Winter Escapes for Snowbirds
Do you wonder what it’s like to be a snowbird? I do! Summers pass so quickly in the Midwest. Before I know it, it’s Labor Day. Next, the leaves turn their colors and begin to fall. Then, the snow starts to fall, and I think about the best winter escapes for snowbirds. Where are the snowbirds? Let’s look into some snowbird destinations for sun and adventure.Â
Definition of a Snowbird
You may wonder, what is a snowbird? In this context, it is not a bird. An informal definition is a person who vacations in or travels to a warmer climate during cold weather (Source). Most snowbirds’ age range is 50-69; however, many younger adults are now spending their winters in warmer climates. Persons in their 50s or 60s are retired and can spend winter months in one of the many snowbird locations. However, remote work allows people more flexibility to work from various locations.
Despite being born and raised in the Midwest, I’m not a winter person. I’d rather not spend winter months in below-zero wind chills. Snow is beautiful until you have to shovel piles of it constantly. Wind chills 10-15 below zero have never been fun. Give me warmth and beaches any day!
Many people leave the midwestern and northern states in November and return home in April or May. Many are from both the United States and Canada. Include me as a true believer in following the warmth of the sun. Where are the snowbirds going each winter?
Top 100 Destinations
Storage Cafe researched the Top 100 Snowbird Destinations. The states that receive the most snowbirds are Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, and Nevada. The most popular are Florida and Texas. Lesser-known snowbird destinations include the coastal cities of South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Hawaii.Â
Top Winter Escapes in Arizona
What are some of the best winter escape cities for snowbirds? Beginning with Arizona, Phoenix and Tuscon are on the list. Both have warm winters and abundant sunshine.Â
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has many golf courses, hiking trails, and cultural events and activities. If you’re into resorts and spas, Phoenix is for you.
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Tucson, AZ
Tucson has beautiful desert scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. If you’re interested in the arts, this city has a vibrant art scene. Lastly, Tucson has numerous historical sites and cultural events to explore.
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Top Winter Escapes in Florida
Remember, Florida is the most popular state for snowbirds. Miami, Naples, Orlando, and Tampa are popular winter escape cities in Florida. Miami has a whole vibe! It has year-round tropical weather. Miami will suit your needs if you like beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural diversity. It is also a good fit for lovely parks and outdoor activities.Â
Miami, FL
Miami, Florida, is an exciting city in which to spend the winter. Its year-round warm tropical climate is a big draw for many snowbirds. Miami has beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity, outdoor activities, and a diverse dining experience.Â
Naples, FL
Naples, Florida, is the place for pristine beaches and upscale amenities. It’s a place for deeper pockets, but if you’ve got it, go for it! Naples has plenty of golf courses and great shopping and dining. Also, it is a small town with a relaxed ambiance.Â
Orlando, FL
Orlando has a different vibe than Naples. It is known for its theme parks, and are over 18 in Orlando. Snowbirds can find many entertainment options and mild winter weather in Orlando. They can also find golf courses and retirement communities. If you’re not a beach person but still want mild weather, consider Orlando for a winter escape.
Tampa, FL
Another winter escape location for snowbirds is Tampa, Florida. Tampa is close to Gulf Coast beaches and waterfront attractions. The climate is warm and tropical, perfect for outdoor activities. Sports fans can enjoy football, hockey, and baseball teams. If you’re not into sports, many cultural events exist to explore and participate in.
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Winter Escapes in California
California is on the list of best winter escapes for snowbirds. Where are the snowbirds in the Golden State? Some snowbirds are in Palm Springs, California, and San Diego. What do both winter escapes have to offer?
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs has a desert climate with mild winters. Outdoor activities are plentiful, as are golf courses and spas. Art enthusiasts and collectors will appreciate the art galleries and cultural event scene.
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to escape cold winters. The weather is mild and pleasant year-round. There are beautiful beaches, one of the best zoos in the country, and outdoor activities to keep you busy. Incredible dining experiences and cultural attractions can fill your days and evenings.
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Winter Escapes in Texas and Nevada
Both states have a growing snowbird population each winter. Las Vegas, Nevada, has warm winters and many entertainment options. When people think of Las Vegas, they usually think of the casinos and The Strip, but the city has much more to offer.Â
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas has outdoor activities because of its proximity to natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon. You can find world-class and budget dining options and various live performances and shows.Â
Corpus Christi, TX
Moving along to Texas, many snowbirds have found Corpus Christi. It has a warm Gulf Coast climate. Snowbirds can access beaches, go fishing, and participate in water sports. Corpus Christi has cultural attractions and festivals to keep you busy during your winter escape.
The cities named in this post are a few of many. It’s essential to research the possibilities if you’re considering snowbird life. Before visiting the best winter escapes for snowbirds, let’s look at things to consider.
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Lesser Known Winter Escapes for Snowbirds
Money talks, and you need to know your spending power. Click here for some lesser-known and less expensive winter escapes for snowbirds.Â
Snowbird Planning
Affordable Destinations
Affordability is essential when snowbirds plan their stay. They must consider how far their retirement dollars will last; some locations are costly. Things to consider are the cost of housing, food, and activities. Will they stay in a hotel, rented space, or their second home? Do they want to play golf, water sports, shop, or do other activities? What is the cost of eating at restaurants or buying groceries?
Snowbird Health and Wellness
Another thing to consider is your health needs and insurance coverage. Can medication prescriptions be quickly filled, or do you have medical conditions? Research the healthcare system in a specific city or state. Snowbirds have much to think about when deciding on their winter destination.
International Snowbird Destinations
According to Snowbirding Central, some international destinations are becoming popular with American and Canadian snowbirds. Many places offer affordable living spaces and plenty to see and do. Destinations are in North, South, and Central America, Spain, and the Caribbean. Pack your bags for a six-month stay in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, or the Dominican Republic. We will explore international destinations in our next post.Â
Pros and Cons of Snowbirding
Pros
Escape snow and cold weather – Who doesn’t want to leave winter behind? The main reason people head south each winter is to escape the winter. You don’t have to worry about poor driving conditions or shoveling snow in a warmer climate. I want to escape the snow and freezing temperatures, too.
Have fun with outdoor activities year-round – I love being outdoors, so another great thing about being a snowbird is the availability of year-round outdoor activities. Swimming in warm waters or hiking trails in the warm sunshine is an excellent idea for me! Golf and tennis players can enjoy these sports south during winter while all their friends up north are stuck inside and sending you sunset photos on the beach.
Enjoy different climates – Snowbirds enjoy cold and warm temperatures without fully committing to either. Splitting time between different temperatures can keep you from boredom. Take it all in! It’s the best of both worlds.
Cons
The primary con of being a snowbird is the amount of planning it takes. Everyday preparation tasks include:
- Mail forwarding or holding mail
- Subscribe to e-bills for all bills
- Cancel subscriptions or put them on hold
- Notification of address change
Set up online payments to eliminate paper copies of bills coming to your home.
Also, as a snowbird, several home-related tasks must be completed before heading south for the winter, including:
- Set your thermostat to keep pipes from freezing
- Put specific lights in the house on a timer
- Empty garbage cans
- Clear out the fridge and dispose of perishable foods
- Take safety measures to prevent break-ins
- Hire a relative or someone to check on your home periodically.
Snowbirding is an Option
You and I are potential snowbirds. Where is our winter escape going to be? There are many options for those of us who aspire to become people of leisure. Snowbirding is a great option but requires research, money, and preparation.
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