Exterior view of a modern apartment building with brick and black paneling, multiple balconies, and a landscaped walkway with small shrubs and trees.

Co-op Living at Zvago Long Lake

Zvago Long Lake is a Minnesota 62+ nonprofit housing cooperative combining the financial benefits of homeownership with the connection of community living.

A Different Kind of Homeownership

Cooperative living is a different approach to homeownership—one that combines personal independence with the shared strength of a community.

Group of ten smiling older adults standing indoors near a window with blinds and framed pictures on the wall.

  • Members purchase a share in the cooperative, rather than buying individual real estate.

  • The cooperative corporation owns the building and property, and residents are member-owners.

  • Each member has exclusive rights to their private residence within the community.

  • Ownership of the entire community is shared among all members.

  • Monthly fees cover maintenance, management, and shared services, simplifying day-to-day living.

The result is a housing model that combines the financial stability of ownership with the simplicity of maintenance-free living.

Shared Ownership. Shared Responsibility. Shared Success.

At Zvago Long Lake Cooperative, members are both owners and residents. Together they shape the direction of the community through democratic governance and shared responsibility.

Three smiling adults, two women and one man, standing indoors in front of a decorative backdrop with blue and white patterned bunting, celebrating a birthday.

Members:

  • Elect the Board of Directors

  • Participate in community decisions

  • Follow bylaws that can be updated through a democratic process

  • Share responsibility for maintaining and improving the cooperative

Through the Board and committee structure, members collectively help manage finances, maintenance, landscaping, and social activities. This form of self-governance creates a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Maintenance-Free Living with Ownership Benefits

Group of people sitting around a fire pit on a balcony, enjoying conversation and beverages, with tables, chairs, and potted plants in the background.

Many adults exploring 62+ communities want to simplify their lifestyle without giving up ownership

Cooperative living at ZLL offers:

  • Homeownership without exterior maintenance

  • A financially stable, nonprofit community

  • A voice in decisions that shape the cooperative

  • Tax benefits of homeownership

  • Predictable appreciation

Members enjoy the convenience of maintenance-free living while still maintaining the sense of ownership and investment that comes with homeownership.

Empowerment Through Self-Governance

Five adults seated at a conference table engaged in a meeting, with papers, notebooks, a water bottle, a mug, and a microphone on the table, in a room with large window blinds and a wall light.

Co-op living offers connection, friendship, and social opportunities — but it also relies on active involvement.

Self-governance is one of the greatest strengths of cooperative living. Members have a meaningful voice in the place they call home.

Participation helps ensure the cooperative continues to thrive for current and future residents.

Participation Matters

Residents bring a wide range of skills, experiences, and talents — and everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Three women sitting at a conference table in a meeting room, with documents, water bottles, and a mug on the table, engaged in conversation.

Some members serve on the Board of Directors, guiding long-term decisions and governance.

Others join in committees such as:

  • Building & Grounds

  • Community Living

  • Finance

  • Marketing

These groups collaborate to solve problems, plan improvements, and support daily life at ZLL.

Seasonal residents stay involved by joining meetings remotely, affording our snowbirds continued participation in the cooperative.

For those who prefer not to serve on a committee, there are still many ways to contribute — from security checks and recycling efforts to social activities and neighborly collaborations.

“I’ve really come to see that our committee work is what keeps this place running. Every person matters, and without people stepping up and pitching in, our community just wouldn’t work the way it does.” — Loretta S.

Active Living at ZLL

Four smiling women and one man standing on a balcony with trees behind them, holding a potted pink flowering plant and a bag of soil or gardening mix.

Active vs. Actively Engaged

Zvago Long Lake supports an active, outdoor lifestyle, and our location makes that easy.

But what truly keeps our community vibrant is not just being active — it's being actively engaged.

Members help shape the environment by:

  • Volunteering their skills and talents

  • Serving on committees

  • Participating in social activities

  • Supporting neighbors

Member involvement is vital to our welcoming atmosphere and essential for maintaining our thriving community.

Why Buyers Choose a Cooperative

For many people exploring 62+ housing options in Minnesota, the cooperative model offers unique advantages.

Compared with condos or apartments, cooperative living provides:

  • Shared ownership and community governance

  • A strong sense of connection and belonging

  • Opportunities to contribute skills and experience

  • A supportive environment among neighbors

In short, it’s homeownership with built-in community.

Whether big or small, your contributions help make life here more vibrant.

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