Alchemy Woods

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I was on Instagram, wasting time, when a cute fella crossed my feed with a shirt that read “Start thinking about where you want to be in the future.” Along with the thought, “well not this alternative universe,” I also thought, “in the mountains with my people, living our best life.”

I can’t remember when it was that I first felt the draw of living intentionally with a community. I do know that I was young. I know I drew little villages of the future where I lived close with my family. (But never in the same house; I think even as a child I knew I needed my own space.)

That desire is probably what brought me to Atlanta; a large city in the south with a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with art and culture. I know I dreamed of living in a space with neighbors I could call friends and family. Much of this was shaped by pseudo-fictitious places like 28 Barbary Lane, Kellerman’s Resort, 227 Lexington Place, and especially (don’t laugh) Sesame Street. When I was around 15, my parents took me to Atlanta to see The Phantom of the Opera. We went to St. Charles Cafe, Midtown Promenade (when Outwrite was there), and the High Museum of Art. I felt like I could find more of my people. And I did.

Every chapter ends, however. And I feel strongly that my chapter in the city of Atlanta, or any city for that matter, is ending and I’m ready for a new adventure. I feel it in my bones. I feel it in my heart. And I feel it calling from inside many people I have built a community with. But what KIND of community will we build?

• Ecovillages are communities that center around ecology and environmental themes. Ecovillages can be private or offer retreats and ecotourism to support the financial needs of the community.
• Co-Housing/Co-op communities include single family, privately owned homes with communal spaces and events. Resources are generally shared.
• Communes are communities in which all resources are shared. Spaces can include private and communal spaces.

In my not-quite-exhaustive research on Intentional Communities (ICs), I’ve learned that there are many styles of ICs, ranging from completely private non-profit entities to commercial camp ground style operations. I feel in my mind, a hybrid could exist.

My vision is a large parcel of land divided into three zones: permanent/long-term residential, short-term, and a community buffer zone between the two.

I’m a fairly social person; a trait I inherited from my parents. I like to hear others’ stories and perspectives. For me, the idea of living and aging in place with my people while simultaneously meeting new friends and exploring their experiences is very attractive. Pair that with having passive income for the community and the idea becomes even more attractive.

The plan of keeping the two communities linked by a community buffer zone appeals to my more private side. The side that sometimes wants to be alone, quiet, and contemplative. I also recognize that a private property operation, one based solely on HOA style authority can keep a community more peaceful and homogenous. I just fully question if that is something that would appeal to me long term. I already have a questionable relationship with authority, even if I’m part of that authority.