Commune living - What's it like?

I don't live on a commune, but it's certainly an option for a lot of people. Especially those who are younger and may not have the capital to buy land.

I just want to hear people's experiences with living on a commune (as opposed to our preconceived notion of communes, which can be coloured by inexperience and personal bias).

So let us know why you joined a commune, and what you thought it would be like. Also, please tell us of the reality, and how your views have changed. If you left a commune, tell us why. Lastly, would you recommend it?

I had done a (brief) search for this sort of thread already, but didn't see anything terribly recent.

I love communal living. It's where I feel most alive, most playful, and most connected to myself and to my loved ones. I highly recommend communal living. I have lived in amazing places, with amazing people, doing awesome things.

I'm not willing to share further details about my communities or experiences.