Every year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. from worst to best. This is based on how challenging it is for persons with asthma to live there. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America thinks of wide range of factors like the asthma rate, pollen counts, air quality and the number of asthma specialists found in the area.

1. Boise, Idaho

This place has a population of 587,689. It used to rank # 11 in the year 2008. The city deserves great marks for its air quality and the low poverty rate it has. You see, poverty plays a vital role in the asthma risk factor even if it is a complicated one. People who are poor are believed to be more prone to asthma because they are more exposed to allergens, airborne irritants and emotional stress.

2. Portland, Maine

With a population of 513,102, its place is too small to be ranked in the year 2008. Because of its cultural scene, stable economy, minimal crime rate, Portland is listed as number one on the America's Most Livable Cities Forbes Magazine listing in 2009.

People with asthma will surely want to live here too. It has good air quality and the local government is very strict with their no-smoking laws in public places. Asthmatic individuals won't have to worry about tobacco smoke. They won't have to worry about any potent asthma trigger.

3. San Francisco, California

Say hello to the top 2 rank in the best cities for asthmatic individuals as of 2008. With a population of 4,203,898, it is the largest city to make it to the AAFA's top 10. This includes the San Francisco Bay area and the cities of Oakland and Fremont. San Francisco was scored below average in the annual pollen score.

This city is focused in fighting asthma in a civic priority. The city's Board of Supervisors establishes the Asthma Task Force. This is the group of community leaders, health care workers and asthmatic individuals that manage and prevent asthma in the city.

4. Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona is the smallest city able to make it in the AAFA's top 10. The only concern is that there's a significant percentage of people without health insurance coverage. The quality of air is impressive so long as you don't stay near the Daytona International Speedway.

5. Palm Bay, Florida

This beautiful city is found on the Atlantic Ocean which is 100 miles away from Daytona Beach. Palm Bay scored a high rating because of the asthma rates and the air quality measures that they have.

6. Portland, Oregon

The asthma rate is above average. This is considered as a green city because of the clean air they have. They promoted a smoking ban that inhibits smoking within 10 feet of a business establishment.

7. Colorado Springs, Colorado

6,000 feet above sea level lay Colorado Springs. This rocky mountain city has an altitude that makes it friendly for asthmatics. Research reveals that dust mites are lesser at higher elevations. Dust mites are known asthma triggers and they don't survive in high elevations because of low humidity.

8. Minneapolis, Minnesota

The air quality they have is above average. The only concern is that the Twin cities can become cold which is not suitable for asthmatics. The temperature averages 13 degrees. It can be troublesome for asthmatics because cold, dry air can bring bronchial spasms.

9. Seattle, Washington

Asthmatics won't be sleepless in Seattle. As a matter of fact, they will be able to sleep soundly because of its good air quality.

10.Cape Coral, Florida

The fast-growing metro area located on the Gulf of Mexico is the best place for asthmatics. This also includes the city of Fort Myers.

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