The 5 Best and Worst Places to Live with Allergies - Livability (2024)

If spring blooms bring itchy eyes and a runny nose, where you live matters for better...or worse.

By Kayla Walden on May 15, 2024

They say April showers bring May flowers. But for the 100 million Americans suffering from allergies, this time of year also delivers an abundance of sneezing, coughing, itching and watery eyes. You may find yourself swimming in Kleenex and clutching a bottle of antihistamines like your life depends on it. But there are definitely workarounds to the increased pollen count that naturally arrives with the changing of the seasons.

Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases an annual Allergy Capitals report that explores how challenging it is to live with seasonal allergies in the top 100 U.S. cities. Here are the five best and worst cities to live in for people with allergies — along with creative ways to make the most of spring and summer despite allergy sensitivities.

5 Worst Cities to Live in With Allergies

1. Wichita, Kansas

Say it ain’t so, Kansas! Unfortunately, Wichita tops the list (again) of the worst places to live if you have allergies. The Great Plains is a finicky place in the spring with swinging temperatures that exacerbate allergy symptoms, and all the grasses, flowers and trees aren’t doing you any favors either. On the bright side, you can find plenty of fun and engaging activities to fill your social calendar in this vibrant city. All-Star Sports features arcade games, a climbing wall and laser tag, while Blast Off Bay boasts the bragging rights for the largest indoor water park. Thrill seekers will appreciate the 38-foot rock climbing wall at Bliss Climbing and Fitness or taking up ice hockey at Wichita Ice Center. You can also spend peak allergy season exploring the 20-plus museums available within the city, like the highly-rated Museum of World Treasures or the Kansas Aviation Museum.

2. Virginia Beach, Virginia

We all know and love Virginia Beach with its sprawling sandy shorelines and host of summer fun in the sun. But it came in second on the list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies. With worse-than-average pollen counts and high use of over-the-counter allergy medication, soaking up the sun may be tricky if you’re sneezing the whole time. But one of the perks to life here is the vast array of indoor activities and amenities that help you live life to the fullest — without hauling around the Kleenex box.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art, while others may prefer to linger at the Virginia Military Aviation Museum. Children get a kick out of the Virginia Aquarium and TopGolf, while iFly Indoor Skydiving is easily a top pick for any adventure seekers hoping to find a creative way to pass the time. And if you want something a little more outside the box, pencil in an afternoon at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum with its expansive collection of decoy art. And, finally, when the pollen clears up, sneak away to one of Virginia Beach’s fabulous beaches.

3. Greenville, South Carolina

Boasting a reputation as the cultural hub for upstate South Carolina, it may come as a disappointment to learn that beautiful Greenville ranks high on the list of worst places to live with seasonal allergies. Then again, with its sprawling greenways, trails and parks, all of which come with an impressive collection of trees and flowers, maybe it doesn’t surprise you at all. While these are great amenities during 3/4 of the year, especially for families and young professionals, it’s not so great during the spring season. We recommend kicking it indoors when the pollen count is on the rise, but don’t think that means you just need to “Netflix and chill.”

Arcades, bowling, billiards, escape rooms and museums are all at your fingertips in this active and bustling city. From Frankie’s Fun Park and Pinky’s Revenge to Spare Time Entertainment and Stone Pin Company, family fun is never far away. You could also book a candle-making class at Greenville Soy Candle Company, make your own bowls at Hollowed Earth Pottery, learn to bake baguettes at Le Petit Croissant or peruse The Children’s Museum, Greenville Center for the Arts or Roper Mountain Science Center.

4. Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas, came in fourth on the list of most challenging places to live for people with seasonal allergies, but we can’t say this one caught us off guard. Repping an average number of allergy specialists but higher than average allergy medicine use, this city is home to several seasonal allergy sufferers. But the good news is that Dallas is ripe for the picking when it comes to indoor entertainment — which is appealing enough in those blazing Texas summers! Epic Waters is an indoor water park with both a lazy river and thrill seeker-style water slides, while Lone Star Axe Throwing boasts some serious fun with its star event (and arcade games, shuffleboard and more). The city has plenty of escape rooms, comedy clubs, breweries and taprooms to explore, and the museums range from your classic Dallas Museum of Art to niche findings like the National Video Game Museum. And, if all else fails, spend your days trying out the local fare and eating like a true Texan.

5. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Coming in hot at number five on the list of most challenging places to live for those with allergies is good ‘ole OKC. Like the others on our roundup, this charming and fun-filled city packs a punch for those who often have to duck indoors when the flowers begin to blossom. However, as is the case with each of these challenging cities, Oklahoma City is full of opportunities to enjoy life indoors when the pollen is at its worst. Museums are particularly enticing here with cornerstones like Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Museum of Osteology (dinosaur skeletons, here we come). OKC also boasts an iFly, America’s Incredible Pizza Company (with more than 80,000 square feet of rides, go-carts and more), and the Blue Zoo Aquarium. On sunny afternoons, hop in the car and take a driving tour of the city’s ample public art.

5 Best Cities to Live in With Allergies

1. Akron, Ohio

If you have seasonal allergies but live in Akron, Ohio, have we got good news for you! This active little city came in first place for best places to live for those with allergies, thanks to its better-than-average pollen count and medication use, as well as an average number of allergy specialists. There are ample indoor activities for the worst pollen count days, such as Get Air Trampoline Park and Akron Art Museum. But outdoor adventures like the Akron Zoo and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens or the trails at Cascade Valley Metro Park are going to be easier on your allergies here than pretty much any other city in the country.

2. Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico’s largest city slipped into second place for the best place to live for those with seasonal allergies, and we have to say, it does make sense. Sitting in the high desert comes with its perks, including a lower-than-average pollen count and fewer sneeze-inducing trees and flowers. You can enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities in Albuquerque, like perusing Old Town or exploring the Petroglyph National Monument, BioPark Zoo or BioPark Botanic Garden. For the days you need to escape indoors (it is the desert, after all!), check out StoneAge Climbing Gym, BioPark Aquarium, and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Spend an afternoon picnicking at Sawmill Market, an adaptive reuse project that holds restaurants and eateries. The space also contains co*cktail bars, a test kitchen, an event space and an expansive outdoor seating area called THE YARD.

3. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin’s capital city, proudly holds third place for best city for those with seasonal allergies, and that’s fantastic news for water enthusiasts. This beautiful city sits comfortably between lakes Mendota and Monona, which means you can easily get out on the water anytime the mood strikes. Other outdoor activities in Madison include exploring the natural beauty at Olbrich Botanical Gardens or saying hello to the critters at Henry Vilas Zoo. Plus, there are more than 250 parks and beaches to visit. As far as indoor activities are concerned, fan favorites include the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison Children’s Museum, Cave of the Mounds (technically a limestone cave) and Boulders Climbing Gym.

4. San Jose, California

Known for its close association with Silicone Valley, San Jose ranked high on the best places to live for those with seasonal allergies. If that’s you, you pretty much have it made. San Jose boasts some seriously fun outdoor activities, which are easier to enjoy here than in most cities. A few highlights include the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, Municipal Rose Garden, Castle Rock State Park and any of the countless trails in and around the valley. Perhaps the most iconic indoor activity in the area is the Winchester Mystery House, but you can also pass the time at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum or catching a show at SAP Center.

5. Cleveland, Ohio

Ohio frequently appears on this list of best and worst places to live with allergies, so it might surprise you to learn that Cleveland is in fifth place on the winning side. Nestled right along the southern shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland naturally has a great deal of outdoor activities to enjoy, including Edgewater Park, Cleveland Botanical Garden and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. You’ll also find plenty to do indoors if the allergies happen to flare up at the peak of summer blossoms, such as visiting the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, West Side Market, Cleveland Zoological Society and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.