10 Best U.S. Cities to Live for Allergy Sufferers

Every year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America publishes a list of the top "allergy-friendly" cities in the U.S. Why? Because there are 60 million people in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with asthma or allergies. It can make them miserable enough to want to move to a location where the pollen count is lower.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to allergens, or foreign protein substances that produce symptoms by being eaten, breathed, injected or touched. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. In severe cases it can also result in rashes, hives, lower blood pressure, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and even death.

What does allergy-friendly mean?

Allergy sufferers experience symptoms in the Spring and Fall. The most common causes of allergy symptoms are pollen from trees, grass and weeds; mold spores; dust mites and cockroach allergen; and, cat, dog and rodent dander. Cities that are considered allergy-friendly are those where the pollen count is lower or that have weather conditions with shorter pollen cycles.

Here are the top 10 best U.S. cities for people who want relief from allergies.

1. Portland, Oregon
2. Seattle, Washington
3. San Diego, California
4. Sacramento, California
5. Albany, New York
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
7. Stockton, California
8. San Jose, California
9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
10. Daytona Beach, Florida