Moving out of Modesto due to allergies (Oakdale, Sonora: house, camp)

[RMP500]

Well, I finally gotta go. Been in Modesto for 20 years and just tired of the allergies.

Im surrounded by orchards over here. Spring is coming and I will have to hide out in the house for at least 2 months while its really bad.

My allergies over the years seem to be year round now...and now starting to get some allergy induced asthma.

I cant go too far as I have too many ties here so thinking about heading up to the foothills...maybe Copperopolis, Angels Camp, or Sonora.

Copperopolis is only 50 minutes away....while Sonora is almost an hour 20.

I know there will still be some allergies there and occasional smog and fog but in my thinking it has to be 100 times better.

Plus the water quality will be much better. Modesto is high in Nitrates as well as other farmland pollutants.

Anyone make the move due to allergies and find some relief?

Any experience in the Foothills verses the Central Valley?

[KC6ZLV]

You really need to find out what you are allergic to. It is not as simple as seeing any given plant in bloom and assuming that is what is giving you allergies. For example, pollen allergies from the prunus species (peaches, nectarines, etc) are uncommon. You could have an allergy to one of the grasses or oaks. There are few places in California where you can get away from these allergies and with the exception of the beach, most people don't care to spend any time in those places. So, don't bet on your allergies going away in Sonora. Air quality in the foothills isn't any better overall than it is in urban areas. It all blows up into the Motherlode. Especially the problem with ozone. It is often worse in some areas of the Motherlode. Ozone is an irritant and makes allergies worse.

Mold and mildew allergies are also common. You aren't going to find many places in California where you can get away from that either.

Almond, Cherry, Peach, Plum (Prunus) Genus Level Details & Allergy Info

[BeauCharles]

Every one is individual and yes, you need to narrow down what is bothering you and make sure you aren't moving into a worse situation. That said, my mom was miserable living in Oakdale until she started allergy shots. She was on them for several years and got good relief from all the pollen that bothered her there. We then moved to Mariposa County and she discovered that the things that bothered her in the valley didn't exist to the same degree up in the Sierra. She stopped taking the shots and hasn't had allergies to nearly the same degree since.

[RMP500]

Originally Posted by KC6ZLV

Air quality in the foothills isn't any better overall than it is in urban areas. It all blows up into the Motherlode. Especially the problem with ozone.

I have been noticing this on several trips up...mainly in Copperopolis you can see a white smoke/haze that fills the area. Not sure if thats ozone or smog but its coming right over the hills from the valley.

I didnt see it in Angels Camp though which is almost double the elevation or more than in some spots.

Its a tough call but I know moving far away from the orchards is going to be better no matter what.