North Mountain Community

NOTE: The map marker is approximated due to a missing street address. The community is comprised of like-minded individuals who practice and experiment with sustainability, self-sufficiency, community support, and cooperation. Members maintain individual households while collectively managing shared resources, including 130 acres of land owned by NMC, which covers land taxes and maintenance costs. This land features several fields, a large forested area, farm equipment, tools, barns, a sauna, and road maintenance. The land has been pesticide and herbicide-free since 1972, and members are committed to keeping it that way. Each homestead is responsible for its own food production, though members often trade and share their produce. Current community endeavors include beekeeping, goat and cow husbandry, chicken raising, rabbit breeding, and vegetable gardening, alongside a permaculture-inspired forest berry garden.

Community meetings occur approximately twice a month, along with social events like potlucks, bonfires, movie nights, and seasonal celebrations. The community values independence and encourages members to explore their hobbies without judgment, whether it’s car repair or welding. Members are expected to live in harmony with the earth and, as the oldest member says, “live simply so that others can simply live.”

Financial concerns are not a priority for the community; members share property taxes and upkeep costs for shared amenities. Once a member builds a home, it becomes NMC property, meaning it cannot be sold. All structures and improvements to the land become part of the community's assets. Members typically rely on wood from the property for heating and strive to limit electric usage, with future aspirations for solar energy production.

Membership Process: Individuals must first be accepted as provisional members and live in the community for at least one year. Following this period, members will grant full membership status through consensus. Community fees are minimal and cover shared costs for land maintenance. Housing arrangements are handled on a case-by-case basis, often involving rental from the community during the provisional year before moving into an existing home or building a new structure.

Visitor Process: Interested individuals can email to schedule a visit, during which they may camp or stay in the guest house and explore the community with a member.

Residency & Visitor Policies

Accepting New Members? Yes

Lot & Community Features

Average Lot Size (Sq. Ft): 100000

Number of Lots: 20

Local Population Density & Setting: Rural

Total Village Population: 5

Village Acreage: 139

Terrain: Forest, Treed, Mountain, Rolling Hills