i can't live with smoke, or drink, or drugs...

no drama...no sex in the living room...that sort of thing. i have kids.

erm...that's kind of why i DON'T have a roommate.

I would have my entire family living with me if I could. But is not possible. They are all over the world.

Very valid reasons Lulu.

What if the people who wanted to do this were all non smokers, non drinkers, non drug users. They also have children, and also have the same values, would you do it then?

I would open my house to anyone that needed it. Friend, Family, a homeless person.

All I ask is repect me and my 'family' meaning my son, pick up after yourself and help around the house.


what you do behind closed doors is your business... just dont bring it in front of my son.

Respect, and consideration for here in my home, and for my children.

On multiple occupancy, yes there were stringent rules...and part of the enticement of living there. ( A large parcel of land, about 2000 acres, and a maximum of 10 dwellings with four acres each, the rest communal.)

No cats, (to protect the native animals)...Dwellings made from natural materials only. ( And 90% were recycled materials)

Vegetarians were welcomed, omnivores were asked to agree to no outdoor bbq-ing.

A communal area was maintained by all, and the labour exchange worked well.

Vehicles other than the communal tractor and truck, were not welcomed on the property, but everyone had pushbikes.

It may all sound strange, but when a group of people with similar ideals, and a goal for everyone together achieves more, it works..I know we lived it... a community of like minded spirits, all working together .

er...good question. i'd at least consider it...

um, a couple of my children have "issues"...i'm not sure anyone would WANT to live with us. can we sound-proof our part?

Sure LuLu you can sound proof your part. Actually that would be a good idea for all of the private areas.


Sounds great Jesse.


The reason I brought this up was because of so many people losing their homes, and my son said Mom what we need is a huge old hotel to turn into a home. Both private and communal areas.

Snuggles, a halfway house is an awesome idea, and if you dont mind living outside of a city, I am sure there are many options...

I am sure you have 'alternative' magazines in the US... the more organic, hippy type magazines... and often you can access great information from them, if not, try a search for multiple occupancy properties especially in California, where 'Crystal Waters', Maleny, Queensland, was modelled from about 30 years ago.

Do a search, you will find heaps of information.

Snuggles, god, what a great question. I guess my answer is, I don't know. I think it would depend on the people (my family, no, they drive me nuts after more than a couple of days ), like-minded friends, maybe, depending upon the living arrangements. I'm not sure I could share a kitchen, kind of picky about that And definitely not a bathroom. And there would have to be a lot of stringent rules about the communal spaces and "consequences" for not following them on a regular basis.

But, if any one of my family or friends needed a place for a while, my doors are absolutely open always.

ahhhhhh Suz you know by now that when my mind starts overflowing with thoughts I do one of two things

Post a question that creates thinking, and that will have others thinking

or be a clown


I will look into it Jesse, would love to have a place where people could call home, and be able to live worry free, knowing that there are others nearby that will help and listen.

don't own but we share the rent and bills. and groceries everyone chips on. and everyone has a little money leftover for each person. i am here to help my sister and keep the house running.

Yes I would Snugg; in fact if I ever was fortunate enough to win a hugh lottery this is exactly what I would do. I remember where I come from; I know what it's like to struggle (struggling right now) and I know what it's like to do without necessities. Thanks for the question.

Can't see myself owning anything that big...

But if I did.....

Well, I am a private person also...but lately, with things the way they have been, yeah, I can see myself sharing with friends..not too many though...Too much of a good thing isn't so good...even good friends!!..

I wouldn't expect anything like the Waltons to occur. People are going to have their disagreements that is why each would need some private space. I just think that with our economy that this might be something we see occurring more and more

((((((Snugs))))) You know me, I would take everyone in!

No, I would turn it into a boarding house, then invest the money and buy a few other homes, rent them out, re-invest, then buy each family member and frine of mine their own home where ever they wanted.

I've begun sharing my house with a friend. Of course there is no smoking in the house, he has his own space in house but can share living room, kitchen. Has to clean up after himself, share in expenses and do his own laundry. We respect each other's space. So far so good. Only been doing it about 1 month so far.

I would recommend it if you can find a good person to share with you.

I think truly that we may see more and more of this in the USA. Our society makes it hard on single income people to live anymore. Heating bills alone are outrageous

(((((ELLA)))))) miss you gal

I don't disagree with you Pam, god knows, I wish I had more space, I could use a roommate financially. No one I trust around here though, except Carebear and he's got a place. Rents here are getting more and more outrageous everyday. but salaries aren't keeping up, plus the price of gas and groceries goes up every week. Sucks but what do you do? I'd love to move someplace cheaper but then I'd take a huge salary cut, probably benefits too. And I cannot afford to lose my benefits, even a little.