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The 20 Best Places to Live if you Have Arthritis

Taos, New Mexico

If you suffer from moderate to severe arthritis, you've probably already discovered how the climate of an area can affect your condition. Cold weather and excessive moisture can make your joints feel stiffer and begin to twinge with pain.

Changes in the barometric pressure also trigger arthritis discomfort, especially when the air pressure lowers. Areas that have the most volatile weather with thunderstorms, high humidity, and extreme cold are the worst places to live if you have arthritis.

In addition to considering the climate, you must also consider the healthcare system. Some places with climates that are not good for arthritis have some of the best medical care options that can help to mitigate your symptoms.

If you're looking for a climate that can bring some relief, here are the 20 best places to live if you have arthritis.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

20. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Arizona Pain leads us with a list of the best places for arthritis sufferers to live in the United States. They recommend Minneapolis because of its rheumatology experts. This city is the home of the Mayo Clinic with specialists who can help you manage your pain efficiently. Minneapolis may have cold weather during the winter, but you cannot beat the health care professionals there.

Baltimore, Maryland

19. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is another city that has top-notch rheumatologists available. The climate in the city isn't the worst, but it's not the best either. Baltimore is a good choice because it is the home of Johns Hopkins Hospital. It's the number one rated hospital for arthritis care and management. Residents of Baltimore have access to the best possible treatment. Also, the city offers a host of recreational activities including hiking, biking paths, yoga studios, and gyms. Exercise is recommended for helping to improve arthritis.

Destin, Florida

18. Destin, Florida

Destin is located in the Gulf of Mexico on the Florida panhandle. This is a beach town that offers a broad range of outdoor activities. While the humidity in Destin can trigger twinges, it's a great place to get year-round exercise to improve joint health. The best part of living in Destin if you have arthritis is the warm weather, which combined with exercise, helps to alleviate joint pain naturally. You'll also find plenty of qualified rheumatologists in the area.

Grand Junction, Colorado

17. Grand Junction, Colorado

Grand Junction offers hot summer and low humidity. These are both ideal climate features for those who deal with the discomfort of arthritis. There are plenty of places to get outdoor exercise whether you enjoy biking, hiking, or going for walks in the beautiful scenery. Grand Junction does experience some snowfall, but the winter season isn't nearly as long as Denver. The city gets less rain and snow on average.

Salt Lake City, Utah

16. Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is a city that is ranked as one of the best cities to live in if you have arthritis. The summers are hot and the humidity is low. Although winters tend to get cold, the humidity level remains constant and low year-round. There are plenty of recreational activities available in Salt Lake City, to help you more effectively manage your arthritis. Another benefit of living here is that the cost of living is affordable, there are plenty of healthcare options and the crime rates are low.

Palm Springs, California

15. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is located in the desert region of Southern California. The desert climate is exceptionally good for people with arthritis. The air is dry year-round and there are very few storms that hit the region. This means that the barometric pressure maintains a steady balance without extreme rises and drops. For a desert town, the temperatures are not quite as extreme in the summertime. This is because of the city's proximity to the San Jacinto mountains. Palm Springs averages more than 350 days of sunshine annually, and it's not often that it sees rainfall. There is plenty of biking and hiking trails along with other recreational activities.

El Paso, Texas

14. El Paso, Texas

El Paso is situated in the western part of the state of Texas. It's a favorite place for people with arthritis because of the low humidity. The summers get hot, but the winters are mild. Another benefit of living in El Paso is that the cost of living is low. There are multiple healthcare options for getting treatment for arthritis. The costs of healthcare are also affordable in El Paso. It's also the home of the Franklin Mountains State Park if you're looking for places to get some healthy exercise.

San Diego, California

13. San Diego, California

San Diego is also known for having a mild climate. One of the best things about the city is that the humidity is usually low and the temperature averages about 74 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to seek treatment for your arthritis, there are a lot of different specialists who treat rheumatic health conditions available. There are huge networks of cycling, hiking, and walking trails to help you get your exercise.

New York City, New York

12. New York City, New York

Healthline lists New York City as one of the best places for people with arthritis to live. New York is brimming with top-notch rheumatologists. There are more than 500 of these specialists practicing in the city, so the choices are there. It's one of the better larger cities in the world to get treatment for RA. Although the climate can get cold, there are plenty of medical options to help you cope and control the symptoms.

Yuma, Arizona

11. Yuma, Arizona

The odds are 9 out of 10 that you're going to wake up to a sunny day in Yuma. It's the sunniest city in America, and that's good news for anyone who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. The bright sunshine delivers a healthy dose of vitamin D which is good for promoting bone density and preventing bone loss. The climate is warm and humid in Yuma. It's no wonder that the city is such a popular choice for retirees.

