I found another article on cohousing.
I like what the researcher says:
“One thing I would say,” notes Stevens-Wood, “is that it can be very intense.” The researcher has spent a great deal of time studying intentional communities, spending stints living on these sites. It is “the world’s most intense personal development programme that never ends”. Living in a community requires continually considering others, navigating their personal space and compromising. “When I was there I loved it, but when I got home it was so nice to slob out on the sofa and not have to think about other people!”
And they describe how it may be harder for younger people:
“What you often notice is that the group that doesn’t cope so well [in intentional communities] are those from their late teens up to their mid-30s,” says Bill Metcalf of the University of Queensland. “They often find it inhibiting.” With communal life’s requirements to be responsible and always think about others, people in early adulthood might be more inclined to live alone or in smaller groups.
A cohousing founder also suggests people visit a few to decide which community is a good fit for you. I couldn’t say it better myself.