Whether one is moving to Madison for the first time or just needs somewhere to stay for the school year, finding a good place to live can be a tiresome process.
Moving into an apartment or a house is the standard for many city residents, but one often overlooked form of housing can offer an experience different from the rest.
'It's essentially like a big family,' said a resident of the Phoenix Cooperative, 636 Langdon Street. 'There is a positive sense of community with everyone.'
Cooperative housing is nothing new to Madison and organizations like Madison Community Co-op, a network of 11 cooperative houses, which have been in operation since the late 1960s.
'We act as a guiding organization for housing cooperatives,' said Lauren Allen, president of Madison Community Co-Op.
With houses holding as few as eight people to as many as 30, the task of day-to-day living can be difficult at times.
'Everybody chips in to run the house,' said UW-Madison senior and former co-op resident Chris Konieczka. 'Maintaining collective responsibility is important because without it nothing gets done.'
Many cooperatives buy bulk organic food from local grocers such as the Mifflin Street Co-op. A monthly stipend of approximately $90 buys dinner for a month with everyone taking a turn in the kitchen preparing meals.
Simply showing up for dinner gives a potential new resident their first taste of cooperative living as everyone eats together to discuss the day's happenings and meet any prospective members.
Rates depend on room size, but generally fall at or below what many Madison landlords charge.
The offer of a completely new experience seems to draw many people to check out cooperative housing.
'I had never lived in a co-op and that's what attracted me to it,' said Jim-Bob, a current resident at Lothlorien Co-op, 244 W. Lakelawn Pl.
The mix of professionals and students often opens new horizons for residents.
'The atmosphere is really positive and there is a progressive vibe,' said UW-Madison junior Derek, a one-month resident of Madison and the Phoenix Cooperative. 'I feel motivated to do my studies and try new things.'
