This practice originated during Meyer’s college days, when he envisioned a communal living scenario where all his friends could reside together in a large apartment building. He fondly recalls the social fabric of dorm life, noting, "I really did love that part of dorm life – walking by your neighbor’s room, seeing their door open, and chatting for thirty minutes," a sentiment that underscores the inherent human desire for casual connection and community.

Living, Together: Reimagining Community in the Age of Disconnection, edited by Samantha Paige Rosen and published by Beacon Press, serves as a powerful reminder that societal structures can be reshaped to foster more inclusive and supportive living environments. Evidence of this transformation is emerging in various locales. Boulder, Colorado, recently took a significant step by unanimously repealing occupancy limits that had long been in place to restrict the formation of co-housing communities. Meanwhile, residents of a mobile home park in Durango, demonstrating remarkable collective action, successfully purchased their community with the assistance of a land trust, safeguarding their homes from corporate acquisition. Across the nation, Rosen highlights intergenerational neighborhoods that offer mutual benefits, such as housing seniors alongside families who have adopted children through the foster care system, creating vibrant and supportive multi-generational living spaces.

In an era increasingly defined by private equity investments, prohibitive housing costs, and the unsettling sight of vacant second homes in popular resort towns, individuals are actively seeking solutions by embracing communal living. Rosen’s heartfelt introduction to the anthology draws a parallel to fellow anthology editor Margot Kahn, who described such collections as "the town hall bound in pages." This metaphor aptly captures the spirit of anthologies, which inherently invite dialogue, diverse perspectives, and constructive debate. In a contemporary world where even public forums can become sites of intense polarization, the harmonious chorus of voices presented in Living, Together, united in their commitment to building community, offers a welcome and timely message for readers navigating the complexities of modern life.