Nowadays communities are mushrooming all over the world, because more and more people like to get out of the system and live close to nature with like-minded people. Some are spiritual like the NuMundo Community in Sedona. Their focus is on holistic living which allows personal development and transformation into higher levels of consciousness. You can book retreats there and get a taste of this way of life.

There are also communities of nature lovers, such as Cinderland. This is an ecovillage in a beautiful, jungle-like setting on the Big Island of Hawaii, just a mile from shore. This community relies on self-preservation, organic gardening and permaculture. Check: http://www.cinderlandecovillage.org