Top 183 Most Spiritual Places in the US [2025 Survey]

Not all spiritual awakenings happen in the woods or on mountain tops. 

Sometimes they unfold in quirky arts districts, sleepy historic towns, or tucked-away urban corners with a metaphysical heartbeat. 

We dug into the data on the U.S.’s most spiritually curious communities – not just where people are lighting incense or pulling tarot cards, but where alternative belief systems are quietly shaping local identity. 

What emerged is a surprising spiritual atlas of America, full of patterns, pockets, and plenty of incense.

Key Findings

California is in its own spiritual orbit.

With over a dozen entries, California easily leads the country in metaphysical enclaves. From Joshua Tree’s desert minimalism to Ojai’s wellness hush, from Haight-Ashbury’s psychedelic legacy to Silver Lake’s stylish energy workers, the state’s spiritual range is vast. Urban or rural, coastal or inland — if you want to talk chakras over coffee, California’s your place.

Oregon and Washington lean esoteric, but in a Pacific Northwest way.

The Pacific Northwest shows a clear preference for low-key spirituality mixed with creativity. Places like Portland’s Alberta Arts District or Olympia’s downtown blend progressive ideals with ritual practice – think intuitive dance, sound healing, herbal workshops, and astrology meetups. Nature plays a big part too; a lot of spiritual life here happens outside.

The Southeast isn’t all Bible Belt.

Yes, the South has strong traditional religious roots, but it also hides some of the most fascinating spiritual outposts. Cassadaga, Florida (the so-called “Psychic Capital of the World”) made the top 10, but places like Avondale in Birmingham and the Faubourg Marigny in New Orleans show how spirituality here blends with history, music, and cultural fusion.

The Mountain West and Southwest go for the mystical landscape.

There’s something about wide-open skies and sacred earth that speaks to seekers. Sedona, Taos, and Manitou Springs are no-brainers, but smaller towns like Canyon Road in Santa Fe or Mount Shasta, CA – long thought to be a spiritual vortex – also made strong appearances. 

Big cities have small, spiritually rich neighborhoods.

New York’s Bushwick and East Village. LA’s Echo Park and Topanga Canyon. Chicago’s Wicker Park and Edgewater. In each case, there’s a distinct micro-neighborhood known for blending art, activism, and spiritual practice. These urban spiritual hotspots often thrive where creativity and counterculture overlap.

College towns are quietly buzzing.

Ann Arbor, Athens (GA), Missoula, and Lawrence – all classic university towns – show up repeatedly. It makes sense: younger populations, openness to new ideas, and lots of community gathering spaces make these fertile ground for alternative spirituality.

The arts scene and metaphysical life go hand-in-hand.

One of the most common overlaps in the data? Spirituality and the arts. Districts known for galleries, murals, and live music – like Tulsa’s Arts District or Asheville’s downtown – consistently show up as spiritually active too. Creativity, it turns out, often rides along with mysticism.

New England’s vibe is more witchy than wellness.

Salem is the obvious anchor, but towns like Brattleboro (VT) and Northampton (MA) reveal a Northeastern flair for spirituality that’s more ritualistic, historic, and cerebral. Less crystals and cacao, more candlelight and philosophy. There’s a moody beauty to the way belief manifests here.

Even conservative states have countercultural currents.

Arkansas, Mississippi, and Wyoming aren’t typically framed as spiritual hubs — but hidden in cities like Eureka Springs, Jackson, and Laramie are eclectic communities carving out space for healing, ritual, and metaphysical exploration. They may not be loud, but they’re definitely there.

Final thoughts

If this list proves anything, it’s that alternative spirituality isn’t just a coastal or urban phenomenon – it’s everywhere, from desert mesas to snowy college towns to funky Southern neighborhoods. 

The rituals may vary, but the intent is often the same: to connect, to reflect, and to explore something just out of view. 

Whether it’s through astrology or ancestor work, full-moon circles or forest walks, belief is being reimagined – and these towns are quietly leading the charge.