
What It’s Really Like Living the Hutterite Lifestyle Today
Alright, let’s get something straight. If you’ve never heard of the Hutterites before, you’re not alone.
A lot of people mix them up with the Amish or the Mennonites — which, yeah, makes sense at first glance. They wear plain clothes. They live in tight-knit communities. And they’ve got deep religious roots.
But trust me — once you step inside a Hutterite colony, you realize pretty quick: this is something totally unique.
The Hutterite lifestyle is like nothing else. It’s part old-school faith, part high-tech farming, and 100% centered around community.
So what’s it really like to live in one of these colonies? Let’s dive in and find out.
Why People Are Curious (And a Little Confused)
You’d be surprised how many folks hear “Hutterite” and immediately think:
“Oh, they must be like the Amish — no electricity, no internet, right?”
Not quite. While they do live simply and value tradition, the Hutterites are actually super advanced when it comes to tech — especially in agriculture. We’re talking about GPS-guided tractors, data-driven farming, even their own internal networks.
But that mix of modern tech and old-school values throws people off.
They live in communal colonies, share almost everything, and prioritize the group over the individual — which is a whole different vibe compared to how the rest of us live.
And honestly? That’s what makes the Hutterite lifestyle so fascinating.
So… What’s the Problem?
Here’s the deal: Most people have zero clue what Hutterite daily life actually looks like.
There’s not a lot of content out there. They don’t do interviews. They’re not out here posting TikToks about their morning routines. So a lot of what we think we know is either flat-out wrong or just based on stereotypes.
And because of that, the Hutterites are often misunderstood — which sucks, because their lifestyle has some powerful lessons about faith, work, and community that more people could honestly learn from.
Common Questions About the Hutterite Lifestyle (Let’s Break It Down)
Do Hutterites use technology?
Yep — big time. They might dress simply, but many Hutterite colonies are way ahead of the game when it comes to farming tech, solar energy, and internal communication systems. It’s not about rejecting tech — it’s about using it wisely and for the good of the community.
Do they all live together?
Yup. A typical colony has around 60–150 people, and they all live in close quarters. Everyone has their own home, but meals are shared in a central dining hall. There’s a lot of shared work, shared space, and shared purpose.
Do they own anything personally?
Not really. Most property is communal — from houses to tools to income. The idea is that nobody goes without, and everyone contributes what they can.
What do they wear?
Hutterite clothing is modest and uniform — long dresses and head coverings for women, dark trousers and shirts for men. It’s less about fashion and more about humility and identity.
Do kids go to school?
Absolutely. Each colony usually has its own school, with education in both English and German. The kids learn reading, math, science — and they also help out with chores and farming early on.
Are women allowed to work or have opinions?
Definitely — but within traditional roles. Women typically handle domestic tasks: cooking, cleaning, raising children, managing laundry for dozens of people. That said, many are also teachers, accountants, or tech operators within the colony.
What’s a typical day look like?
Mornings start early. Men head out to farm, build, or manage machinery. Women cook for the whole colony — we’re talking massive meals — then handle cleaning, schooling, and planning. Kids pitch in. Evenings are quiet: shared dinners, religious reflection, maybe some music or family time.
So How Do They Make It All Work?
The magic word here? Community.
Everything the Hutterites do is based on their belief that we’re stronger together than we are apart.
They follow the teachings of Jesus — especially from the Book of Acts — where early Christians lived communally and shared everything they had. Hutterites took that literally and built their entire lifestyle around it.
They vote on decisions. They rotate responsibilities. They raise kids as a village.
It’s not just “me and mine” — it’s “us and ours.”
And it works because everyone buys in. There’s no keeping up with the Joneses because no one owns more than anyone else. That simplicity brings peace — even if it’s hard work.
What Makes Their Lifestyle So Different?
It’s not just about religion or routine — it’s about choosing a life that’s not built on consumerism, competition, or constant noise.
In a Hutterite colony:
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There’s no social media drama.
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No pressure to be an “influencer” or go viral.
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No FOMO over who’s got the newest phone.
Instead, it’s about showing up, doing your part, and staying connected to something bigger than yourself.
They’re not anti-modern. They’re just pro-purpose.
Can People Leave If They Want?
Yeah, they can. But it’s complicated.
Leaving the colony means leaving everything — your home, your job, your family, your identity.
Some do it. Some come back.
But most who stay genuinely believe that the Hutterite lifestyle is the right path for them. And for many, it brings a deep sense of belonging and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Let’s Get Real — What Can We Learn From Them?
Okay, you don’t have to move into a colony or give up your Spotify subscription. That’s not what this is about.
But maybe the Hutterite lifestyle is reminding us of something we’re missing:
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Maybe we need more shared meals.
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Maybe we need to slow down and reconnect with community.
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Maybe we don’t need more stuff — just more purpose.
We’re out here chasing likes while they’re building real connection.
What About You?
Alright, let’s talk.
If you could borrow just one part of the Hutterite lifestyle — what would it be?
Would you unplug more? Eat together as a family again? Share more, scroll less?
Drop your thoughts. I’d love to hear how you would take a piece of their way of life and use it in today’s crazy world.
Sources You Can Trust
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Hofer, Johannes. The History of the Hutterites
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Kraybill, Donald B. – Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites
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Hutterian Brethren official site – https://hutterites.org
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PBS – “The Hutterites: Living in Community”
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BBC Future – “Inside the Hutterite Colonies”
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200701-how-hutterites-live-in-modern-communal-life