I have often had this feeling that we as people are missing the closer connections we used to have before the modern nuclear family.  I want to be in a community where I have the opportunity to help and support others through life and can receive help and support as well.  I'd like my kids to grow up with a common cast of characters.  I guess my closest experience to this was living in a shared apartment in college and, though it had its challenges, I was pretty happy there.