Manage your environmental allergies and asthma more effectively in these metro areas. When choosing a new location, many people consider weather preferences like moderate temperatures or snow, but for those with pollen allergies or asthma, air quality and pollen counts are crucial factors.
Cities with better air quality and lower pollution levels tend to be more comfortable for those suffering from allergic asthma. While the overall Best Places to Live list doesn’t factor in allergy risk, this list highlights locations where you might experience fewer allergy symptoms.
To determine the best places for allergy sufferers, we used data from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2023 Allergy Capitals report, which evaluates pollen levels, allergy medication usage, and availability of allergy specialists. Additionally, 40% of the ranking is based on average daily air quality in 2022, using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Note that recent wildfire impacts on air quality are not included in this data.
Due to limited pollen data in some regions, the list includes 93 out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S.
1. Buffalo, New York
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 27
Metro Population: 1,162,523
Median Home Price: $217,767
Average Annual Salary: $56,140
Buffalo may not be the most conventional choice, but it stands out as a top pick for those looking to minimize allergy discomfort. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Buffalo ranks favorably with lower levels of both tree and weed pollen compared to many other cities. For residents with asthma or other respiratory conditions, Buffalo offers a relatively healthy environment, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.8, indicating good air quality for most
2. Seattle
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 81
Metro Population: 3,971,125
Median Home Price: $768,396
Average Annual Salary: $76,170
Seattle’s Pacific Northwest climate brings ample greenery and rainfall, yet it doesn’t necessarily exacerbate allergy symptoms. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Seattle has lower-than-average pollen levels and allergy medication use, ranking it highly for allergy sufferers. The city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) is 48.2, indicating generally good air quality, though individuals with sensitivities might still experience some effects from air pollutants.
3. Madison, Wisconsin
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 11
Metro Population: 674,506
Median Home Price: $398,096
Average Annual Salary: $59,510
Madison offers a generally healthy environment for those with respiratory concerns, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.1. This places the city in a good position for air quality. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Madison ranks No. 85 on the Allergy Capitals list, indicating moderate allergy challenges compared to other cities. While the area has average pollen levels, residents report relatively lower use of allergy medications and fewer visits to specialists compared to many other places.
4. Portland, Oregon
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 36
Metro Population: 2,493,429
Median Home Price: $586,683
Average Annual Salary: $64,330
Portland is ranked No. 72 out of 100 on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s (AAFA) Allergy Capitals report, indicating it has average levels of pollen and a moderate number of allergy specialists compared to other cities. According to the EPA, Portland’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) for 2022 was 36.5, placing it among the top 10 cities for air quality out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S.
5. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 38
Metro Population: 587,411
Median Home Price: $223,842
Average Annual Salary: $54,370
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, ranks No. 5 on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s list for cities with relatively good pollen levels and access to allergy specialists. However, residents use more allergy medication compared to the national average. The city has an average AQI of 38.1, placing it 14th for air quality among the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S.
6. Syracuse, New York
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 22
Metro Population: 661,106
Median Home Price: $190,129
Average Annual Salary: $57,990
Syracuse offers a typical allergy season compared to other U.S. cities, ranking No. 57 on the AAFA’s Allergy Capitals list. For those with asthma or other respiratory concerns, Syracuse might be worth considering due to its air quality. With an average AQI of 37.3, it ranks 11th among the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. for air quality.
7. Austin, Texas
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 40
Metro Population: 2,234,300
Median Home Price: $566,144
Average Annual Salary: $60,260
Austin has experienced significant population growth over the years, and its residents benefit from relatively lower levels of environmental allergies compared to many U.S. cities. According to the AAFA, Austin ranks among the lower tiers for tree and weed pollen among the cities reviewed. The city’s average AQI of 48.7 falls within the healthy range, though it indicates a moderate level of air pollution that might affect sensitive individuals.
8. Columbus, Ohio
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 69
Metro Population: 2,122,480
Median Home Price: $320,921
Average Annual Salary: $55,860
Columbus, Ohio, offers relatively favorable conditions for those allergic to grass pollen, with pollen levels generally being better than the U.S. average according to the AAFA. The city’s average AQI of 45.9, as reported by the EPA, falls within the healthy range, suggesting that air quality is generally good for the majority of residents.
9. Washington, D.C.
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 39
Metro Population: 6,332,069
Median Home Price: $538,037
Average Annual Salary: $80,480
Washington, D.C., is known for its National Cherry Blossom Festival each spring, which can trigger seasonal allergies. Despite this, the area has moderate allergy conditions compared to other parts of the U.S. The city maintains a generally healthy air quality with an average AQI of 48.8.
10. Cleveland
Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 97
Metro Population: 2,786,926
Median Home Price: $190,370
Average Annual Salary: $55,192
Cleveland ranks relatively well among the 100 cities considered by the AAFA for managing environmental allergies, with better-than-average pollen levels and access to allergy specialists. However, its average AQI is higher than many other cities on this list, at 52.4, which means air quality can be less favorable for sensitive groups.
