The term “snowbirds” is an enigma for folks who live in warmer climes, but in the US, traveling south to avoid the snow and colder temperatures is something that people have been doing for decades. It’s believed that John D. Rockefeller was one of the first people to snowbird during the winter.
Snowbirds are typically older, retired couples looking to enjoy the entire year (minus the chill of winter) by heading to Florida and other warmer states during the winter months. Some snowbirds fly to countries like the Dominican Republic, where some eventually buy properties and stay for good.
Both Canada and the US have growing populations of snowbirds, and experts have observed that snowbirds have the capacity to change the demographic and even the housing market of a region once they ‘flock’ to these areas. Retirees are mainly stable and can lease or buy properties if they wish.
What is a Snowbird?
“Snowbirding” refers to the annual migration of retirees from colder regions to warmer ones.
Snowbirds are people from colder northern states who migrate to warmer southern states for the winter. While there may be a higher number of baby boomers among snowbirds, there are couples of all ages, too.
You don’t have to be a retiree to enjoy the benefits of snowbirding. You can also become a snowbird, even if you’re single.
Many Canadians also make the journey south during the winter. Since the 1980s, the term has been used in its current popular context to describe the inclination of retirees to spend the winter in warmer climes.
Snowbirds usually migrate between November and January. Those who leave in November will arrive before the cold weather sets in. Some opt to leave in early January to spend more time with family during the holidays. A typical snowbird season might last anywhere from three to six weeks.
Some snowbirds may only stay for a couple of months, but the most seasoned travelers may stay for as long as five or six months. When snowbirds stay for as long as six months abroad or in a second home in a warmer state, that’s the time they begin thinking of settling down permanently or buying a property. Not all snowbirds buy houses: some rent or lease.
What are the Top Destinations for Snowbirds?
One of the most common destinations for winter vacationers in Florida. There are dozens of adult communities in the state. These active communities are further proof of the continuing popularity of the Sunshine State to snowbirds. Florida is also a top state for retirees looking to buy a new/second home.
Florida’s warm coasts offer affordable housing, beautiful beaches, and pleasant year-round weather that contributes to the health and longevity of retirees.
Arizona is another haven for retirees in the US, and (you guessed it) is an excellent state for snowbirds. The Grand Canyon State offers breathtaking scenery, world-class golf courses, and a great climate. Nearby is Texas, also a classic and popular winter getaway.
What are things to do in Florida?
You’ll undoubtedly find many different and exciting activities and destinations traveling around Florida. The Sunshine State offers great sightseeing destinations and activities to locals and tourists. Enjoy hidden gems, sunken gardens, amusement parks, and cultural landmarks during your stay in Florida.
Naturally, we had to include a visit to one of the United States’ most prehistoric locations—the Devil’s Den underground spring—on your itinerary for Florida. It’s one of Florida’s greatest undiscovered treasures.
Devil’s Den has a year-round, 72-degree spring with a diameter of 120 feet. Many visit this area because of its 54-foot depth, making it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and spending the night in a cabin or RV.
Second, we have Ginnie Springs, a private park in High Springs, Florida. A visit to Ginnie Springs is one of the best ways to cool off during the summer. Ginnie Springs is one of the state’s top attractions.
What are things to do in Arizona?
Arizona, a state located in the southwest of the United States, is a great vacation spot for people of all interests.
Travel to Phoenix or Tucson to see professional sports, museums, observatories, and science centers, or the Grand Canyon, Tombstone, or the red rocks of Sedona. Learn which of Arizona’s countless famous landmarks, picturesque scenery, and breathtaking geological formations are worth visiting by reading.
What are things to do in Texas?
Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, offers an infinite variety of exciting activities and experiences. You will never run out of exciting options in this state. Texas offers numerous tourist destinations, from desert, mountain, urban areas, and the coast.
Cities in West Texas, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, provide an exciting contrast to the more populated cities of Dallas, Austin, and Houston. Travelers should also include San Antonio, known for the River Walk and the Alamo. Don’t forget Hill Country, too!
Two of the best parks you can visit are the Padre Island National Sea Shore and the Big Bend National Park. These two are great spots for nature lovers and those who wish to commune with nature without traveling too far.
What are the Advantages of Being a Snowbird?
No More Cold
Active adults can benefit from a milder climate all year round if they move away from the north. Many popular snowbird destinations maintain a warm enough climate all winter long for visitors to enjoy activities like golfing, boating, and hiking. Snowbird climates are highly desirable for retirees because of their year-round mild temperatures.
Indulge Your Love for Exploration
Northern winters are characterized by sub-freezing temperatures, abundant indoor time, and a seemingly endless need to clear snow. But snowbirds trade all that for a place where they can spend more time outdoors doing the things they love. This can be interpreted in various ways, from day trips to historic districts to camping in the great outdoors. In addition, snowbirds can indulge in their favorite activities and explore new interests thanks to the pleasant climate.
Socialize and Meet More People
Many people who spend the winter in warmer climes return to their home states for at least six months of the year to keep up with their primary residence. This facilitates social interaction and allows busy adults to keep in touch with loved ones in their immediate vicinity. However, many snowbirds form social networks that persist even after returning. The snowbird community is great for reconnecting with old friends and making new ones around the country or abroad.
Should You Rent a Home as a Snowbird?
Even if you’re saving up to buy a house soon, renting is a great way to see the state from various perspectives before making a final decision. This can help you figure out where you want to call home permanently.
Those who take advantage of snowbird rentals have an excellent opportunity to see the country from various perspectives, as they can move to a new state each season. In addition, renting is an excellent option for retirees interested in the snowbird lifestyle because it requires much less commitment than buying.
Many retirees opt to rent out their seasonal homes to travel in the winter with minimal hassle and expense. Likewise, most retirees who winter in warmer climes end up renting rather than buying homes.
Renting is convenient because it enables snowbirds to try out different areas before committing to permanent residency in one place. This is especially true for first-time snowbirds who can use their rental property as a base of operations to explore the destination for their entire stay. In addition, renting gives first-time snowbirds the freedom to try out the lifestyle for as little as a month or two.
Renters can save themselves the hassle of taking care of two houses by keeping only one as their primary residence and committing to a shorter rental term. In addition, renters can rest easy knowing that their landlord is taking care of the building’s upkeep and tax obligations while they bask in the winter weather.
Should You Buy a Property or Second Home?
When you buy a home, you essentially end up with two separate mortgages, tax bills, insurance premiums, utility bills, and maintenance obligations. Therefore, purchasing a second home in a prime location can be a significant financial and lifestyle decision.
Owning a second retirement home allows for personalization based on the retiree’s needs. They can store their clothes, personal items, and recreational equipment there, reducing the volume of their luggage for the trip south. All the retirees’ winter gear and stuff will be waiting for them when they arrive.
A snowbird’s budget is a significant factor in renting or buying a vacation home. Two homes are double the work but double the luxury and individual expression. Each adult with a whole life will have to make a choice that best fits their circumstances.
Chief Chicago Limo Helps The Snowbirds Move Stress-Free
We, at Chief Chicago Limo, help the snowbirds reach their destination.
With our O’Hare airport limo service, Midway car service and Private Jet limo service, clients can start and end their migration.
Those who are escaping the cold for long time prefer to have their vehicles with them in Florida, Texas and Arizona. The Cross Country driving service we offer is faster and more reliable than shipping a car across states.
