A Day in the Life . . .

We dream of waking up and taking our dogs for a walk or run or for a romp at the dog park, chatting with neighbors we meet along the way. Afterwards, we might go to the Common House for a workout or yoga session and then get a cup of espresso and a light breakfast in the common house dining room. There, we might chat with a couple of friends and check in with the kiddos at the preschool. Later, we could work at one of the tables upstairs or have a meeting in a huddle space at the Common House for a couple of hours. Our neighbors who work outside the community might drop their younger children off at the preschool and grab a cup of coffee before catching the bus or taking one of the community EVs to work. School age children might walk together to the local elementary behind the community or join with a home school group for daily lessons in the Common House.

In the summer, those of us who are retired might walk over to the community garden and help with pulling weeds and maintenance and then gather some vegetables for lunch. Walking home, we might sit on one of the shaded benches and watch some of the neighborhood children playing on the climbing structures before continuing to our personal house. In the winter, we might hangout in the hearth room reading a book by the fire or work on various arts & crafts projects in the Maker Space. If it's cold enough, our natural pool might freeze over to create an ice skating rink! It's always fun to watch kids gliding across the frozen surface under Colorado bluebird skies.

After lunch at home, we might work in our own garden, watering the flowers and topping off the bird feeders before relaxing on our shady, private back porch. A winter afternoon might see us dozing off as the winter sun shines through our oversized, triple-glazed windows. We might work at our home office for awhile or head over the naturally filtered pool for a refreshing swim in the summer. In the winter we might head to the music room to practice on the piano or have a jam session with some of our neighbors.

Later, we might go for a bike ride or winter sunset walk and then join our friends and neighbors at the Common House for dinner and perhaps a movie in the Common House theater. Game nights see the Common House fill up with families and individuals alike as laughter rings through the air. Alternatively, some of us might head into the city to catch a Broadway show in downtown Denver, a play at the Arvada Center or a concert at Red Rocks before coming home and calling it a night. Since we're on the outskirts of the city, star gazing is a fun nighttime activity and several members are amateur astronomers hauling out their telescopes for us to view planets, stars and galaxies. We might hear a band of coyotes greeting each other in the distance as we head home to slumber in our incredibly warm and comfortable homes.

Our Members & Potential Members

Our strength lies in our individuality and our commitment to community. We value both connection and privacy and strive to make Gratitude Village a place where all are welcome and feel at home.

Suzie

Founder / OG Member

I have long dreamed of a community where I felt deeply connected. I felt that strong sense of connection at various points in my life: as a child spending summers with my grandparents in their small town in Oklahoma; traveling and living abroad in Nepal and Peru; and as a young family in a newly built suburban community. Since the pandemic, that deep sense of connection has not been as easy to create or maintain so I started researching alternative community options in 2016. That led me to discover cohousing. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for so I decided to start Gratitude Village!

I am excited for this adventure and look forward to living in community with friends old and new along with my daughter, our dogs, Ollie & Nova, and our parakeet, Mr. Pickles!

Dr. Wanda

OG Member

Dr. B graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School with a degree of ‘Doctor of Medicine’. She did her postgraduate residency in Pediatrics, became board certified and practiced Pediatrics in Plano, TX. Dr. B also trained in homeopathy and graduated from the Northwestern Academy of Homeopathy. Adding to her passion for helping people heal, she studied at the Institute of Functional Medicine and recently was certified by the IFM. Dr. B founded Healing Unleashed with her business partner, Dr. Joan. Together they have created a wonderful medical clinic to serve their community in Denver, CO. Wanda knows how important social connection is for people, mentally and physically and is excited to be part of this amazing community!

Reyna

OG Member

I am an enthusiastic advocate for Early Childhood Education, graduating with an degree that focuses on Early Childhood professions. I enjoy infusing happiness and innovative teaching techniques into the lives of young learners. I am also a small business owner and I manage a small online venture that showcases my creativity. Beyond my professional pursuits, I have a passion for anime, music, arts, and I have 2 dogs that I love, cherishing companionship and positivity in my life and in my community. In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling and learning new languages to connect with diverse cultures, and I love hiking, relishing the beauty of nature and the great outdoors.

Emily

EXPLORER

Hi there! I'm Emily, an adventurous spirit who thrives in the great outdoors. There's nothing like hitting a new trail or conquering a peak. My love for hiking began on a spontaneous trip to the mountains in college—where I fell for the serenity and beauty of nature.

