Before moving in, it is important to have clear expectations of the relationship between the ranch and its community members.

We are a collaborative community creating opportunity for individual and group effort. We love to support people who show up and take leadership in bringing their visions for the community into reality. This includes taking initiative, inspiring others to join you, and advocating for yourself.

Setting Expectations:

• The ranch is not a landlord-tenant situation
  • This is a co-created, shared responsibility space.
  • This community is not built for profit, it’s built for collective enjoyment.
  • All money is put back into the community for improvement as defined by what residents collectively desire and stewards deem appropriate.
• Residents are expected to complete 12 hours of community contribution
  • This is one of the reasons rent is affordable, and all residents are expected to care for at least 1 zone of the property and yes, perform physical labor (to your physical ability).
  • This is how we care for our shared spaces. It generally translates to 3 hours a week cleaning or contributing, which is the only way we can maintain such an amazing property to enjoy for all of us. For more info see ‣
  • For guests by default and residents who opt out of the 12 hours, there is an additional $300 service charge for not having to complete chores besides cleaning up after themselves.
• We do not have a full-time groundskeeper or maid
  • We all pull our weight to care for this space in different ways
  • We respond to all maintenance requests, but the reality is, if for example your toilet is clogged, you are expected to at least try and plunge it yourself first.
• We do not offer private office space by default
  • We have coworking spaces that should be left available for anyone to use while you are not using them, and you can also set up work spaces in your own room.
  • Depending on capacity we can allocate dedicated workspaces at an additional charge
• We do not buy or acquire furniture for you
  • You can ask a housemate to do it as a favor if you need help moving, but it’s courtesy to offer to pay for gas, etc.
  • Some of our rooms are furnished with the essentials, but we do not buy additional items.
• We do not buy your groceries
  • We have a community food program where we order bulk staples and spices, but we do not do your grocery shopping for you.
  • Someone may be able to pick up an item or two for you when they go shopping, but that is a personal favor you can ask for from your fellow community members (and naturally it is expected you will pay them back).
• We do not automatically reimburse you for things you buy for the ranch
  • Any purchase you expect reimbursement for must be a pre-approved purchase by one of the stewards. We also have a purchase request form in the resident portal.
• We do not store vehicles (vans, RVs, etc.) or large quantities of personal items for free
  • You are expected to pay for monthly storage if you bring large items that don’t fit in your personal space, or no one else can use and benefit from them if not in your personal space.
• We are a pet-friendly space
  • We have several cats, dogs, and other rotating animals that are present outside and occasionally in the main house. Please be aware for allergies.
  • Residents and guests are expected to follow our rules around pet care, keeping dogs on-leash everywhere except the dog park, and keeping all animals up to date on meds.
• We live near a border patrol checkpoint
  • Being 20 minutes from Tecate, there is a strong border patrol presence (blegh). They drive up our road, and you have to pass through a checkpoint nearly every time you go into town. This has been a dealbreaker for some people and it is worth noting if you are considering living here.
• We are 30 minutes from any big grocery store and 40 minutes outside major San Diego neighborhoods.
  • While there is a mini market 3 minutes away and a produce shop on the way through Jamul, you will have to drive to get the standard selection of groceries. You can carpool with people, but if you have to commute anywhere or don’t like driving, just be mindful that this is a reality of rural living.

For more information on our core rules, please read the ‣