Julian Woods Community
Julian, Pennsylvania, United States
- Updated on: Jul 6, 2024 (about 8 months ago)
- Created on: Dec 31, 1999 (over 25 years ago)
Mission Statement
Respect and sustain our selves, all creatures, and the eco-system as we steward the Land we live on.
Community Description
Julian Woods (established 1975) is a diverse group of 17 adult members, one young child, and several residents/potential members on ~250 acres, some cleared but mostly hills and forest. Our common land is held by School of Living Community Land Trust, and there are 63 acres of adjacent land also in the trust. We are located 15 miles from the Pennsylvania State University, in State College PA. Members may own home lots including a capital investment in the common land and infrastructure. Families are autonomous, financially independent, and own their own homes on small private lots within our common land. Community decisions regarding the common land and infrastructure are made by consensus of a 5 member Board that rotates among willing members, yearly .
We own and operate a "living machine" in two greenhouses that constitute our wastewater-treatment system with almost year-round growing space. We also have many small organic outdoor gardens. We are artists, teachers, carpenters and builders, business people, a forester, a doctor. Many of us are retired or close to it. Meido maintains a Zendo for meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and other related activities. Rick created a large artists' studio. Deb uses the greenhouse for growing flowers for market. A committee maintains our gravel road, water and wastewater systems. Collectively we enjoy a swimming pond, a forest stream, walking trails, and occasional meals and gatherings.
We have an urgent interest in finding others to continue to build and sustain our community, especially young adults and young families. We believe that there will be 1 or 2 homes available for sale in the next 1 or 2 years. We are actively establishing a list of people with interest in becoming members here. Please email us for more information or to begin the conversation.
- Status: Established (4+ adults, 2+ years)
- Started Planning: 1970
- Started Living Together: 1975
- Visitors Accepted: Yes
- Open to New Members: Yes
- Please read the details in Membership below before contacting this community.Send Message
- Contact Name: Community Inquiries
- Community Address:215 Julian Woods Ln
Julian, Pennsylvania 16844-8617
United States Location
About
- Type(s): Cohousing (individual homes within group property)
- Programs & Activities: Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association
- Location: Rural
Housing
- Status: We have land we have developed on
- Area: 250 acres
- Current Residence Types:
- Single-family homes
- Multi-family homes
- Current Number of Residences: 13
- Housing Provided:
- Purchase
- Rental
- Land Owned By: Deed held by community land trust, lease held by Julian Woods
- Additional Comments: Small home sites (.5-1.5 acres each) are individually owned, but most of the land is in a deed held by School of Living Community Land Trust with a perpetual lease to Julian Woods.
Membership
- Adult Members: 20
- Child Members: 1
- Non-Member Residents: 5
- Percent Women: 50%
- Percent Men: 50%
- Percent Transgender: 0%
- Percent Non-Binary: 0%
- Visitors Accepted: Yes
- Visitor Process: Call, write, or email in advance.
- Open to New Members: Yes
- Membership Process: New owners are members of the community, as allowed in our bylaws. Although no homes are currently available for sale, we anticipate availability in the next year or two. And we encourage interested people to contact us now, especially young adults and young families. Rental is a possibility also, and there is a way to be granted community membership as a renter.
Government
- Decision Making: By a council, group of Elders, or leadership group
- Identified Leader: No
- Leadership Core Group: Yes
- Additional Comments: We have a 5 member board that makes decisions by modified consensus. 1-2 new board members are elected by the membership each year. The full membership makes some decisions, elects the board, and participates in all meetings as desired.
Economics
- Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
- Monthly Fees($): 85
- Shared Income: None
- Open to Members with Existing Debt: Yes (some debt)
- Additional Comments: We have monthly dues, currently $85/adult member or adult resident. This covers the budget for maintaining our infrastructure and other common expenses, as well as saving for future unexpected needs.
Sustainability Practices
- Energy Infrastructure: We are connected to the grid.
- Current Renewable Energy Generation: Up to 25%
- Energy Sources:
- Solar
- Geothermal
- Clean Energy from the Grid
- passive solar
- Current Food Produced: Up to 25%
- Food Produced Locally: Between 26-49%
Lifestyle
- Common Facilities:
- Garden(s)
- Greenhouse(s)
- Swimming pond or pool
- Tractor & Farm Equipment
- Fire pit
- Internet Available: Yes, individuals provide it
- Internet Fast?: Yes, it's fine.
- Cellphone Service: Good for most people.
- Shared Meals: 1-3 times per month
- Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No - people may eat however they wish.
- Special Diets OK: Yes
- Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.
- Tobacco Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
- Additional Diet Comments: Whole foods, local foods
- Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecumenical (accepts all religions or spiritual practices)
- Education Style(s):
- Home Schooling
- Public Schooling
- Up to each family or individual
- Healthcare Options: Up to each family, household, or individual
Cohousing
- Has a Shared Common Building: No
Additional Comments
We are excited to begin opening up living spaces for new members, especially young adults and young families. Please contact us to begin this conversation!
Community Network or Organization Affiliations
The Foundation for Intentional Community (FIC), School of Living Community Land Trust
Community Affiliations
Ahimsa Village, Heathcote Community, StellaLou Farm, Common Ground Community, Stellar Roots Coop
Fair Housing Laws
This community acknowledges that their listing does not include any potential violations of the Fair Housing Law, or that they do not provide housing. For any questions about this topic please see our Content Policies and contact FIC with any questions or concerns: directory@ic.org.
Keywords
Sustainability, co-op, consensus, autonomy, diversity, established, Community Land Trust