The list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia in the US is a valuable resource for those dealing with these conditions. The reason is how symptoms manifest and affect people’s daily life and work. People with these symptoms react to specific weather conditions, so it’s crucial to learn which ones to avoid and how to handle different situations. Although arthritis and fibromyalgia are not the same diseases, they can be interconnected. That’s why people with arthritis should be cautious and take steps to prevent fibromyalgia. Doctors usually address both problems together, as weather conditions can have similar effects on both diseases.
Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects joints and causes pain. There are two types – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The first one involves acute inflammation, while the second one is considered an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the immune system targets affected joints, leading to swelling and pain. Fibromyalgia is a type of arthritis or, according to doctors, a chronic form of arthritis. It results in prolonged pain in one or two joints, making the brain hypersensitive to any form of pain. This prolonged pain can lead to additional problems like depression, fatigue, and cognitive issues, and, in some cases, even drug addiction. The worst places to live with arthritis are those who make these symptoms difficult to manage.
Doctors employ various methods, medicines, and therapies to treat these diseases. These treatments include medications and nonmedical approaches. The best places to live with autoimmune disease are those who offer physical activity, warm baths, and spas can yield positive results. However, it’s crucial to live in places that are much more comfortable, especially during challenging situations. Although there are no clear-cut conditions that these individuals seek, it’s evident that they prefer warm places with low humidity, fewer storms, and less rain. Additionally, they should consider places with strong community support, but with affordable living options since therapy and medications can be costly. Lastly, access to excellent hospitals with skilled doctors is essential to receive the best help during pain episodes.
Pixabay/Public domain
To compile the list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia in the US, we gathered data from various sources. We began with the opinions of people who already have these conditions and how they feel in different places. We used rankings from websites that discuss this issue and list the places patients have found most suitable for living with these diseases, forming our initial list. This list was then compared with data on the warmest cities in the US and the cities with the most professional clinics and top radiologists. Our list also includes places that not only have favorable climates but also cater to an active lifestyle, ensuring a well-rounded experience for individuals looking to improve their quality of life and relief pain posed by arthritis and fibromyalgia. Cities that met the majority of these criteria made it to the top of our list. Among these, one city fulfilled all these criteria. So, check out our list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia and choose the best option for you.
Pixabay/Public domain
25. Taos
Taos boasts a distinctive cultural vibe, accompanied by dry weather and low humidity. Although it is close to other major metropolitan areas and showcases Native American arts in its bustling downtown square, it may not be very popular among people with this disease. Due to this, we have placed it at the bottom of the list. Nonetheless, Taos does offer opportunities for year-round hiking and other low-impact recreational activities.
24. Athens
Athens offers a change from the very warm areas on this list. For some fibromyalgia sufferers, consistent mild temperatures are more crucial than extreme warmth. With average temperatures in the 60s, Athens provides a cooler yet constant climate. It surely deserves to be on the list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia in the US.
23. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach experiences long, hot, and mostly cloudy summers, while its winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy with a fair amount of wind. The area is also wet throughout the year. While it may not be the most suitable place for living, spending summers here could be a good idea if you have arthritis or fibromyalgia.
22. St. George
In Saint George, the summers are sweltering and mostly clear, while the winters are very cold and partly cloudy. The climate is dry year-round, which can be comfortable for people with arthritis or fibromyalgia, despite the freezing winters.
21. Asheville
Asheville is another city with cooler temperatures but there is a reason to be found on the list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia in the US. It boasts an average temperature of 56 degrees and receives about ten inches of snow per year, making it the spot on this list with more winter weather. Average, good for living and relaxing.
20. Denver
While Denver may not be as hot as some other places on our list, it still has its merits. The cold weather is accompanied by low humidity, which can be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Plus, when the weather does change, it does so gradually, providing time to adjust. Moreover, Colorado’s culture revolves around outdoor activities, with plenty of clubs and organizations to keep you active throughout the year. So, if you enjoy staying active and don’t mind the cooler temperatures, Denver might be a great option for you.
19. Mexico City
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is renowned for its mild winters and pleasantly warm summers. With an average annual temperature of 64 degrees, it offers a temperate climate to immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience.
Pixabay/Public domain
18. Cleveland
In Cleveland, the summers are warm, humid, and partly cloudy, while the winters are very cold, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy. Despite the weather, Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH is highly acclaimed and ranked No. 4 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. The hospital is nationally ranked in 13 adult and 10 pediatric specialties, and it has a high performing rating in 18 adult procedures and conditions. As a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital, it offers top-notch healthcare services.
17. New York
Yes, we are aware of how cold New York winters can be and how hot and humid the summers can get. However, New York is home to one of the best hospitals for rheumatoid diseases. The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY is nationally ranked in 2 adult and 1 pediatric specialty, and it has a high performing rating in 4 adult procedures and conditions. As an orthopedic facility and a teaching hospital, it offers top-notch healthcare services in the U.S.
16. Minneapolis
Although Minneapolis doesn’t boast a hot and dry climate, it deserves a mention for its outstanding healthcare. The renowned Mayo Clinic is based here, with expert doctors specializing in rheumatology. Despite the annual snowfall, the humidity remains relatively low, and the cost of living is affordable.
15. Albuquerque
With low humidity and limited rainfall due to its location in a rain shadow Albuquerque deserves to be on our list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia in the US. The city’s culture is a major attraction for both visitors and new residents. Surrounded by mountains, Albuquerque provides plenty of opportunities for year-round outdoor activities, and its summer heat is milder compared to other southwestern cities.
