Meet the Future Neighbors: Why We’re Choosing Rooted NW
Rooted Northwest is more than an idea, more than farmland, and more than a cohousing project. At its heart, it’s people — neighbors who are choosing to build a life rooted in community, sustainability, and joy.
Each of us has our own story of why we’re drawn here. Together, these stories weave a picture of what it means to dream of a different future — one where we live closer to the land and to each other.
Here are just a few of the voices shaping Rooted NW:
Karen — finding joy through food
Karen has always loved to cook — from wholesome sourdough breads to decadent cakes. But as the food system became more industrialized and commodified, she longed for something different: a place where meals come from the land, shared with friends and neighbors. “Rooted Northwest felt like the perfect melding of my passions for regenerative farming, climate justice, and good food. Food is one of my love languages, and I can’t wait to share common meals with neighbors. Carrot-top pesto, anyone?”
Celia — investing in future generations
Celia sees Rooted NW as both a home and a response to the challenges of our times. “For me, Rooted NW is the most positive and sensible way forward. Being part of a community that favors all the ecosystems of land, people, plants, and animals is my response to the current state of affairs. This is where I’ll put my energy — and hopefully provide support for the generations to come.”
Eric — longing for connection
Eric and his partner first learned about Rooted Northwest back in 2019. After years of gathering with friends but rarely finding lasting connection, they were drawn to the promise of cohousing. “Working and playing with others at Rooted NW who share a vision and similar values has helped create the sense of community I was seeking. I’m impatient for the day when we can cook and eat together in the Common House near our new homes and live on our beautiful land outside Arlington.”
Yuko — an introvert who found her ‘why’
When Yuko first joined, she wondered whether she’d really fit. As an introvert, would she have enough time and space for herself? Would rural life feel right? “I’m happy to say I’ve been able to find my own ‘why.’ The people who join Rooted are awesome, and I never feel lonely even though we don’t live together on the land yet. I feel confident that we can all learn to set and respect boundaries.” Today, Yuko lives on the land with her partner, running her design business from a small studio overlooking the trees. “The land is beautiful every day. I love walking in the woods, hearing the ducks, and snuggling with my cat, Millie.”
Kathy — building a legacy
For Kathy, a retired public health nurse, Rooted NW has been part of her life for more than four years. “Being here from the beginning of what we hope will be a legacy is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever been part of.” She sees the project as an integrated system — community, farmland, and forest — and a way to model something better for the future. Splitting her time between Portland and the farm (with her two beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs), she’s even joined with friends to co-buy a four-bedroom townhome in the agrivillage.
Monique — planting new roots
When Monique’s daughter moved across the country, her home felt too quiet. After years of learning to grow tea, she found Rooted NW as a place to bring her dream of a small tea farm to life. “Every step of the Explorer process reassured me that my sensitive heart and boundless optimism belonged here.” Earlier this year, that dream began to take root: Monique helped steward the planting of 16 baby tea plants on Rooted NW land, alongside neighbors who showed up to help. “I realized this wasn’t just my project anymore. It was ours.”
Dave — farming, laughter, and community
As a permaculture educator, Dave loves working on ecological farming projects. But what excites him just as much is the community. “I also have the gift of gab — I love to have conversations and tell jokes. Both of those things are way more fun with a community of like-minded people! That’s why I’m super excited to live at Rooted Northwest.”
A Community of “Whys”
Each of these stories is unique, but they all share a common thread: a longing for connection, for living lighter on the land, and for building something bigger than ourselves. Rooted Northwest is where those dreams converge — and where future neighbors are already planting the seeds of the life we want to live together.
Curious if this community could be right for you? Join us at an upcoming info session and see what it feels like to imagine your own “why.”
