If you’re one of the 50 million Americans battling seasonal allergies, you know the struggle: endless sneezing fits, watery eyes, and a nose that just can’t decide whether to be stuffed up or runny. It’s not only irritating – it can throw your whole day off.
But here’s the good news: where you live matters. Some cities make allergy season far more bearable than others.
Every year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases its Allergy Capitals Report, ranking the toughest – and the easiest – places to live with allergies. The list factors in pollen levels, how many people rely on allergy meds, and the availability of specialists. While weather can shift the numbers slightly, the hardest-hit cities tend to stay near the top year after year.
So which cities should allergy sufferers avoid – and which might feel like a breath of fresh air? According to the 2025 report, here are the 20 most and least challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.
| Most Challenging Cities for Allergies | Score | Least Challenging Cities for Allergies | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS - weed and grass pollen | 100 | Boston, MA | 45 |
| New Orleans, LA - weed pollen | 87 | Salt Lake City, UT | 50 |
| Oklahoma City, OK - weed pollen | 86 | Akron, OH | 50 |
| Tulsa, OK - weed pollen | 84 | San Diego, CA | 50 |
| Memphis, TN - tree and weed pollen | 84 | Cleveland, OH | 52 |
| Little Rock, AR - weed pollen | 83 | Boise, ID | 53 |
| Raleigh, NC - weed pollen | 83 | Provo, UT | 54 |
| Richmond, VA - weed and grass pollen | 83 | Madison, WI | 54 |
| - weed, tree, and grass pollen | 83 | Ogden, UT | 54 |
| Greensboro, NC - weed, tree, and grass pollen | 82 | Denver, CO | 54 |
Allergies or Something More?
Sneezing, a runny nose, a scratchy throat – sound familiar? These everyday allergy symptoms can make it tough to tell whether you’re dealing with pollen or something more serious.
The key difference: fever. Allergies don’t cause one, but colds, flu, and other illnesses do. If your temperature spikes, it’s not just allergies.
Timing also matters. Allergies often flare up seasonally, while cold viruses circulate year-round. If your “allergy” symptoms show up when you normally feel fine, you may want to take a closer look.
And don’t forget COVID-19. Its symptoms can overlap with both allergies and the flu. The safest move? Get tested. It’s quick, easy, and can give you peace of mind before you start any treatment.
NewHomeSource can help you find the ideal new home in an area that works for your allergies and lifestyle. Search by location from our comprehensive new home listings.
For more tips and information, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.