Issue #49 - Alegria Village: Why This Community Works by Siya Zarrabi

Written by Siya Zarrabi

After living in Alegria Village for over a year now, and living in the surrounding area for 3 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to something truly rare and beautiful—a community that actually works. It’s not perfect (and I’d argue that’s part of the magic), but it’s vibrant, growing with intention, and rooted in care. When I talk about Alegria to friends or family, I often find myself using the word alive. There’s a pulse here that’s hard to describe unless you’ve spent some time here, attended our gourmet potlucks, or felt the energy of a music event in the Yoga Shala. Even the gross parts are part of the magic, like dumping a bucket of organic slop at the compost station. You don’t get these experiences in other places.

So, what makes Alegria successful? It’s not a gated paradise or some utopian ideal frozen in time. It’s real people, showing up for each other. And while it’s tempting to say “you just have to experience it,” I want to break down the core elements that have made this place thrive—and why I believe more communities around the world could learn something from what’s happening here.

1. Grassroots Governance That Actually Works

One of the most powerful aspects of Alegria is how it’s governed. There’s no top-down authority or faceless board calling the shots. Instead, neighbors step up, vote, and form an internal HOA committee—selected by and made up of the people who live here. This decentralized approach creates a sense of real ownership and accountability. Everyone has a voice, and every voice matters.

There’s no rigid hierarchy. If someone has a good idea, they’re empowered to bring it forward. If something needs to be done, it usually doesn’t take long for a neighbor (or a small group of them) to step in and handle it. There’s something deeply human about this model. It feels less like governance and more like collaboration—and it works because people genuinely care.

2. An Incomplete Sculpture, Ready for Shaping

When the developers handed Alegria over to the neighbours, they laid a beautiful foundation. Some have called it “half-baked,” using that term as a critique. But I see it differently. I see Alegria as a sculpture—fortunately unfinished, offering the residents a chance to mold and shape it together. That, to me, is integral to the neighbours being able to customize it along the way.

Rather than delivering a polished, final product, the developers built the core infrastructure and then, once 51% of the lots were sold, they stepped back and handed the reins to the people. That transfer of power wasn’t just symbolic—it was an invitation. And the community has responded beautifully. We’re sculpting something together, and that collaborative energy doesn’t stop at the details, some changes were huge; like the entire re-design of the farm beds. Increasing our yield by 50%! One final building is still in the works of being funded by the developers, a co-working space called The Hub. Luckily, it wasn’t built before many bought into Alegría and now we can shape this building to better suit the needs of the individuals who will be using it. Adding classroom space and a large kitchen for batch processing.

3. A Culture That’s Co-Created

Alegria isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to participate and share your skills. There’s always something happening, sometimes too much happening! Our events are not driven by a calendar in an office somewhere, although we do have a calendar somewhere? It’s organic, neighbor-led, and always evolving.

Weekly yoga and martial arts classes, kirtan events, ecstatic dances, breathwork sessions, and workout groups pop-up in our shared event space. These events are created by residents, for residents. And when new people arrive with fresh energy and skills, they’re welcomed in and encouraged to share what they love.

“For 2.5 years Alegria Martial Arts has been a special part of Alegria Culture. We are a destination for families that want their children to have an enriching empowering experience while in CR. Our program features guest instructors from Kung Fu, Capoeira, Aikido and more. We have a bi annual promotion ceremonies that celebrates the students martial arts journey. Building friendships, confidence, inner strength and Self Defense skills.” - Sensei Nzinga

Over time, this rhythm of shared experience has created a real sense of belonging. There’s a culture here, but it’s not rigid or exclusive. It’s fluid, warm, and shaped by the personalities and passions of those who live here.

4. The Feria: Community Commerce With a Heart

One of my favorite monthly traditions is the Alegria Feria. It’s more than just a market—it’s a celebration of local culture, creativity, and connection. Local vendors are invited to sell their goods, and unlike most markets, there’s no table fee. That’s right—vendors don’t pay to participate. Why? Because the Feria isn’t about profit; it’s about support.

The goal is simple: empower local businesses, bring the community together, and weave a deeper connection between Alegria and our surrounding neighbors. You’ll find handmade jewelry, organic produce, baked goods, herbal tinctures, kombucha, fresh pizza, vegan meals, fresh coffee, live music and so much more. The Feria has become a touchstone in our community calendar—something people look forward to not just for the shopping, but for the shared spirit it cultivates, and maybe a dip in the pool.

