There is a religious community in the Napa Valley where I might like to live. It is not free, and there isn't much work around there. I have thought about moving there every day for the past 3 years, since I went there on retreat twice in 2003 after a bunch of bad things hit me all at once.

You are so right, Benjamin, about this completely being about Maslow's hierarchy. I teach about Maslow in my classes, so I am very familiar with it.

You might try the search terms "cohousing" and "shared housing." New ideas are emerging, but it is always going to take some money to buy into any of these plans.

I would be much better off financially if I could find a compatible roommate or roommates. I am going to start selling off more furniture and more junk, so that if I have to sell this apartment, I will be ready.