Cooperative Living Advantages
Cooperative (co-op) housing differs from owning a single-family home, a condominium, or a townhome in many ways. The lifestyle at Village Cooperative of Puyallup (VCP) offers a variety of benefits. Puyallup, Washington is a small city in Pierce County, near Tacoma. It is south of Seattle and the Seattle-Tacoma Airport is only 30 miles away.
Because our building is small compared to some other senior living options, there can be a true sense of belonging and you have the option to form deeper friendships for those desiring connections. Of course, some people prefer their privacy or have established social circles, and that is also respected. Common areas can be used for community activities or meetings but also can be reserved for a personal event. VCP is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that is elected by members. There are four primary committees in place to assist the BOD – Finance, Property, Marketing, and Activities. In addition, there are several teams and clubs already formed, and task forces are created when needed. We encourage residents to share their knowledge and interests with others. There is also a wide age range of people in the community because only one owner of the unit must be 62 or over.
Cooperative living is truly “maintenance free”. In other housing options, there is a long list of items that you must handle – or must hire someone else to do them. Not only are the common areas and grounds maintained and cleaned regularly, but VCP has a maintenance person who changes HVAC filters, does minor repairs, takes out the dumpsters, and does “other duties as required”. Window cleaning, dryer duct cleaning, pest control, and landscaping services are performed by contractors recommended by our Property Committee, then selected by the BOD. A major difference for co-op residents is that the interior elements of your unit will also be maintained or replaced on a scheduled basis. For example, if your dishwasher suddenly stops working, there is no cost to you for repair or replacement. *
* If the member did not cause the issue.
The property was designed to ensure that residents with limited mobility can easily access all areas. There are fire and carbon monoxide alarms and sprinklers in common areas and in each unit. The exterior lights are automatic and all outside doors are locked 24/7, along with being monitored by motion-activated security cameras. The property is within the city limits of Puyallup and near shopping and Pierce Transit bus stops. Both the Puyallup Police Department and Central Pierce Fire and Rescue have location nearby.
Common Area: Large room on the first floor with a full kitchen, bars, TVs, DVD player, tables and chairs, seating, shelves for books/games *
Deck attached to the Common Area with gas grills, tables and chairs, seating *
Separate Cooperative multiple purpose room *
Hobby room with tools/equipment for woodworking and other projects
Fitness room with machines and equipment
Guest suite with reasonable nightly rate
Conversation areas on each floor
Underground heated garage with carwash bay and equipment, electricity, bike storage; one reserved stall per unit; EV charging available
Ample parking lot for guests or second vehicle
On-site storage closets available for rent ($45 - $65 per month)
Raised garden beds with individual plots
On-site Community Manager and Maintenance Person
“While You’re Away” services
Xfinity internet and television/DVR for each unit with a contract group rate
Secure building with cameras 24/7
Two pets allowed.
* Can be reserved by members for private events.