
Best and Worst Cities for People With Allergies
Allergies caused by environmental factors like pollution, pollen, and dust are often unavoidable. However, a few cities are more livable for those with the condition. These cities have a low pollen count, cleaner air, and more allergists per capita. If you live in one of these places, managing asthma and allergies is easier. In this article, we’ve listed the best and worst cities for people prone to frequent allergy attacks.
Best cities for allergies
The following are a few cities in our country that have a low pollen count and, thus, let you manage your asthma and allergies better:
1. Durham, North Carolina
This city in North Carolina is among the most allergy-friendly places in the country. During the spring season, the southern part of the state is covered under a blanket of dust. So, Durham, located on the East Coast, remains one of the best cities to prevent any allergy triggers.
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle not only offers the most picturesque views but is also the finest place to live in with asthma and allergies. During the spring season, the count of ragweed pollen is low. In addition, the rains in the city prevent allergies and let its residents stay outdoors as long as they wish.
3. Provo, Utah
Provo is another suitable city for those prone to asthma and allergies. During the spring season, ragweed and cottonwood pollen increase, yet the levels stay manageable. The number of allergists in the area is also high, which means residents can easily nip the problem in the bud.
Worst cities for allergies
Some cities in the country have higher than average pollen levels during spring, and the number of allergists is low. This makes them the worst cities for allergies. Here are a few notable mentions:
1. Louisville, Kentucky
Bluegrass can be found in abundance in the city. And since bluegrass releases more pollen than any other plant, Louisville has become one of the worst cities for asthma and allergies. The city has a humid climate, and a combination of rain and warm weather makes it perfect for trees to grow.
2. Providence, Rohde Island
The city has the highest pollen count between March and May. Although this count goes down in June and then further in July, researchers say that climate change can increase the duration of high pollen periods.
3. Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville has a high pollen count, thanks to birch, oak, and maple box elder trees found in abundance in the area. The pollen can stay longer in the air since the city is not windy, is humid, and experiences warm temperatures. And, given its shape, the wind gets trapped in the town and spreads instead of carrying the pollen out.