Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Florida features 1,146 miles of coastal shoreline and Texas has about 367 miles of shoreline. [Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, Miramar Beach, Florida] Florida Vs. Texas A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is the second of …
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![In a competitive snowbird housing rental market, it's essential to know your top priorities [Seaside Florida]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/0_8440-60Savannah_Seaside_20250208-scaled.jpg "0_8440 60Savannah_Seaside_20250208")
This season there has been a major scramble to secure snowbird housing for next year. Don't be fooled, it's cut throat in an insidious way. A casual question, "Are you returning next year?" might be the opener for an intel mission to help someone seeking a place. Be careful not to overshare your unit info or future plans.
Years ago, I was naive and thought the owner/property manager of our beloved rental would shield us from someone else swooping in to scoop it up. Upon meeting snowbirds on the beach, I didn't go out of my way to hide the location of our lovely spacious unit, but didn't realize there was zero protection to save it for us. I mistakenly assumed we had a right of first refusal. We didn't.
It was a hard lesson after several years of returning to the same lovely unit that we learned "our" condo was reserved for the next year right 'out from under our nose' as they say. We were bewildered and angered that there were no safeguards for our loyalty. Ironically, this year it happened to my Wisconsin snowbird friends. An online third party reservation for next year ruined their plans to return to the pet friendly two bedroom unit they came to love for it's fantastic gulf view with swaying palms.
This is how it all turns into a scramble to secure suitable snowbird housing. Like a game of musical chairs, instead the stakes are much higher.
For us, the property manager offered to move us across the hall to a matching layout of our three bedroom, three bath rental for the following season. The main issue was we felt the decor was not our style. It was a mix of dated items and newer furnishings including lovely off white sofas and easy chairs. Reluctantly, we accepted the change and were pleasantly surprised to discover the western view of the new place offered stunning sunsets through the entire wall of windows. The unit we came from had parking lot views and lovely Eastern sunrises, but the sunsets were even more appealing. We stuffed the dated wall art, green and yellow throw pillows and a zebra-covered chair into an interior area where we didn't have to look at them and put them back upon departure. We returned to the condo several times until we eventually bought our own place.
My Wisconsin friends have been searching for their next rental for weeks. They've found several options, but to date they've not booked anything. Some units were priced well above market value, others were not actually available despite being promoted as such. It is likely my friends will be making several compromises to obtain a pet friendly unit in the same community as their current place. To stay within budget, they toured a larger 3/3 compared with their current 2/2, but it does not have the gulf views nor updated bathrooms. However, unbeknownst to my friend, this unit's current snowbird renewed and my friend was actually on the wait list. It wasn't meant to be and she was on the fence anyway. Another potential unit features ground floor gulf views with a patio. However, the unit does not have a way to contain the dog outdoors and it's adjacent to a very high traffic area of the complex, which lacks privacy. My friends are gambling that as the year progresses, some rentals may come back on the market.
One mistake I've personally witnessed is not being fully prepared to commit when an available unit comes up for consideration. In a competitive rental market, it is imperative to plan ahead and fully establish what your top priorities are as well as your deal breakers. If your primary objectives are Jan/Feb dates; pet friendly; decent view; 2/2 and within or near budget, then you must be ready to book immediately if the prospect covers most of your criteria. This isn't the time for hardball tactics such as insisting on personal tours, negotiating rates or asking the owner to replace the mattresses and update the decor. If the unit meets most of your desired objectives, it may be the best option vs. not having any options because of waiting too long to commit and someone else takes it.
Don't overlook the value of solid communication with your property manager or owner if you are relatively happy with your current rental and want to return again. Many snowbirds wisely develop a strong line of communication with the owner of their rental. They communicate regularly and with clarity so there's no mixed messages. If you want to return, say so. If you already know you found and reserved something else, be courteous and let the owner know so they can put their energy into securing new prospects. Whatever you do, don't get ahead of yourself and let go of your existing rental until you are absolutely sure your new contract is fully executed.
Make a thorough list of questions that pertain to each property you consider. Write down the questions, answers, who you spoke with and the date/time. It's easy to get flustered when searching something as important as housing. You may go in circles for weeks or months until you find the right place. Being disorganized will make if more difficult to commit when you do find a place that meets most or all of your needs. Your priorities may change over time as well. If you have your heart set on criteria that may not be realistic for what's available in your budget, it's time to reevaluate. Don't forget to ask for the cancellation policy. Upon discussion you might not be comfortable with it and never forget the person wanting you to book your reservation may not tell all of the facts. It's imperative to get the cancellation information in writing. Be firm, don't let your emotions get in the way of good business sense.
Finally, a word of advice to never forget this fact: if the property is sold to a new owner your contract is likely to be voided. The new owner will not have any legal obligation to fulfill it. Hopefully they would want to, but it's a scenario that could destroy your plans. Always have a Plan B and Plan C. Best wishes as you navigate your housing, it's worth it, but it does take time to position yourself for a successful future snowbird season.
