A couple turned their dream of living close to friends into reality by creating their own village

Phil Levin and Kristen Berman wanted to live close to their friends while still having their own space. To make this happen, they created an intentional community called Radish.

Intentional communities are groups of people who live together and have a strong sense of community and work together on things like housing, food, and decision-making.

In this unique setup, residents can choose their neighbors, share meals together, and enjoy the privacy of their own homes.

“This is actually one big property,” Phil shared, pointing to the various structures. They felt lucky to find such an extraordinary space within the city.

Phil’s quest for a new home started with a simple desire: to be close to friends.

In San Francisco, he and his group enjoyed living together in a large house with nine bedrooms for 11 people.

“We were having the time of our lives,” he reflected. However, as discussions about starting families began to surface, it became evident that their living arrangement was no longer suitable, and they realized they needed a new space—a new container for the community.

This realization prompted them to search for a property supporting families and children. They needed a place commutable to San Francisco yet spacious enough for different families to live together.

Ultimately, they discovered a complex featuring 10 homes spread across six buildings. It was designed to accommodate 20 adults and five soon-to-be-six kids.

Four units are in one building, while a single-family home contains two units, and two additional buildings were constructed to foster a rich community atmosphere.

A Long Journey to Growth

The owner discussed the lack of houses for sale, highlighting that their journey had evolved. They began with a fourplex and a five-bedroom home, gradually expanding the property over six years by buying nearby houses and building new structures.

Initially, they faced challenges due to building restrictions, but these barriers eventually changed. The introduction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) law played a crucial role, allowing the new buildings to be classified as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The new structures, measuring around 1,000 square feet each, are designed for family living. One unit includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, created by the owner’s friends.

The layout prioritizes safety and offers plenty of space for children. Instead of enclosing the driveway, the owner decided to park cars outside the fenced area, creating a secure environment for kids to play.

This design fosters a private space where children can run freely, away from vehicle hazards.

Redefining communal living: intentional community

This communal living style creates a supportive environment for families. The property includes ADUs and single-family homes, promoting a sense of community.

The owner noted that a shared yard provides a safe space for children to play, featuring amenities like a hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge, with the hot tub being a popular attraction for families interested in the property.

The design also encourages interaction among neighbors by maintaining open pathways to the courtyard.

This layout fosters engagement, particularly for the owner’s young daughter, who often climbs the steps to the window to request what they call “special milk.”

This layout is intentionally designed for families. The owner explained that she and Phil created the space to connect with Cafe Fig, catering to families’ unique needs.

She highlighted that the arrangement makes parenting easier: “As a dad, it’s just so much easier to raise a kid here.”

Moreover, this communal living fosters a strong community among the adults. The owner shared that around 5:30 p.m., the children come out to play, giving the adults a chance to relax and socialize.

A Transformative Experience

Reflecting on their journey, the owner noted the significant changes after moving from San Francisco. Initially, they didn’t have children, but the kids have truly made the place feel like home.

This transformation in their communal living highlights the impact of shared experiences. The owner expressed surprise at how much the presence of children has shaped their community, emphasizing how remarkable it is that the kids have changed things.

As the community grows, the owner highlights the importance of flexibility. Living together is like a relationship; it requires constant negotiation to meet everyone’s needs.

The ultimate goal remains to create a nurturing environment for families while fostering a sense of belonging among neighbors.

Proudly, the owner highlighted their home’s distinct character and the importance of the community.

“I think this is a special place because of the people who live here,” they stated. “We support each other and celebrate our differences, making it a great place to raise kids.”

Tour inside the intentional community called Radish and learn more about the owner’s story through the video below:

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