Thinking of moving into a conscious living community in the southeast US? There are dozens of intentional communities in North Carolina to choose from — including ecovillages, cohousing, homesteading families, coops, spiritual, and senior communities.
With a moderate climate, low cost of living, growing economy, and spectacular mountains, North Carolina is an attractive place to live. Good news is there are also many intentional communities throughout the state.
Below are 15 intentional communities in North Carolina that are generally open to new members. Some have homes or land for sale now, others have rental opportunities, and a few may not have anything ready to buy now, but it’s well worth getting on their list to be the first to know when they do.
Each community has its own unique focus, but they all share a commitment to sustainability, social connection, and making beautiful homes for residents.
Want to visit these communities in-person? Join the North Carolina Intentional Communities Tour and travel in a small guided group to communities throughout the state.
Intentional Communities In North Carolina with Openings:
Communities Under Development in North Carolina
1. Common Ground Ecovillage
Located in the Piedmont bioregion, Common Ground Ecovillage has a deep commitment to both environmental and social justice. They’ve had a few hurdles with the permitting process, but that hasn’t stopped future residents from gathering frequently on their beautiful 112 acres of land.
Learn more: https://www.commonground.eco/
2. Rainwater Collective
An aspiring “ecohamlet,” Rainwater Collective has the goal to be 10-15 people stewarding 17 acres, in collaboration with a network of other small communities and permaculture homesteads in the Piedmont bioregion. The community is still small and rustic, but seeking members and WWOOF (work exchange) volunteers.
Learn more: https://www.ic.org/directory/rainwater-collective/
3. Coweeta Heritage Center
The Coweeta Heritage Center is a community nestled in the Smoky Mountains that is focused on preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachians. They have thriving educational programs and are looking for long-term residents who are committed to simple living, self-reliance, and appropriate technology.
Learn more: https://coweetaheritagecenter.com/
Established Communities & Ecovillages in North Carolina
4. Earthaven Ecovillage
Located in Black Mountain just outside Asheville, Earthaven Ecovillage is a thriving intentional community that is focused on sustainability, community building, and social justice. The community has been established for over 25 years and is home to over 70 people. Naturally built homes and gardens abound in this mountainside village.
Learn more: https://www.earthaven.org/
5. Celo Community
Established in 1937, Celo is one of the oldest Community Land Trusts in the country. There are over 40 families living on its 1,200 acres in Yancey County. Visit the lovely Celo Inn to get a taste for community life here.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celo_Community
6. Living Well Ecovillage
Living Well is a neighborhood that values social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability. This charming community is located in the small town of Franklinville, about 30 mins outside of Greensboro.
Learn more: https://www.thelivingwellcommunity.com/
7. Arcadia Cohousing
Arcadia Cohousing is a community in Carrboro that is focused on sustainable living, community building, and social justice. The community has been established since 2001 and is home to over 30 people. Rarely do homes become available for sale here, but do join their waiting list if interested.
Learn more: https://www.arcadiacohousing.com/
8. Westwood Cohousing
Westwood Cohousing is a suburban community located in artsy West Asheville. This multi-generational community is home to over 40 people sharing 4 acres of land for over 20 years.
Learn more: https://westwoodcohousing.com/
9. Adawehi Wellness Village
Located on over 125 acres in Columbus, North Carolina, Adawehi Wellness Village is focused on health, healing, spiritual development, and community. They are based on the teachings of Jackie Woods but open to all spiritual paths. Featuring a grocery store, B&B, retreat spaces, and many wellness practitioners.
Learn more: https://www.adawehi.com/
Communities Where You Can Build Your House in North Carolina
10. High Cove
High Cove is an intentional community in Bakersville that is focused on the arts, environment, and lifelong learning. The community is unique in that it allows residents to build their own homes, with a focus on small and tiny dwellings. There are two small neighborhoods now and a mixed-use village center is planned.
Learn more: https://highcove.com/
11. Mountain Meadows
Less than a 30 minute drive outside Asheville, this is a community with lots available to purchase to build your own home on 1 acre – 5 acre home sites. Mountain Meadows has an organic garden and orchard that’s ideally situated on a south facing slope.
Learn more: https://ashevillemountainlots.com/
12. The Villages at Crest Mountain
Great location just outside of Asheville with eco-built homes and lots available for building yours. The Villages at Crest Mountain can be pricey, but you are surely getting a lot of value for the location and privacy of the community.
