Florida Top Choice for Snowbirds, But Many Migration Paths Lead to Happiness
Category: Retirement Planning
November 26, 2018 — Thanks to the almost 700 members who generously contributed their insights to last week’s “Snowbird” poll. We appreciate you sharing! As promised, here in Part 1 is our first detailed report on the summary for each question. Part 2 features a compilation of the most popular snowbird pairings (where our Members say they want to snowbird to, and from where), along with how they get there and other details of their migrations.
Highlights
Your input confirms many of our pre-conceived opinions, along with some surprises. For example, it is not news that the top snowbird destination states are Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina – in that order. But we were surprised by how many people have a reverse migration pattern; they pack up and go somewhere cooler in the summer. One Member called himself a “sweatbird”, “shadebird” might be another handle!
Comments on "Florida Top Choice for Snowbirds, But Many Migration Paths Lead to Happiness"
RichPB says:
We've tried to get away for a Jan/Feb week or two in Florida most winters, but now plan to make a more dedicated attempt to snowbird a couple of months "somewhere south". Difficulty finding a place and other complications kind of put us off this year, but now we're thinking a smaller RV may work better than the constant hunt for a rental. Useful other times of the year also. Look forward to seeing all those poll comments. Suggestions and recommendations always welcome! :<)
Glen Simmonds says:
To RichPB.....we have an RV and it is extremely difficult to find openings at RV parks in Florida for the winter. The further south you go, the harder to find and the more expensive. It isn't unusual to be $500-$700 per week for a spot. The longer you stay, the lower the daily cost.
Carl J says:
Those that stated it was not difficult to find a place to snowbird; when was the last time they searched. Most snowbirds stay at the same place year after year. So 10 years ago, it may of been easy-peasey. I doubt today it would be so easy.
Stan S says:
My wife and I are retired and just returned to Texas after a three month trip to states including the S. Carolina and other South Eastern States. I understand Florida, and S. Carolina and Arizona making the list of locations people choose to be snowbirds, one state I believe should be included is Texas. I believe your survey failed to reach reach a large number of snowbirds. We live about half of the year in a motorhome and have enjoyed Arizona in the winter. I believe if you check you find that a great number of people have for years also go to southern locations in Texas to be winter Texans. Some stay in Rv's and some own park models.
Paul says:
Reply to Stan: any RV park names and locations tbat you know in South Texas? Especially Park Model Resorts. Also would like south Arizona. Many thanks.
RichPB says:
Gene Simmons, thanks for that observation. The farther South the better, but those are difficult facts. On a budget, knowing how to spend your time searching is helpful.
Jennifer says:
I mentioned Harvest Hosts which are sites like farms, wineries and museums which offer free site for one night.
Harvest Hosts have sites all over the country and are small businesses that want to attract RV ers to their sites. There are etiquette and cleanliness rules--common sense and just good manners for one free over night stay per venue. Check out the link below as there is a map on their website with all the places in the USA once can visit.
https://harvesthosts.com
Editor's note: Jennifer posted a similar comment a few days ago and we moved it and some related comments over to a Blog post about Van Living in our RV series. If you have comments pertaining to RVs please make them on that blog post. https://www.topretirements.com/blog/adventurous-retirement-2/vanliving-in-retirement.html/
Thanks
Admin says:
We prefer St. Simon Island, GA........weather is great as well as the beaches and restaurants.
Carol says:
Just found your web site. We are retired living in a small Colo. town in summer and Las Cruces, NM in winter. We have an RV & parked on private property for years.. Three years ago we bought an investment house keeping us busy. We love Las Cruces, what it offers, seen the growth & enjoy their winters. We are lucky to be Western Snowbirds.
Admin says:
We are snowbirds and are thinking of flying back to Florida from the northeast this year. We have no pets to transport and it seems about equally risky to fly vs. stop at restaurants, service plazas, and motels for 3 days. Does anyone have any tips for the best way to get our car down there, or is it better to buy or rent one there. Love to hear the pros and cons.
Admin says:
Great Blog everyone!!! I enjoyed reading all the conversations. Is anyone still reading this? We are planning on splitting the year up between Florida and New England. We currently rent and am torn between renting or buying in Florida.
Admin says:
Jimmy G
To us renting in Florida would be ideal so that we can snowbird but have found finding short term rentals in Florida takes a lot of work and pictures on the internet can be deceiving as to exact location and neighborhood. They are hard to find but I understand it can be done if you get on it early. Now would be the time to find one for next year. I think this site had a blog about this topic last year.
says:
Alex86 you are right, we did have a Blog article a few years back, but is still pertinent today concerning snowbirds finding rentals : How to Find a Great Snowbird Rental for the Winter:
https://www.topretirements.com/blog/real-estate/how-to-find-a-great-snowbird-rental-for-the-winter.html/
There are also over 100 interesting comments from members at the end of the article.
Another interesting one from 2017: Should snowbirds Rent or Buy Irma Provides Ample Lessons
https://www.topretirements.com/blog/real-estate/should-snowbirds-rent-or-buy-2017-provides-ample-lessons.html/
You can add comments or ask questions at the end of this Blog also.