In recent years, the greater Phoenix area has seen an influx of new residents, motivated by coastal price hikes and Covid-19 economic fallout, seeking to plant new roots. If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of those people. Welcome! It’s exciting but scary moving somewhere new, isn’t it? As someone who has moved around several times in the past decade, I can tell you it doesn’t get easier but the challenge never gets less invigorating.
Perhaps the biggest hoop to overcome when relocating to an unfamiliar space is building a new, local support system. Thankfully, I have found Phoenix to be rich with meet-up groups and group activities to help make the unfamiliar feel like home. These are a few that have stuck out to me in my own relocation journey:
Vikara Yoga Events
Founded during the pandemic, Vikara hosts a variety of yoga-based events in the Phoenix area. Most notably, Wellness Wednesdays at the Andaz Resort. This weekly series brings a rotation of local yoga teachers to a sprawling lawn at the Andaz Resort and welcomes yogis of all levels (though instruction skews advanced level) to enjoy an hour-long flow as the sun sets in the foreground. Vikara offers discounted packaged pricing and I can personally attest that their Wednesday events are often the highlight of my week when I partake!
City Girls Who Walk PHX
https://www.instagram.com/phxbabeswhowalk
Phoenix Babes Who Walk is a Phoenix-based walking club for girls, gays and non-binary babes. The group meets approximately twice a week at varying locations for two to four mile walks around the valley. This is ideally suited for residents new to the city looking to get outdoors without the stress and physical labor of a full-on hike with strangers!
Fitwell Escapes
https://www.fitwellescapes.com/
Fitwell Escapes markets itself as “Arizona’s Best Girl Trips and Adventures” although participants of all genders are welcome. Their events include yoga classes, picnics, hikes, park cleanup, multi-day group trips to California and other neighboring states, as well as guided group hikes around popular Arizona destinations such as Sedona. I have personally participated in their park cleanup initiatives and yoga classes and have always had a positive experience!
DTPHX Run Club
https://www.instagram.com/dtphxrun
The DTPHX Run Club meets twice a week – on Mondays at 6:30pm in Downtown Phoenix and on Thursdays at 7pm in Tempe. While I am not a runner by any means, I aspire to one day get to a level where I can join a running club and so, have been following their Instagram account for several months. The group has grown tremendously and if you’re a running enthusiast, their gatherings seem like a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in the area!
Cannakula
Cannakula organizes local wellness experiences which blend hemp and cannabis plant medicine with elements of yoga, meditation, and sound healing. This past June, I was invited to attend their Restwave Resonance event which took participants through a CBD and THC-supplemented Qigong flow followed by guided Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep meditation). I found the community to be warm and inviting, and look forward to participating in more of their events in the future.
For more of my recommendations around Arizona visit my dedicated page.