Learn more: https://www.villagesatcrest.com/
13. Hickory Nut Forest
Another community close to Asheville in a forested setting with gorgeous homes and gardens. Wedding venue and home to a somewhat transient community, with opportunities to build your dream home on nearly 1 acre of land.
Learn more: https://hickorynutforest.com/
55+ and Senior Intentional Communities in North Carolina
14. Elderberry Village
Elderberry Village is an intentional community in Rougemont that is designed for people 55 and older who are looking for a more sustainable and community-oriented way of living. 18 townhomes form this community focused on healthy living and social connection.
Learn more: https://www.elderberrycohousing.com/
15. Village Hearth Cohousing
Village Hearth Cohousing is an intentional community in Durham that is designed for LGBTQ+ seniors, straight friends, and allies. Homes available to buy with frequent in-person and virtual open houses.
Learn more: https://www.villagehearthcohousing.com/
More Intentional Communities in North Carolina to Explore
These intentional communities in North Carolina provide a sense of community and a more sustainable way of living for people who are looking for a different kind of lifestyle. Whether you are interested in living in an established community, a community in development, or a community where you can build your own home, North Carolina has a variety of intentional communities to choose from. Explore even more through these intentional community directories. If you see one that interests you, go ahead and contact them to arrange a visit!
Overwhelmed by the idea of visiting intentional communities on your own? The North Carolina Intentional Communities Tour may be just what you need. Travel in a small guided group to communities throughout the state.
Do you know of an intentional community in North Carolina that’s missing from the list? Have you visited any of these communities yourself? Leave a comment below to share!
Hey everyone!
If you want to visit North Carolina intentional communities in-person, join the Ecovillage Tour happening Sept 8 -15, 2024: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/north-carolina
We’ll travel in a small guided group to communities throughout the state. Including many of the ones listed in this article! Great way to finally check out ecovillages and intentional communities for yourself.
Hope to travel with you soon,
Cynthia
Ms Tina
I will soon be a newly ordained minister looking for a new flock to do baptisms, christenings, weddings, funerals, and spiritual counseling – a community for worship, healing, support and spiritual growth, with a stable home to allow me to dedicate the time and energy to the church’s mission.
I practice a Christ Center ministry; and like Christ would welcome all to my church, especially those in most need of support.
Hopefully, you know of a community who is ready to welcome a new ministry.
If you do please let me know?
Blessings, Rob
Hi Rob, thanks! I’ll keep you in mind if I hear of anything.
Is there anything close to west jefferson, nc
Hm… not that I’m aware of. You may need to start something!
Does anyone know of intentional communities such as these close to the Boone, NC area?
Good question! Nothing to my knowledge close to Boone.
Are there any communities East of Raleigh or in the mountains of North Carolina or Virginia that have space for new people?
I, myself,grew up in Celo community. It’s a great place to live. My wife and I are living in the same house she grew up in near Chapel Hill NC. We’d like to move out of the triangle area as it’s now getting to many people. We’d like to be close to a town, but not in it.
Thank you.
Thayer Jordan
Hi Thayer, yes, there are communities in those regions! You may be interested in the Virginia and North Carolina community tours to see the communities out there and possibly visit them.
My wife and I are founders of a new eco community in West Asheville called Terra Futura Farm. We have a permaculture and expansive mindset/tantric/futurist education model feel. Our first two houses are under construction and we will be accepting applications for membership in a few months.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing Jack and good luck with your community project. Please feel free to share a link for people to learn more.
I would like to see more comments with details from visitors.
Yes! Visitors, please comment on your experiences.
Would there be communities that slice it even thinner – by interest or some other shared bond – like addiction recovery? Or horses?
Hi Deborah, absolutely, there are communities with even more specific focuses. One horse focused one I know about is Dream River Ranch in Idaho: https://www.dreamriverranch.org/
Hello! Thank you for this article! We are starting an Eco Village in West Asheville that is under development now. Stay tuned for more information on our website. http://Www.terrafuturafarm.com
That’s great! Thanks for sharing and good luck with your community development.
Looking for a cohousing home in the Triangle area of North Carolina. If anyone is selling please contact us .
I recently visited Common Ground, Living Well Ecovillage, High Cove, Mountain Meadows, The Cove at Celo Mountain (another development similar to Mountain Meadows, and different from the Celo Community you’ve listed), Earthaven, and Simple Life (a tiny-home village south of Asheville). Also drove over the border to Virginia to visit Valley of Light outside Independence, VA.
Amazing trip. You learn so much by actually being there and talking to people and seeing where the lots are, etc. Highly recommended. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing Roshana! Indeed, sounds like it was an amazing trip!