Yes, developing allergies for the first time after moving to Colorado is relatively common. There are a few key reasons for this:

1. Exposure to new allergens: Colorado has a unique set of allergens that newcomers may not have encountered before. The state’s landscape is dotted with numerous trees like cottonwood, aspen, elm, juniper, and oak, which release pollen at various times throughout the year[1][2]. People who move to Colorado may be exposed to these unfamiliar allergens for the first time, triggering new allergic reactions.
2. High elevation effects: Colorado’s high elevation can impact how people experience allergies. Due to the lower oxygen pressure at high altitudes, allergy symptoms may develop sooner and be more prominent than they would be at sea level[1].
3. Extended allergy season: Colorado’s allergy season is quite long, typically starting in late February or March and lasting through summer and fall until the first freeze in winter[1]. This prolonged exposure to allergens can increase the likelihood of developing allergies.
4. Changing environment: Moving to a new location exposes individuals to a different climate, air quality, and plant life. These environmental changes can sometimes trigger the onset of allergies in people who were previously unaffected.

Dr. Andi Hudler, a pulmonary health physician at Denver Health, confirms this phenomenon: “If you’ve recently moved to the state and are experiencing a variety of new allergens that you were not exposed to in the past, it is very common for you to have allergies for the first time”[1].

It’s worth noting that while developing new allergies after moving to Colorado is common, the state is generally considered one of the more allergy-friendly places in the United States. Denver, for example, ranks as the third-best city for seasonal allergies according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America[4].

If you’re new to Colorado and experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time, it’s advisable to monitor your symptoms and consult with a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen. They can help identify specific triggers and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Citations:
[1] https://kdvr.com/news/local/common-allergens-in-colorado-and-what-to-know-for-allergy-season/
[2] https://www.aspireallergy.com/blog/allergies-in-denver-info
[3] https://coloradoent.com/blog/seasonal-allergies-causes-symptoms-treatment/
[4] https://goquello.com/blogs/allergy-remedies/how-to-overcome-colorado-allergy-season
[5] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/first-time-allergy-sufferers-what-you-need-to-know/
[6] https://www.westword.com/news/climate-change-brings-longer-allergy-season-to-colorado-20519132