Denver, Colorado

10. Denver, Colorado

Flexcin recommends Denver as a good place to live if you have RA. Although the winters are cold and snowy, Denver is not as prone to temperature extremes. The summers are mild enough to be comfortable and warm. When the snow does come it doesn't hang around for long. Denver is at a high elevation that prevents humidity from becoming too high in the air, and that's good news for anyone with arthritis.

Las Vegas, Nevada

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is another city in the southwestern part of the United States that is good for people with arthritis. Although Las Vegas has a reputation for being a "sin city" it's an excellent choice for anyone who has arthritis. The humidity is low, the weather is steady and warm, and the climate is ideal. It's close to all of the excitement of the casinos and hotels, but it's also a place where the cost of living is low.

Phoenix, Arizona

8. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is also a good place to live if you have arthritis. What makes it so ideal is the steady barometric pressure that doesn't seem to fluctuate much. It maintains steady pressure in a climate that is warm, dry, and arid. Another benefit of living in Phoenix is the clean air. Sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking in this region.

Cleveland, Ohio

7. Cleveland, Ohio

If you're looking for a place to live in the Midwest, then Cleveland may be your best bet. The medical options are ideal for anyone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The city is the home of the Cleveland Clinic with over 30 rheumatology specialists on staff. If you're looking for a city that offers some of the best medical services for treating arthritis, Cleveland is definitely one to consider.

Los Angeles, California

6. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is recommended for people who live with arthritis. It's the home of the UCLA Medical Center with a range of rheumatologists on staff to treat your condition. On top of that, LA has a climate that is suitable for those living with RA. It's warm in LA and the humidity is low.

Tucson, Arizona

5. Tucson, Arizona

55 Places recommends Tucson as one of the best places to live with arthritis. Tucson is the home of the University of Arizona Medical Center with several qualified rheumatologists on staff. It's a nationally recognized hospital. Tucson is also the home of the Arizona Arthritis Center. On top of all that, the desert climate offers hot temperatures, clear skies, and low humidity in the early part of summer. There is plenty of sunshine in Tucson, to replenish your stores of vitamin D.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is another southwestern city that features a climate that is hot and dry. These are both ideal conditions for arthritis sufferers. There isn't much rin in this city, and the humidity is almost always low. There arent' my fluctuations in the barometric pressure, thanks to the surrounding mountains that create a rain shadow effect. This also keeps the snow at bay during the winter. Albuquerque is like a haven for those with arthritis because if you travel to the north, the east, or the west, the climate changes to less favorable conditions.

Seattle, Washington

3. Seattle, Washington

Everyday Health ranks Seattle high on the list of the best places to live if you have RA. Their rationale is because of the easy commutes available through public transportation. It ranks number one in the country in terms of connectivity in larger cities. Although Seattle is prone to a high amount of rain during the year, some of the best RA specialists in the nation are available in the city.

Madison, Wisconsin

2. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is a city in the midwest that is good for arthritis sufferers because of its lower stress levels. Stress can trigger the onset of worsening symptoms in people who suffer from RA. Madison also has a lot of opportunities for physical activities. It's also a place where the cost of living is lower and the opportunities for dining and entertainment are superb. Stress is a huge factor in the worsening of any medical condition. If you're looking for a peaceful place to live then you may want to check out Madison.

Taos, New Mexico

1. Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a city in the desert southeast of the united states that offers a warm and dry climate that is ideal for people who have arthritis. The cultural vibe of Taos is unique and it offers a more laid back lifestyle to cut down on the amount of stress of the residents.

If you want to get out and have some fun, Taos isn't far from several major metro areas. If you prefer to stay in your own town there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking and other types of recreation.

You won't need to worry about the barometer flipping from high to low in this area. The weather usually stays dry and warm without a lot of ups and downs.

Final thoughts

There are several factors to consider when you suffer from arthritis, and you're looking for a place to settle down. While weather and climate can trigger uncomfortable and even painful symptoms, this isn't the only consideration to make.

People who depend on their health care professionals to help manage the symptoms and progression of arthritis may find more suitable care in some of the cities we've included on our list.

A combination of sound medical treatment, self-care, and finding the right environmental conditions can make a tremendous difference in your quality of life. Most often, dry, warm and stable climates are the best options, but if you have the proper health care, you can make a go of it almost anywhere you choose to live.

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Liz Flynn

Written by Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

Read more posts by Liz Flynn

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