It is estimated that 15% of people in the country deal with migraine attacks, making it a prevalent health condition. While migraine attacks may have various underlying causes, environmental factors like unfavorable climatic conditions and high air pollution levels can contribute to their development. This is why those with the condition should consider such factors before moving to a new city. So, here are some of the worst cities in the country for people with migraines:

1. Miami, Florida
Situated close to the Atlantic Ocean, Miami has a 16% probability of hurricanes in any given year. Those vulnerable to migraines can experience severe attacks during tropical storms owing to low atmospheric pressure. So, Miami is not a favorable city for those already prone to such attacks.

2. Elizabeth, New Jersey
The Department of Transportation data classifies Elizabeth as the noisiest city nationwide, primarily due to its proximity to the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal. It has been established that constant exposure to high decibel levels can cause neurovascular problems, contributing to the onset of headaches and migraines. So, it is best to avoid relocating to Elizabeth if one is susceptible to migraines.

3. Phoenix, Arizona
This city’s climate is characterized by extremely high temperatures, which often cross 100 degrees during summer. Such high temperatures can worsen the neurological condition and trigger migraine attacks. So, places with more steady temperature levels are better options to consider for dealing with the condition.

4. St. Louis, Missouri
This densely populated city is also prone to highly unstable weather conditions, making it unfavorable for those with migraines. So, it could be warm and sunny one day in St. Louis and snowing the next. Studies have demonstrated the association between a drop in barometric pressure due to changing weather conditions and imbalances of serotonin and other brain chemicals, which can worsen migraine-induced headaches. 

5. New York City, New York
Although considered the hub of development, art, diversity, shopping, and entertainment, New York City is also the hotspot for high air and noise pollution, elevated stress levels, extremely bright lights, and overpopulation. All of these factors significantly increase the risk of developing migraine headaches and should be avoided by those with the condition.

6. Bakersfield, California
Studies suggest that exposure to air pollutants such as lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter can increase the risk of migraines. With an annual particulate matter level of 2.5, Bakersfield is regarded as one of the most polluted cities in the country, making the environment there likely to trigger or worsen aggravate migraines.

7. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks typically witnesses extremely cold temperatures, which often reach -66 degrees Fahrenheit. Such drastic drop in temperature levels is associated with chemical and electrical changes in the brain, increasing the risk of migraine attacks. So, those prone to migraines should consider the temperature of Fairbanks before moving to the city.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana
This city has been found to have the highest humidity levels in the country, with an average humidity of 86%. High humidity levels can increase the risk of migraine attacks, especially during summer. So, those with migraines living in New Orleans may be at a higher risk of more frequent migraine episodes.

9. Los Angeles, California
Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is immensely popular among locals and tourists owing to its museums, movie studios, theme parks, and other attractions. On the flip side, it is highly congested, characterized by slow-moving traffic and high smog levels, which can increase stress levels among the working population and worsen migraines for those already prone to it. It is also known for its excessive noise pollution and perpetually high brightness, which can also contribute to discomfort and headaches among those with migraines.

10. Houston, Texas
Houston, the cultural capital of the south, ranks as the second-noisiest city in the country and can adversely affect those prone to migraines. Chronic exposure to such high noise levels can worsen headaches, particularly among those dealing with migraine attacks. So, those with the condition who are living in Houston may consider moving to a quieter locality in this city.

11. Oakridge, Oregon
Oakridge is classified as among the most polluted cities in the country, particularly owing to wildfire smoke, old woodstoves, and burning green, which are prevalent in the region. Wood smoke consists of soot particles, which are harmful to the respiratory system and can trigger or worsen migraine attacks.