Living healthy can feel lonely at times. Many people try to eat better, move more, and care for their mind. But doing it alone can be hard. That’s why wellness communities are so powerful.
Across the U.S., more people are joining groups that bring them together. These places connect people who want to live well. From rooftop farms in New York City to quiet retreats in California, these hubs are changing how we think about health and friendship.
It doesn’t matter if you are just starting your wellness journey or have been on it for years. There’s a community ready to welcome you.
This guide highlights five types of wellness communities making an impact:
- Community gardens that grow food and friendships.
- Retreat centers that offer healing and transformation.
- Fitness groups that help members stay active and motivated.
- Biohacking events that share cutting-edge health ideas.
- Online platforms that connect millions of people who care about wellness.
1. Community Gardens: Where Wellness Grows
Urban gardens are about more than food. They help people feel calm, build friendships, and create green spaces in busy cities. There’s real joy in putting your hands in the soil while talking with neighbors. Plus, these gardens give people clean food they can trust—because they know how it’s grown.
Brooklyn Grange: A Sky-High Farm in NYC
Brooklyn Grange runs three rooftop farms in New York City. Together, they cover 5.6 acres and grow more than 80,000 pounds of organic vegetables each year. Imagine standing on a rooftop in Brooklyn, surrounded by tomatoes and herbs, with the Manhattan skyline in the distance. It’s not just beautiful—it changes how people feel.
The farm is more than food. It hosts tours, yoga at sunset, farm dinners, and workshops. And it helps solve big city problems too.
Why Brooklyn Grange is special:
- Better mental health: Nature lowers stress and worry.
- Stronger community: Events bring people together.
- Clean food: All veggies are organic and pesticide-free.
- Food you can trust: No hidden chemicals or mystery sources.
- Learning: Workshops teach people about farming and nutrition.
- Exercise: Gardening is great for the body.
- Helping the city: The farms hold back 175,000 gallons of rainwater during storms.
Tours are affordable with sliding-scale prices, so anyone can join. Whether you’re an office worker in need of green space or a family teaching kids about food, the farm has a place for you. Its pesticide-free promise means everyone can feel safe eating the produce.
Other Cities Growing Strong
Brooklyn isn’t alone. Across the U.S., cities are turning land into gardens:
- Seattle’s P-Patch Program: 90+ gardens across neighborhoods.
- Chicago’s NeighborSpace: 100+ gardens managed for local use.
- Detroit’s Urban Farms: Vacant lots turned into fresh food hubs.
These gardens do more than grow food—they grow community, health, and hope.
2. Wellness Retreats & Tourism: Travel for Inner Healing
Sometimes the best way to heal is to step away from daily life. Wellness retreats are growing fast because they mix the joy of travel with deep personal change.
Esalen Institute: A Legendary Retreat in Big Sur
Founded in 1962, the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California has been helping people grow for over 60 years. It is known as the heart of the human potential movement.
Here, you don’t just get a spa weekend—you get a full reset. Imagine waking up to the sound of the Pacific Ocean hitting the cliffs, then joining workshops that can change how you see yourself and the world. Esalen’s famous hot springs sit above the ocean, making them a place for both peace and connection.
Why Esalen makes an impact:
- Digital detox: No TVs, phones, or cell reception. Only limited WiFi in select areas.
- Many choices: Yoga, meditation, art therapy, and growth workshops.
- Breathtaking setting: Cliffs, forests, and ocean views. Sometimes whales pass by.
- Historic roots: Guests have included Joan Baez and Timothy Leary.
- Open to more people: Scholarships help make retreats affordable.
Esalen is not about flashy luxury. It’s about stripping away distractions to focus on real growth. One guest said: “Nobody is ready to leave this place, where bliss surrounds you.”
Other Transformative Retreats in the U.S.
Esalen isn’t alone. Across the country, other retreat centers invite people to heal and grow:
- Kripalu Center (Massachusetts): Focused on yoga and health programs.
- Omega Institute (New York): Offers hundreds of workshops each year.
- Miraval Resort (Arizona): Teaches mindful, balanced living.
- Shambhala Mountain Center (Colorado): A meditation hub in the Rocky Mountains.
Each one shows how travel can be more than sightseeing—it can be healing.
