air quality in chandler, az (Phoenix, Tucson: home, buy, allergies)

[Midwest runner]

I've searched the threads, but can't find exactly what I'm looking for.

Husband looking at potential jobs in Chandler area. Is air quality any better than Phoenix area? Is there anywhere w/in 30-45 min. of Chandler that would put us in better air quality, perhaps further east, south or north?

We've been to Phoenix a number of times, but always more centrally located where the pollution causes allergy/asthma flare ups.

For some reason, Tucson air quality doesn't cause any breathing/allergy problems.

TIA

[BuckeyeBoyDJ]

The air quality in Chandler is only slightly better than Phoenix. The farther away you get from Phoenix generally the better the air quality and it also cools down more at night in the summer months the farther you get from Phx. Chandler is a suburb but it's not that far out to have significantly better air quality however the southern/southeast portions of Chandler have better air quality then the north/northwest portions of Chandler. Gilbert has better air quality than Chandler and would be a doable commute if your husband lands a job in Chandler. Queen Creek which is even further out has even better air quality but the commute might get a little old and if you dont land a job in Chandler and land one in Phoenix you will hate yourself for choosing Queen Creek. Hope I helped.

[AZgarden]

A simple answer to your question is NO. The Chandler air is the same stuff as Phoenix.

[CodyW]

The short answer is no. While it might be a little better, I doubt anyone would be able to tell the difference. The only places where the air is noticeably better are the far flung edges of the metro area.. Anthem, Fountain Hills, etc..

[azriverfan.]

No, the air is the same.

If you are concerned with allergies, buy a home that doesn't have a lot of carpet. Change your air filters once a month. Buy a quality vacuum with high suction power (Dyson ect) and use it regularly. Regularly follow up with an allergist and a primary care doctor. Take your medications as prescribed. Bathe before going to bed to reduce the pollen count on your body. Don't use humidifiers.

[PlainWhite]

And if you live near the mega-dairy firms in south Chandler, depending on which way the wind is blowing, the smell of cow manure can be overpowering. No exaggeration.

[youthinkso]

Anthem and Phoenix 85086 is calling you. Up here chewing the air isn't a daily occurrence.

[AZgarden]

Originally Posted by PlainWhite

And if you live near the mega-dairy firms in south Chandler, depending on which way the wind is blowing, the smell of cow manure can be overpowering. No exaggeration.

Those cows are on their way out. The land has been sold and they are moving soon.

[gravooms]

Late to the party, but here you go: Maricopa County Air Quality Department Google Data Display Map. PM-10 levels got to 180 (at least) in Chandler today. Not typical, but it's been a pretty gross spring overall. Rain would be nice.

[Ponderosa]

Wind direction, and human activity past and present are the main things affecting air quality The best air is in the far west parts of the metro because winds tend to come most from west to east and there is nothing west of town but open desert. The desert does not produce nearly as much dust as former farm fields and other human activity. Also, most people do not have allergy problems with native plants.

In winter, if you can get above the inversion layer then the air is totally different than what is trapped below. Where I live is only a hundred or so feet above the valley floor but in winter time you are often in the clear. It is rather interesting driving into town and dropping down in the brown cloud. Other higher spots are Anthem and Fountain Hills.

As for allergies in Tucson vs Phoenix, there is much, much more vegetation, especially grass in Phoenix. Many people are bothered by bermuda grass and the flowering plants we grow here. Tucson is more native because water is so expensive there and the culture is different too. They do not try to re-create the midwest like people in Phoenix do.