Here’s another reason to move to Wilmington—come here, and chances are good that you won’t catch a cold.
It’s officially cold season, and if you’re local and managed to dodge the sniffles and sneezes, you might have Wilmington to thank. A new study from Marian University’s Leighton School of Nursing ranked Wilmington as the U.S. city where you’re least likely to catch a cold.
What makes the Port City such a safe haven from seasonal bugs? It turns out a mix of factors, including lower population density (meaning fewer people to spread germs), high humidity levels that help keep nasal passages moist, and great air quality. Wilmington also has fewer young children—who tend to be prime cold carriers—compared to other cities.
Other North Carolina cities made the list, too. Raleigh ranked fourth among the least likely places to catch a cold, thanks to low rates of poor health and physical inactivity, both of which help boost overall community resilience.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for places where colds spread like wildfire, Bakersfield, California, topped the list, followed by McAllen and El Paso, Texas.
Want to see the full rankings? Check out the study