14. Palm Springs
The delightful dry desert air in this charming and picturesque town nestled beneath the majestic San Jacinto mountains is one of the reasons why Palm Springs is great place for people with arthritis and fibromyalgia. With over 350 days of sunshine per year and scarce rainfall, patients enjoy the pleasant climate. Even during summer, the highs are more moderate compared to some other desert cities mentioned on our list.
13. Honolulu
Oahu, the entire island, is a beloved destination for tourists. With popular attractions like the state capital, Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor, visitors flock here all year round. If you choose to live here, you can immerse yourself in island life, cherish the history, and find relief from pain and disease.
Pixabay/Public domain
12. Las Vegas
Las Vegas may be a lucky choice for managing your arthritis, thanks to its bustling regional airport that connects you with your loved ones and its hot, dry weather for most of the year. Besides the famous Las Vegas Strip, there are numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes of southern Nevada.
11. San Diego
San Diego is renowned for its mild climate, with pleasant days averaging around 74 degrees and low humidity. This city is also well-equipped with various medical facilities that specialize in rheumatic conditions, ensuring top-notch care for individuals with arthritis. Moreover, San Diego offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including miles of level bike trails for those seeking outdoor activities.
10. El Paso
El Paso, located in west Texas, boasts low humidity, scorching summers, and gentle winters, making it an excellent choice for individuals living with arthritis. Not only does El Paso offer an affordable healthcare system, but the overall cost of living is also budget-friendly, ensuring your money stretches further here. Seeking outdoor adventures? Look no further than the massive Franklin Mountains State Park, spanning over 24,000 acres, right within El Paso’s borders. It’s the largest urban park in the U.S., providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
9. Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, offers a climate that suits osteoarthritis sufferers perfectly. With low humidity and two distinct seasons (summer and winter), this desert city is easy to adapt to. Moreover, in terms of healthcare, Tucson is an ideal location. The University of Arizona Medical Center (UAMC), which houses the Arizona Arthritis Center, is based here, providing excellent medical care for arthritis patients.
8. Dallas
Indeed, Dallas experiences hot and muggy summers, cold and windy winters, and partly cloudy weather throughout the year. The hot season lasts for approximately 3.4 months, from June 4 to September 18, with average daily high temperatures above 88°F. While it may not be the ideal place for those with arthritis or fibromyalgia due to the weather, it could still be a great option for a vacation destination.
7. Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, the summers are indeed long, hot, and oppressive, with mostly cloudy skies. The winters, on the other hand, are short, cool, and partly cloudy. Additionally, the city experiences wet weather throughout the year, with precipitation occurring regularly. For individuals with arthritis or fibromyalgia, the combination of hot and humid summers and wet conditions may not be the most suitable for managing symptoms.
6. Atlanta
In Atlanta, the summers are known for being hot and muggy, while the winters are relatively short, cold, and wet. Throughout the year, the city experiences partly cloudy skies. However, the hot and humid summers might pose some challenges, but the relatively mild winters could be more manageable. After all, it is a good place to visit during the summer.
5. Houston
Houston, TX boasts a humid subtropical climate, featuring warm winters and hot, humid summers. In this city, temperatures can fluctuate from the mid-30s during winter to the upper 90s in summer. Rain showers are a common occurrence throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of over 50 inches. Thunderstorms are frequent, happening around 60 days each year. While June through September tend to be the hottest and most humid months, the Gulf of Mexico’s nearby presence helps keep temperatures relatively pleasant year-round.
Pixabay/Public domain
4. Nashville
Nashville, the capital and largest city of Tennessee, enjoys a temperate climate with cold winters and hot, muggy summers. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the summertime. We included this place on the list primarily for its fantastic warm summers, but also because of its vibrant cultural life that can bring a positive change to your lifestyle and create a sense of balance.
Pixabay/Public domain
3. Los Angeles
Who wouldn’t love to live in the sunny heart of warm California? Los Angeles boasts a subtropical climate with very mild, relatively rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. It’s like the Mediterranean climate but even milder. The city is at a lower latitude than the Mediterranean coasts, resulting in milder winters. On the other hand, being along the Pacific coast, a cool current flow (known as the California Current), making the summers a bit cooler than in the Mediterranean Sea. Overall, Los Angeles enjoys a truly pleasant climate, thanks to being kissed by the sun for most of the year.
2. San Francisco
San Francisco, another fantastic warm spot in California. Its climate is often described as “Mediterranean with cool summers.” While the winter temperatures and rain pattern resemble the Mediterranean climate, the summers are surprisingly cool. This is due to the cold current flowing along the California coast, causing fog in San Francisco Bay. It acts like a natural air conditioner for the city and surrounding areas.
Pixabay/Public domain
1. Phoenix
Phoenix offers an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees and experiences only 36 days of rainfall, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warmth with low humidity. Beyond that, the city offers ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. With access to countless hiking trails, park systems, and community aquatic centers, there’s always something to do for those who lead an active lifestyle. Notably, Phoenix boasts a low cost of living and provides excellent healthcare access, with renowned facilities like Mayo Clinic and Arizona Pain offering top-notch care for individuals dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms. Surely deserves to be on our list of the best places to live with arthritis and fibromyalgia in the US.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into this topic and seeking self-help, these articles could be beneficial resources for you as well:
12 Countries That Produce the Best Doctors