What is a Cooperative?

  • A housing cooperative is an association that owns the building in which the cooperative members live. The association is operated for the mutual benefit of its members.

  • The cooperative is member-owned rather than investor-owned. No landlord or investor profits from a housing cooperative.

  • Purchasing a membership share in the cooperative entitles the member to live in the member’s chosen housing unit.

  • Members are responsible for monthly operating fees. Base fees are determined by the housing unit selected.

  • CCC is a market-rate cooperative. All available membership shares are resales and the asking price is set by the owner, in accordance with the governing documents.

Four older adults, three women and one man, sitting around a wooden table playing a board game together in a room with a brick wall and landscape painting.
Exterior view of Calvary Center Cooperative, a multi-story brick apartment building, with a black and gray entrance sign, trees, plants, and shrubs outside.

Cooperative Compared to Other Housing Options

Comparison table of different property ownership types: CCC, Condo/Townhome, House, Rental. Categories include Purchase, Closing Costs, Monthly Fees/HOA, Maintenance, Equity, and Governance, with descriptions of each.

Compare the True Cost of Housing

Wondering how cooperative living stacks up against other housing options? Use our easy-to-follow Housing Cost Comparison Table to see the full picture. This detailed chart lists essential expenses—from mortgage or rent and property maintenance to real estate taxes, snow removal, and valuable on-site services like 24-hour building emergency response, social activities, and more.

We invite you to print the table and fill in your current or anticipated housing costs side by side with what’s included at our 55+ member-owned cooperative. You’ll quickly see how cooperative living offers exceptional value, peace of mind, and a true sense of community.

Click the button to download and start comparing today!

Chart comparing housing costs, listing items such as mortgage, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and additional services, with columns for costs included or on-site versus other housing options.