“Weather can have an effect on the symptoms of RA,” says Lucy McLeod, DPT, CHT, a hand therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. “Many people with RA find that cold weather tends to increase their pain and stiffness. And living in a warm climate can help to reduce the symptoms of pain and stiffness.” If you have RA and moving might be an option, consider starting your search with these cities.
1. Baltimore, Maryland
Rheumatology specialists have ranked Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore No. 1 in adult rheumatology for three years running, according to surveys conducted by U.S. News & World Report. If you have RA, it’s important to be near a top-quality rheumatologist who can help you find the best treatment plan and monitor your disease progression. They can also help you coordinate your care with other specialists. And a rheumatologist at a leading hospital like Johns Hopkins is likely to participate in clinical trials and be aware of the latest research and newest treatments, according to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.
2. Salt Lake City, Utah
“Smoking and exposure to air pollution increases inflammation in the body, so living somewhere with clean air can be helpful,” says McLeod. Utah has the lowest smoking rate in the country, at 9 percent among adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor spaces in Utah, including bars and restaurants. Smoking can be deadly for people with RA. A study published in November 2016 in the journal study published in November 2016 in the journal Arthritis Care & Research found that the death rate for people with RA who smoke is more than double that of those who don’t smoke. Fortunately, today it’s not difficult to find smoke-free cities and towns. Smoke-free environments are important, because people with RA should also avoid secondhand smoke, which causes over 7,000 deaths per year from lung cancer and about 34,000 deaths per year from heart disease, according to the American Lung Association.
4. San Francisco, California
If you can’t get there by car or public transportation, the next best option could be walking. That puts a walkable city high on the list. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking just 30 minutes to an hour a day can help with heart health and weight loss, which could mean less stress on your joints and improved RA symptoms. Walk Score gives San Francisco the second highest rating in the country, after New York City. San Francisco has many great neighborhoods for walking, including Chinatown and the Tenderloin.
5. Phoenix, Arizona
If you have RA, sunshine can be your friend. It’s a great source of vitamin D, which is key to regulating immune responses. Low vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of RA, according to a study published in May 2019 in the journal BioMed Research International. The Arthritis Foundation recommends 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure every other day, which you’re likely to get if you live in a bright place such as Phoenix. Using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Move.org determined that Phoenix is the sunniest city in the United States. It has the potential to be sunny nearly 86 percent of the time.
6. Madison, Wisconsin
Having RA and being under a great deal of stress can make pain and fatigue worse, according to the Arthritis Foundation. This can create a vicious cycle where you become more stressed because your symptoms worsen. Consider living in a city where it’s more likely you can live stress free. According to personal finance technology company SmartAsset, life is less stressful in Wisconsin, including Madison. Residents are far more physically active than those of most other cities, and Madison is home to a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues. Keep in mind that you can lower your stress no matter where you live. “A ‘low-stress lifestyle’ will mean different things to different people,” says McLeod. “For some, having a short commute to work will be the best stress buster. For other people, access to green space and nature is important, or living close to friends and family, or a low cost of living.” Think about what could ease stress for you.
7. San Diego, California
If you have RA, you might consider living in a city where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much. Big changes in the weather cause changes in barometric pressure, which can cause arthritic symptoms to flare in some people, according to a study published in November 2016 in the Journal of General Practice. That puts San Diego on the list. It has an average daily high of about 70 degrees and a nighttime low of about 57 degrees nearly year-round, according to U.S. News & World Report. Another plus: San Diego is also sunnier and drier than many U.S. cities. A study published in May 2015 in the journal Rheumatology International found that people with RA had less disease activity when they lived in more sunny and less humid climates. “Regardless of where you live, managing stress and decreasing inflammation are an important part of the management plan for RA and other inflammatory arthritic conditions,” McLeod says. “Quitting smoking, getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, and doing regular exercise will all help.” Additional reporting by Erica Patino
