Air quality in Sedona (Phoenix, Flagstaff: homes, construction, allergies)

[Dixiebound]

My wife and I are planning a move to Va. However, after a recent trip to Az. we were having second thoughts. I researched Cave Creek and northern Maricopa county but the air quality scared us away due to our own health issues. It seems Sedona has good air but I am concerned about the level of dust in the air. I could not get precise stats. How does the dust rate with north Maricopa county? Sedona dust- is it unsettled all year round? Thankyou.

[sablebaby]

The dust can be pretty bad, especially when we have some windy days (not many of those, but we get them occasionally) and the wind picks up a lot of dirt from fields and landfills and construction sites. I don't think it matters much where inside of Maricopa County you are. If you have allergies or asthma, DO NOT MOVE HERE! You will not get better being out here. Remember, Arizona is a DESERT, that means a lot of dirt.

[Dixiebound]

Thanks for your response. I guess We'll have to move to a place with less sun and more rain.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

The dust can be pretty bad, especially when we have some windy days (not many of those, but we get them occasionally) and the wind picks up a lot of dirt from fields and landfills and construction sites. I don't think it matters much where inside of Maricopa County you are. If you have allergies or asthma, DO NOT MOVE HERE! You will not get better being out here. Remember, Arizona is a DESERT, that means a lot of dirt.

I think Sablebaby was referring to the air quality in Maricopa county, i.e. Phoenix metro area. Totally different up around Sedona/Flagstaff/Payson/Prescott. These towns have some of the cleanest air in the country. Here's a link to the 2003 ADEQ air quality report for 2003. (Sorry, this was the most recent I found, but I think it should give you an idea of the difference in air quality between Maricopa county and the Sedona area.)
http://www.azdeq.gov/function/forms/...2003/aqadd.pdf

[sablebaby]

Yep, I was referring to maricopa county. She asked about the northern areas of MC, and there isn't a big difference from the rest of the county.

[Gretchen B]

Yep - I reread her post. Totally missed the Northern Maricopa County part and zeroed in on the Sedona part. Just to clarify for Dixiebound - Sedona is part of Yavapai & Coconino counties (the county line actually runs through the middle of town). Don't know if there was some confusion about where Sedona is. :-)

[Dixiebound]

Thanks to GretchenB and Sablebaby; I was asking about sedona and maricopa co. Been to both places and considering both as a place to move. Appreciate both your responses.

[zonababe]

In Sedona and surrounding areas there is fine red dust. It will get into the cleanest of homes. This dust can make its way inside electronics, computers and DVD players need extra care in Sedona. I don't know if the dust would cause health problems. The dust is year round, as Sedona is surrounded by forest land that will never be paved. Come visit Sedona for a few weeks and see if it is a good fit for you.

[Dixiebound]

Thanks zonababe-Being there will be the best test.