3. Fitness-Based Communities: Training with Purpose
Working out alone can feel boring. But in a fitness community, everything changes. These groups aren’t just about exercise—they give people support, motivation, and friends who keep them going.
USA FIT: A National Fitness Movement
USA FIT began in 1989 in Houston, Texas with just 50 runners. Today, it has grown into chapters all across the country, helping thousands of people reach their fitness goals.
What makes USA FIT unique? They don’t just hand out training plans and leave people on their own. Instead, they group members by pace and ability so everyone trains with people at the same level.
The USA FIT formula for success:
- Smart schedules: Four days a week of running or walking, with rest days included.
- Learning focus: Weekend seminars teach health and fitness tips from experts.
- Inclusive style: Walkers are welcome, with full marathon and half-marathon walking programs.
- Strong community: Members often say the friendships and support keep them moving.
The stories from members show the real impact. One shared: “Running with my group keeps me accountable. No matter the weather or distance, I show up. I’ve grown stronger and more confident.”
With chapters nationwide—and the option to start new ones—USA FIT proves that fitness communities thrive when they are local, supportive, and focused on real people with real goals.
4. Biohacker Events & Experiential Communities
Biohacking is no longer just about cool gadgets. It’s a lifestyle movement that blends science, technology, and community to help people feel and perform better.
Biohackers World Conference
The Biohackers World Conference & Expo will host major events in 2025 in Los Angeles (March 29-30), Chicago (July 26-27), and Miami (November 1-2). These are not ordinary health events. They are hands-on experiences where doctors, tech experts, and wellness fans come together to explore the future of health.
In the Expo Hall, guests can test new products, join live demos, and meet leaders shaping tomorrow’s wellness industry.
Why these events are special:
- Fresh ideas: Learn about sleep, longevity, wearable tech, and performance boosts.
- Open to all: From beginners to experts, everyone is welcome.
- Practical tools: Focus on tips and devices you can use right away.
- Strong connections: Network with brands and like-minded people.
Why Biohacking Communities Are Growing
The biohacking movement makes health more accessible. You don’t need to be a scientist—or spend a fortune—to start. People are already improving their sleep, energy, and focus with simple tools.
These events bring experts and everyday people together. Whether you’re curious about cold therapy, glucose monitors, or new longevity research, the 2025 conferences promise exciting breakthroughs.
Biohacking is not just about adding years to life—it’s about making those years healthier and more energized.
5. Online Wellness Communities: Support from Anywhere
Not everyone can join rooftop farms or retreats—and that’s okay. Some of the strongest wellness groups exist online. They connect millions of people who want to live healthier lives, no matter where they are.
MyFitnessPal Community: A Global Support System
MyFitnessPal is the world’s top nutrition app, with over 250 million users in 120 countries. In January 2025 alone, it earned over $16 million. But the real magic isn’t just in tracking calories—it’s in the community.
Members come from all backgrounds and share one goal: better health. The platform gives people a safe place to connect, get support, and stay motivated.
Why online wellness groups work:
- Always available: Support is there day or night.
- Worldwide reach: Forums, recipes, and success stories connect people everywhere.
- Real sharing: Members talk about both struggles and wins.
- Expert help: Volunteers and staff keep the space safe and welcoming.
- Fresh features: Tools like Voice Log and Weekly Habits make tracking easier.
The beauty of online groups is that they meet people where they are. Busy parent? Traveling for work? You can still check in when it fits your life.
MyFitnessPal goes beyond calorie counting. It offers full nutrition breakdowns and lets members interact, creating a true social support system that helps people stick with healthy habits.
Wellness Is Where the People Are
Here’s the truth: there’s no single way to live a healthy life. Some people find joy in community gardens. Others need the deep reset of a retreat. Many love the teamwork of a running group. Some explore the new world of biohacking. And countless people build strong support online.
The best part of America’s wellness world in 2025 is choice. There’s a community for every lifestyle, every budget, and every personality. Whether you want high-tech tools or simple back-to-nature habits, whether you love crowds or quiet moments, there is a place for you.
The secret is to find the group that supports not just your body, but also your mind and goals. These communities remind us of something important: wellness doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Often, it’s with others that we find our true strength.
So why wait? Your wellness community is already out there, ready to cheer you on. The only question is: which one will you try first?