5. Neighbors Who Take Initiative

There’s a strong current of “see something, do something” here. If a tree needs planting or a sign needs making, it’s not uncommon to see a few neighbors handling it before anyone even has a chance to ask. For larger concerns, there’s staff members to help and hired administrators to coordinate maintenance. For day-to-today operations, people step into roles naturally, often forming committees around specific needs—be it maintenance, events, marketing, communications, conflict resolution, or land stewardship.

This kind of initiative doesn’t come from obligation. It comes from care. When you feel like a place is yours—and when you know your actions genuinely matter—you show up differently. Alegria has attracted people who are ready to contribute, not just consume. And that’s a big part of why it continues to grow in such a healthy way.

6. Slow, Steady Growth

One of the smartest things about Alegria’s development is the pace. There hasn’t been a massive influx of people all at once. Instead, growth has been gradual, giving the community time to breathe, adjust, and evolve. This slow increase in population means each new personality adds to the overall energy in a meaningful way.

Culture doesn’t get manufactured here—it emerges. With every new arrival, the collective vibe shifts just a little, and that slow rhythm allows for deeper connections. People have time to integrate, to learn the story of the land, and to add their own chapter. Fast growth can often lead to fragmentation. Alegria’s approach fosters cohesion.

7. A Beautiful Mix of People

The diversity here is one of its greatest strengths. Alegria is home to a beautiful mix of ages, family dynamics, cultural backgrounds, religions, beliefs and opinions. Having a blend of singles, couples, families, digital nomads, and retirees. Each demographic brings something different—and something valuable—to the table. We celebrate our diversity.

Kids play freely among the gardens and trails, elders offer wisdom and grounding, parents bring structure and creativity, and younger residents infuse the village with passion and energy. This blend of ages and backgrounds creates a rich tapestry of community life.

8. The Farm: A Living, Giving Heart

At the center of Alegria, both literally and metaphorically, is the farm. It’s not just where we grow food—it’s where we connect with the land, learn from each other, and give back. The farm has expanded its growth so much since my first arrival to Alegria. My first weekly basket was small, but exciting. Nowadays the baskets are overflowing and that isn’t even counting the thousands of fruit trees that aren’t even producing yet! Some weeks we are producing a surplus of produce, and rather than selling it all for profit, the excess is donated to the local Maderal School and neighbouring families outside the community. This massive growth of the farm is due to a few key neighbours who stepped up and optimized the shitake out of that garden. From the soil, to the irrigation, surveying neighbours for likes and dislikes, and getting volunteers to rebuild all the garden beds. A massive undertaking that we are all benefiting from today.

The farm embodies the soul of Alegria: rooted, generous, and community-driven.

9. Constant Feedback, Constant Evolution

Alegria is a living organism. Things shift. New ideas emerge. And one of the reasons it continues to thrive is that feedback is not only welcomed—it’s actively encouraged. We have WhatsApp channels for different topics, regular community surveys, and open committee meetings where anyone can share thoughts or ask questions.

This feedback loop creates transparency, accountability, and agility. It means the community isn’t static—it’s responsive. And that responsiveness is key to long-term sustainability.

Final Thoughts: Why Alegria Works

Alegria Village isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. And that’s not by accident. It’s the result of conscious design, yes—but more importantly, it’s the result of people caring enough to show up, to co-create, and to hold space for each other.

What makes Alegria successful isn’t a master plan or flawless execution. It’s the imperfect, unfinished, evolving nature of the place that makes it feel so alive. It’s not trying to be a polished resort or a trendy eco-village. It’s trying to be something more real: a place where people build something together, and leave it better than they found it. Taking an old cattle ranch and converting it into what you see today is no easy feat, but it’s worth the effort.

If you ever get the chance to visit, do. Come walk the trails. Meet the people. Feel the energy. But more than anything—listen. Because in the quiet corners of Alegria, in the shared laughter and the long conversations and the hands in the soil, there’s a deeper story being told.

And I’m grateful to be a part of it.

https://www.alegriavillage.com/

About Author: Siya Zarrabi is a Travel Videographer for the YouTube channel Hopscotch The Globe. After backpacking for 5 years, then road tripping in a vintage Airstream for another 5 years, they merged these two lifestyles and shipped their Airstream to Alegria and built their house around it. Siya is actively involved in several committees within Alegria and is also part of their new Sales & Marketing Team for Lots and Houses on the market.