Co-homeowners and best friends “grow roots” in their Vermont city

Two and a half years ago, best friends Jordan Heiden, 30, and Cass Lang, 29, traded New York City apartment living for communal homeownership. They pooled their savings to put a down payment on a $250,000 home in Barre City, Vermont.

They each own 50%. “We see it as a partnership,” Heiden said. “It works for us.”

Since then, they’ve invested in rooftop solar panels, built garden beds in the yard and become involved in local government by attending city council meetings.

“We’ve been able to really...