When I’m not exploring, I'm often curled up with a mystery novel or experimenting with healthy recipes. I believe the best conversations happen under an open sky, which is why I always carry extra granola bars for sharing!

I’m especially excited to learn more about Gratitude Village—a community that shares my passion for nature, adventure, and connection. I look forward to evening or weekend hikes with neighbors, fresh meals from the garden, and building a community we're proud to call home.

Sara & Joy

EXPLORERS

I am Sara, a vibrant single mother creating a rich life rich for my daughter & myself. As a passionate teacher, I find joy in igniting creativity within my students, often blending my culinary enthusiasm into the lessons I share. My daughter, Joy, a spirited 7-year-old, mirrors my zest for life and eagerly takes on the role of sous-chef in our charming kitchen. Together, we enjoy crafting tasty memories, one recipe at a time.

When I’m not conjuring up culinary adventures or nurturing young minds, I delight in wandering through local farmers' markets, unearthing fresh treasures to inspire my next gastronomic creation. My life is full of love, laughter, and learning with Joy as my unwavering sidekick. Each day is a new adventure, whether it involves a classroom initiative or experimenting with a new dish, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m excited to learn more about Gratitude Village because it feels like a place where Joy and I can truly belong—a community where neighbors share in each other’s lives, values, and passions. I look forward to the chance for us both to grow, learn, and create alongside like-minded people in a place that celebrates connection and discovery.

Rose

EXPLORER

Bonjour! I'm Rose, a spirited single woman just back from an enchanting adventure in Paris, where I indulged in pastries and soaked up the city's art and history. When not exploring foreign streets, you’ll find me cozily at home, knitting scarves and sweaters—a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.

Family is my heart, and I treasure moments with them, whether sharing stories over a meal or a lively game night. Life is an evolving tapestry, and I’m eager to keep weaving in new memories.

I look forward to seeing Gratitude Village grow and hopefully calling it home one day—a place to put down roots, build friendships, and add my own thread to a warm, creative community.

Josh & Eric

EXPLORERS

Hi! I’m Josh, and my partner, Eric, and I have always been adventurous souls and we're now diving into a new chapter as we move to Colorado. This journey promises unforgettable moments with our two adorable dogs, Bella and Luna.

The moment we first visited Colorado, the breathtaking mountain views took my breath away, and Bella and Luna darted into the grass, tails wagging as they explored their surroundings. It felt like a grand adventure for all of us.

We’re thrilled to dive into the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Denver, meet new friends, and share our love for outdoor activities, from hiking stunning trails to gathering around a fire pit under the stars. Game nights with friends are already on the calendar, and we can’t wait to fill a community with laughter and joy.

Eric and I are especially excited to learn more about Gratitude Village. The sense of belonging and shared experiences here resonate deeply with us, and we look forward to building lasting connections in a community that feels so welcoming.

Jake & Emma

EXPLORERS

Hi, we’re Emma and Jake, an adventurous couple whose love for each other is only rivaled by our passion for exploring new horizons. With over 30 countries stamped in our passports, each destination holds a special story.

We still feel the thrill of soaring in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia’s landscapes or sampling Bangkok’s vibrant street food amid wafting spices. Emma’s eye as a photographer captures these moments, letting us relive the beauty and essence of our travels. Emma, with her keen eye as a professional photographer, has a way of capturing the essence of our adventures through her lens while Jake writes about our adventures for various magazines and blogs. We’re excited to start a travel podcast. One of our favorite memories? Dancing under the Northern Lights in Iceland!

Eager explorers at heart, we can’t wait to learn more about Gratitude Village—a place that seems to offer a community as rich in connection as our travels. With curious spirits, we’re excited about finding a home where shared experiences and new friendships await.

Sun & David

EXPLORERS

We are Sun and David! I (Sun) moved to the United States from bustling Seoul when I was young, and I've always carried a deep appreciation for Korean food and traditions. Over the years, my passion for my heritage has only grown, and it has become a shared love with my husband, David. We find joy in exploring Korean cuisine together — from sizzling bulgogi to spicy kimchi, we often whip up these delicious dishes in our cozy home.

