Finding a niche in the recovery community is important for long-term sobriety, and some cities make this easier than others. Whether you’re looking for something special in your own city, or are thinking of relocating to a healthier place, this list of the 10 Best Sober Living Cities compiled by The Fix highlights some unique perks from cities all around the country.
1. Boston, MA: The local AA groups in Boston have found a great way to expand their network and allow members to connect with a wider range of other members. Over 2,000 meetings in the Boston area participate in a “commitment exchange,” where groups send members to speak at other meetings, spreading their perspective and support.
2. Delray Beach, FL: A city with a population of just 64,000, Delray Beach dedicates a lot of its time and energy to making its citizens who are in recovery feel safe and at home. There are over 300 meetings in the city that more than 5,000 people attend. The community is also very friendly towards newly recovered addicts, offering a wide range of entry-level jobs.
3. Houston, TX: Houston is dotted with a large number of AA Clubhouses, which take hitting a meeting to a whole new level. These establishments are more like sober bars, where visitors can hang out, eat, and attend a meeting at any time of day. Clubhouses are free and are open to out-of-towners, too.
4. Los Angeles, CA: Attending a meeting in LA is more of an event than it is just a meeting. The groups there are large and well attended. Many members meet an hour early for meetings so they can talk and hang out. After the meeting, groups of sober friends head out for dining or to catch a movie, and they are very welcoming to anyone who wants to come along.
5. Minneapolis, MN: This is one of the most advanced cities in America in terms of offering support and care to people struggling with addiction. Minneapolis is called “the city of 1,000 rehab centers” and is home to 11 of the 35 sober high schools in the U.S. There is a thriving recovery infrastructure of medical professionals, educational opportunities, and legal support there as well.
6. Nashville, TN: Nashville is billed the soberest city in the country, and their local AA groups celebrate sobriety in Southern style. They throw around 10 community-wide events per year, including BBQs, campouts, and ice cream contests.
7. New York City, NY: Diversity is the spice of life, and New York is a city that thrives on it. Catering to diversity is a hallmark that extends to the sober community there as well, where you’ll find specialized 12-step groups of every flavor. From LGBT to late night groups, there’s something for everyone. It’s also easy to find a sober party to celebrate any occasion in the city that never sleeps.
8. Portland, OR: The local groups of Portland pride themselves on stepping out of their comfort zone and giving back to the community. From Hipsters to Hell’s Angels, everyone in the Portland recovery community loves to get involved.
9. Prescott, AZ: Of the 40,000 residents of Prescott, 1,200 of them are in active recovery at any given time. That’s 1 in 30 residents in a city where getting clean and healthy is a way of life you can be proud of. Job opportunities for recovering addicts are abundant here, and becoming involved in the community is something you can be very open about.
10. San Francisco, CA: For such a big city, San Francisco has a tight-knit feeling, and this extends to the recovery community. A wide range of diversity amongst members makes a lovely melting pot of support that makes recovery pretty fun.
Mitch Webb serves as the Technology Director at Shadow Mountain Recovery. He has worked in the substance abuse field for the past six years. His experience at several other treatment centers is instrumental in implementing new technology and systems at Shadow Mountain Recovery. Mitch has a passion for helping individuals and their families recover from the disease of addiction.
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