[almostvindiesel]

100% this. Started out with two families buying houses near each other in a family centric LA neighborhood (Eagle Rock). Then it expanded to 3 --> 4 --> 5 all within walking distance. We all have similar aged children. It's magic. We watch each others kids, do frequent backyard/park/sleepover playdates, and help w dropoff/pickup. It makes parenting SO MUCH EASIER. I often joke that I'm not a real parent bc we have so much help. Living closer meant compromising on other decisions (ideal house/commute/etc), but proximity to friends has more than outweighed the cons. One family was living near the beach and loved it, but decided it was more impt to live near us then right on the coast.

We opt in and out as much as we'd like. It's beautiful having options, mostly for our kids, who are really thriving by having easy access to playmates. So much better than having to "blind date" other couples and their kids from daycare/activities/etc.

The hardest part is starting. It doesn't have to be a huge commune initiative. Pick one friend who has a similar lifestyle and settle down in a neighborhood withing walking distance and take it from there. Think most important time to do it is when you become a new parent, when your kids and you will want companionship but won't have the time (nor energy) to build new relationships.

[lotsofpulp]

I would bet having that many friends, friends who are married, and who want kids, and have sufficient funds/income to afford a home in SoCal puts you in a rarefied portion of society.

[almostvindiesel]

It does, we're in our 40s now, but all priveleged to have good careers that enabled us to make this choice.

[goodpoint]

Turns out that humans have been right for the last 100.000 years and it takes a village to raise a kid.

[gverrilla]

Smart practices! Will also greatly benefit the children in the long run, I'm sure. As a non-north-american it's funny that you call it a "commune" :)

[almostvindiesel]

Ha yeah, extreme, but speaks to how isolated many Americans are

[enahs-sf]

How are the schools though? Will the kids in your commune go through LAUSD together?

[almostvindiesel]

Good, choose this neighborhood for the public schools and "suburbia light" vibe, eg proximity to target but also walkable to nice coffee shops / restaurants / local things.