David is an enterprising spirit, successfully running his own business right from our home. He skillfully balances the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys of our daily life. Meanwhile, I embrace my role as a nanny, finding great fulfillment in nurturing and supporting the children I care for. Together, we thrive on our shared interests and complementary careers, creating a harmonious and joyful life that reflects both our backgrounds. We're excited to explore the Gratitude Village vision, seeing it as an inspiring way to build a connected, vibrant community.

Dr. Dean Lee

EXPLORER

I am Dr. Lee. My family valued education and celebrated our cultural heritage which shaped who I am today. In my practice, I aim to blend the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern medicine, a mission that deeply resonates with me. Outside of the hospital, you’ll often find me hiking, capturing landscapes through my camera, each photo a reminder of the world’s beauty. As a polyglot, speaking three languages allows me to connect with diverse patients, enhancing my practice and enriching my life by understanding their unique stories.

Living life fully is my core belief, and each day brings new learning. I’m genuinely excited to learn more about Gratitude Village. Its values of community, sustainability, and connection are deeply meaningful to me, and I look forward to possibly calling it home soon.

Alex

EXPLORER

Alex is a vibrant and passionate recent college graduate with a degree in musicology. As an unapologetic lover of all things melodious, they spend their days exploring diverse musical genres and creating playlists that capture the essence of their eclectic taste. Alex proudly embraces their identity as a lesbian and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. Their infectious enthusiasm for music often leads to spontaneous jam sessions with friends, where their guitar skills truly shine. When they’re not strumming away, you might find them at local music festivals or volunteering at community events promoting equality and acceptance. With their unique blend of creativity and compassion, Alex is set to make an unforgettable impact on the world. Alex is looking forward to calling Gratitude Village home because it offers a supportive and inclusive environment where they can build meaningful connections while sharing their love for music. They’re excited about joining a community that celebrates diversity, creativity, and mutual respect.

Susan

EXPLORER

Meet Susan, a vibrant adventurer who finds joy in the simple pleasures of gardening, biking, and exploring the world. Her garden is a lush oasis, a blend of colorful blooms and hearty veggies that she tends with care, bringing a piece of nature's beauty into every season. An avid cyclist, Susan loves hitting the trails, feeling the wind on her face as she discovers new paths around town and beyond. Her love for travel has taken her to beautiful places near and far, each adventure adding to her collection of memorable stories. At home, she shares her life with her beloved pets, Henry a cattle dog mix she rescued whose antics bring endless laughter and Hazel an orange tabby who loves to cuddle or curl up in the sunshine in a window plus Jack a gray tabby who adores Hazel.

Susan is thrilled to get to know everyone at Gratitude Village. She’s excited to build connections with people who share her love for community, sustainability, and growth, and she can’t wait to make Gratitude Village her home!

Andrew, Elena, Noah & Ella

EXPLORERS

Meet the Morales: Andrew, Elena, their daughter Ella and son Noah. Originally from Florida, they moved to Colorado for the mountains and traded in their beach days for mountain trails and fishing trips. Andrew, a renewable energy specialist at NREL, is passionate about sustainability and loves sharing his knowledge of clean energy solutions with his family and friends. When he’s not at work, you can find him exploring local hiking trails, shredding black diamond runs at Keystone, fishing by a lake, or teaching the kids how to care for their budding garden.

Elena, a creative and adventurous spirit, homeschools Ella and Noah, crafting hands-on lessons that include everything from science experiments to nature scavenger hunts. She encourages the kids to learn by exploring, whether that’s through hiking, biking, or helping her plan family garden projects. She's excited to have a safe community where the kids can explore. Both Ella and Noah are as curious as they are energetic—Ella loves animals, especially the family's cockatiels, Bonnie & Clyde, and dreams of becoming a wildlife vet while Noah is fascinated by insects and loves mud and building things.

Fresh off a memorable Disney Cruise, the family cherishes shared experiences that deepen their connection. The Morales are thrilled to be Gratitude Village Explorers and are eager to share a community where sustainable living and family-friendly spaces make daily life richer. They look forward to connecting with neighbors, trading gardening tips, and making memories in the community’s outdoor and creative spaces. For them, Gratitude Village offers a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and meaningful connections.

Can't you see yourself here?

We hope you'll join us!

