Best place to live in AZ for ALLERGY SUFFERER (Phoenix: environment, moving to)

[MsAlex]

We are thinking of moving to Arizona from NY state. In this four season climate,my allergy season is the fall. (Nasal congestion and asthma problems start in around August, and continue till the first real frost kills whatever it is I am allergic to that is in the air.)
Any advice as to what areas might be better for allergy sufferers like me, and any advice as to places I should definitely stay away from?? Two areas that we're particularly looking at are Tucson and Sedona (and the surrounding areas).

Thanks!!

Alex

[MaimounaKande]

I recently read that there are more people suffering from allergies in AZ than any other state. Mesquite is a bit one for people (our neighbor had to uproot a couple b/c his allergies were so bad).

Now, the report did not say this but MY guess is that it has such a high rate not b/c of all the allergens but rather b/c all the people w/allergies move to AZ to relieve them a bit! That said...my sister in law, who did not have problems w/allergies in CO, has major problems with them here.

If my theory is right (and I haven't looked into it), I bet there are really high rates of arthritis too!

Pam

[kawgpz550]

If you have allergies to dust, you may have a problem in just about any area in Arizona. If you're allergies are primarily just things that grow (pollen, rag weed etc) Arizona will probably be right up your alley. I'm allergic to oleanders and it the only darn flower that likes to grow easily around here lol
Most people that live other places and have allergies are usually ok for a while in Arizona desert, however, eventually your body will grow more accustomed to the area and most likely develop other allergies...par for the course. However, allergy season here isn't near as bad as most other places.
As far as high rates of arthrits? Probably only in the winter due to the influx of snowbirds we have coming in lol. We have a very DRY climate so most arthritis sufferers don't complain too much. Of course, if you have arthritis, it's going to bother you anywhere, but usually more bothersome in the more humid climates and Arizona is definately NOT HUMID!
Again, good luck on your move and if you have any questions feel free to pm me!

[ArizonaGirl]

The Arizona Desert is the only place where I have suffered from seasonal allergies, except in the higher elevations. I'm miserable in Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Las Vegas for the duration that starts at Easter and runs through Mother's Day every year. Moved here from NY with no allergies when I was a teenager and had the problem ever since, except when I lived elsewhere.

[MsAlex]

Originally Posted by ArizonaGirl

I'm miserable ... for the duration that starts at Easter and runs through Mother's Day every year..

So far it sounds like I might be in luck, as I don't have springtime allergies at all. Mine are only fall allergies (which I think are more of the ragweed variety -- seed ripening, end of growing season variety). Thanks to everybody for your feedback and tips.
Alex

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by MsAlex

So far it sounds like I might be in luck, as I don't have springtime allergies at all. Mine are only fall allergies (which I think are more of the ragweed variety -- seed ripening, end of growing season variety). Thanks to everybody for your feedback and tips.
Alex

You may be in luck if ragweed is really the problem. There is no ragweed out here. No dust mites either which is a source for many people. But, in time, you may develop sensitivity to other plants.

I think some of what gets classified as allergy here is chronically dry and irritated sinuses from the low humidity and omni-present dust.

[Coconino]

I grew up in California and didn't suffer from allergies until I moved to Flagstaff at the age of 27. I now have allergies every year from March through May, and I'm 41. It could be that I just developed allergies at that age. However, I suspect I'm allergic to juniper pollen, since I get a rash whenever I touch a juniper--and I've reacted that way my whole life. Be warned that Sedona is full of junipers. As a side note, alot of people in northern Arizona think they are allergic to ponderosa pollen. However, while I was once giving a tour of our local arboretum to a statewide group of allergists, they all agreed that ponderosa pollen doesn't cause allergies. Ponderosas and junipers produce pollen at the same time, but the ponderosa pollen is more visible (it leaves yellow rings on the ground when rain puddles dry up) and therefore takes the blame. In reality, juniper pollen is the # allergen in northern Arizona.

[30apples]

Allergies in AZ: Stay away from Phoenix - there is so much irrigation and so many non-native plants that there are a variety of allergy-producing plants. In particular, orange trees and other citrus trees which bloom in early spring are a HUGE problem for many people. There are also a number of popular shrubs which cause a lot of problems for some people. They have them in Phoenix -don't know about Tucson. Ornamental olive trees are also a huge allergy problem and I believe it is prohibited, by city ordinance in Phoenix, to plant new ones. The existing ones, many of which are quite large are allowed. Tucson has a lot of these trees. Don't know about Sedona but it may be better do to the high desert environment.

[blur07]

try Lake Havasu City

[blueeyz911]

I do not think there is anywhere in Arizona that is 'good' for allergy sufferers. Everything grows out here almost all year round.