I grew up in Atlanta, GA area with bad allergies. I am allergic to just about anything that grows, it seems, but dust/mites & cats were my very worst. As an adult they finally got so bad I left my home state in hopes of finding a healthier place to live. And for about 7 yrs, I thought I had in San Jose, CA (south of SF). An allergist here once told me, given the severity of my allergies previously, if they hadn’t developed within a couple years of living here they weren’t likely to - not true.

My last 3 springs here have been miserable, I believe due to late heavy winter rains bringing on heavy pollenation. What is really interesting is I had noticed at other times during the winter months after a rain I could actually breathe BETTER! Less congestion. Who can Figure!

It is so true that what area is best for you depends on what you are sensitive to. Many people here say this is the worst place to live because everything grows here. I’ve heard & say the South is the Allergy Capitol because of the humidity - it amplifies everything, esp molds!

So now I too am contemplating moving on to another state, but don’t know where I would do best for the longest term. Desert? Wyoming with its frigid winters & mild summers? I do love snow & mountains! What about Montana? Any opinions? Near the Rockies, of course! Any suggestions appreciated. — Linda, San Jose, CA

I have lived in Portland, OR for almost nine years, and my allergies (mold, yeast, dust, pollen) have worsened. For the last two years, I’ve been unable to work for days or weeks in March due to severe eczema. I need to move–but Colorado, which my doctor recommended, seems TOO dry from what I’ve read on this website. I’m also considering Berkeley, CA, or New England (I’m from NH & didn’t have nearly as much of a problem there). Any thoughts? I haven’t read anything about New England climates here & would love to hear from there especially. — M.N., Oregon