Brian, Stacy, Trace & James

EXPLORERS

The Miller family—Brian, Stacy, and their sons, Trace and James—are outdoor enthusiasts who fully embrace each season’s unique offerings. Having moved to Denver from the Chicago suburbs to be closer to the mountains they adore, they’re now perfectly positioned for their favorite winter sports including hockey, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Brian works in IT, while Stacy runs her own personal training business, each balancing their careers with a passion for adventure and an active family life. In the warmer months, they switch gears to biking, swimming, and cheering the boys on at their baseball games.

Brian captures their many outdoor escapades through his photography and Stacy, an advocate for wellness, finds peace and joy in meditation, dancing, and painting—activities that help her recharge. Their sons, Trace and James, are budding builders, constantly designing new creations with LEGO that sometimes even inspire full-family construction projects. Both boys love climbing and can’t wait to explore the climbing structures at Gratitude Village.

The Millers are drawn to Gratitude Village for its strong community focus and shared outdoor spaces that align with their active, family-oriented lifestyle. The family envisions joining neighbors in the community gardens, natural pool (and possible ice skatin rink in the winter) supporting sustainability initiatives, and participating in family-friendly events like game or movie nights.

Marcus, Ayanna, Zara & Nia

EXPLORERS

We are the Williams family—Marcus, Ayanna, Zara (8) and Nia (6). We are a vibrant, close-knit group that makes the most of Colorado’s winter wonderland. I (Marcus) am a graphic designer, potter and budding guitarist who loves to bring creativity to every adventure, while my wife Ayanna, a school counselor, ensures our family’s time outdoors is full of fun and life lessons. When she is not at work, Ayanna loves baking and trying new recipes. Zara and Nia are inseparable on the slopes, always challenging each other to try new jumps or race to the bottom. When they are not skiing, sledding or snowshoeing, the girls love arts and crafts. Zara is a huge reader while Nia loves to draw and dance.

Our family is drawn to Gratitude Village for its inclusive community and year-round activities. We can see our home here and think of it as a place where Zara and Nia can make lifelong friends, participate in community events, and learn the value of sustainability.

Ron

OG Member

Ron grew up in Denver and received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and master’s degree in Range Science from Colorado State University. He was in the Peace Corps in West Africa. His professional life focused on the disciplines of agriculture and natural resources. Ron also house/pet sat at numerous locations in the west for six years after retiring in 2010.

Ron is a widower with one treasured son. He reads lots of books, likes to try new places to eat and relishes hiking above timberline. He gardens, particularly enjoying his annual potato crop, and walks dogs once a week at the local shelter. He takes time and effort to advance spiritually, and has consciously experienced aloneness.

Ron was president of the Colorado County Agricultural Agents Association, and was on the board of directors of the Colorado Weed Management Association.

What's There to do Near Gratitude Village?

We are blessed to live on Denver's west side! This give us access to big city amenities like The Denver Center for Performing Arts and great concert venues like Red Rocks as well as more than 57,000 acres of open space for hiking, biking and horseback riding and straight forward access to the Rocky Mountains for great skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing!

Sheltered between soaring red stone cliffs, Red Rocks Amphitheater gives concertgoers a chance to see their favorite musicians while surrounded by nature. The surrounding park has a variety of trails for hiking and mountain biking and locals enjoy yoga as well as running the stairs to stay in shape!

Jeffco Open Space contributes to city and park district projects, has preserved more than 57,000 acres, and manages 27 open space parks, and 269+ miles of trails in Jefferson County, Colorado. White Ranch is one of the parks near where we are looking to build Gratitude Village.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex in Denver, Colorado, is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. The DCPA is a four-block, 12-acre site containing ten performance spaces with over 10,000 seats connected by an 80-foot-tall glass roof.

Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains about 30 minutes northwest of Denver. It has many attractions, including the Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon State Park, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Pearl Street Mall. The campus is home to the Fiske Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an 80-acre nonprofit zoological garden and conservation organization located in City Park. Founded in 1896, it started with the donation of an orphaned American black bear. With the construction of Bear Mountain, it became the first zoo in the United States to use naturalistic zoo enclosures rather than cages with bars

Whether you’re an expert carver or new to the slopes, Colorado ski resorts can't be beat. As the top skiing destination in North America, the state boasts 28 ski resorts (many relatively close to Denver) and hundreds of miles of varied terrain for all skill levels. Explore the best ski areas in Colorado to find the perfect place for your winter vacation.

And this is just scratching the surface!

Enjoy some of the images that inspire our vision!