--Alan Lakein, American Author
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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As both an owner and a guest, I've seen the good, bad and ugly for check in procedures and expectations. For example, a couple years ago our newest neighbors were standing in the hallway quite awhile with their adorable dog, Cookie. I learned they were waiting on an agent of the local rental company to come and unlock the door so they could unpack their loaded vehicle. Why? A keyless entry doesn't need anyone to let a guest in, especially if they are checking in within the allotted time. Every management company is different and you'll want to be very prepared for how you will get into the property, especially if it's before or after hours. Things happen and don't always go according to plan.
Personally, I love the road trip, the process of transitioning from our Northern home to our Southern home. It's a time for adjusting to new and letting go of the old. Part of the journey involves finding the charm along the way. A huge part of that is planning the stops, including the small town road side stands as well as the super travel centers and interstate highway attractions such as Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama.
Below is a list of useful topics that take a little time to think about and prepare for, but are worth the effort to save time and hassles later.
I thought I had just about everything figured out for our upcoming snowbird season until a couple days ago and realized I have no idea where the contract is. It's not in the usual places and we need to verify our payment information with the property manager. The amusing thing is, we are the property owners. But we need a contract and payment just like everybody else.
At least 30 days' prior to departure, locate and review your contract for policies, check in and departure times, access codes, pet fees or other fees and anything else you might need to refresh in advance. If your rental includes a golf cart, verify details that information as well.
Maybe you're super fortunate there's only one way to get to your destination. Not so much for us. Even though we spend a lot of time on I-65, there's always lane changes, river tolls, "Sunpass" tolls and construction or lane and road closures. Weather and accidents are another unpredictable problem on the interstate.
Once we exit the interstate, there's a myriad of route options that take us through the beautiful back country of Southern Alabama. We have found Waze to be a huge help to get us to our home in Northwest Florida because there are many variables with routes, fuel centers, food and more. Road trips are already stressful and anything you can do to know when, where and how you're traveling is a life saver.
By reserving and paying for your hotel as far in advance as possible, you will likely not only save money, you'll also be promised the type of room you prefer. For us, pet friendly and convenience to I-65 is most important, followed by a King bed, in-room microwave and refrigerator, reasonable price and located in Athens, Alabama, our favorite stopping point. Other considerations include ADA access, cancellation policy, proximity to restaurants and fuel centers as well as in an area not plagued by crime. During busy season, such as holidays and the start of Spring Break, snowbirds and spring breakers are intersecting at the hotels and you'll want to get your room booked before they do. Other competition includes long term hotel guests who may be in the area for their trades or special events such as weddings and celebrations. By reserving in advance, you'll dodge many of the unknowns by waiting too long to book.
Be sure to know your codes! We have a code for the gated complex, access to the beach gate, fitness center and yet another code for our property's keyless entry. Our vehicle also has a convenient keyless code that I use quite often. If I'm walking by, I don't need to
bring my keys if I need to get something out of there. We use the cargo space as a "mini garage," and store our utility bags, boxes, tools and much more.
Log your codes into your phone or somewhere that you can easily retrieve them in a hurry. At home we have a ton of codes too, but I use them more often than I do in the gaps between time in our winter home. Usually we update our snowbird codes prior to departure because they change about 4 or 5 times a year. As we drive up to the gated entry, it's less stressful to have them ready.
Never ever assume that just because you've stayed in the same place multiple seasons that nothing will change for the better or worse for your next stay. It's wise to ask your property manager or owner for any possibilities of the following:
--Planned maintenance/closure of pools, hot tubs/spas, fitness centers, sports courts, elevators, etc
--New amenities such as covered BBQ grill areas, volleyball, pickleball, tennis courts, etc
--Activities, social events and local festivals and events
--Construction or renovation of the individual unit/home where you will be staying for the season
--Construction/renovation of the complex where you will be. This could include closure of your balcony or patio area; closure of walkways and parking spaces, loud noise, dust and other unpleasant issues.
--Local businesses that may change their seasonal hours of operation. Some close for the entire month of January for various reasons, so if your heart is set on frequenting a favorite coffee shop or establishment, you'll want to know in advance if it's going to be open when you plan your morning coffee run or evening stroll to the local winery or pub.
A cautionary tale:
I met a lovely Arkansas family who selected their winter rental because it was located directly across from the elevator. They knew their elderly mother would be staying for a couple of weeks and were pleased to get a top floor unit right by the elevator. Their joy was ruined when they arrived on site to find the elevator was closed for at least a week due to being upgraded and replaced. There were other working elevators, but they were too far for the mother, who had mobility issues. So the family had no choice and went home. I felt terrible for them, but it just didn't work out. Guests with ADA needs or elderly dogs may experience a similar situation. By checking in advance, problems can be identified and hopefully rectified prior to arrival.
-- Alan Lakein, American Author
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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Many times I'm inspired to write about questions I receive seeking insight of the snowbird life. This time our repeat vacation rental guests asked about making the transition from a summer to winter stay. We recently hosted Jen, Steve and their senior dog for two weeks in August. They love it here and said they are now considering returning to the same unit in the winter of 2025. I feel the same way, it's nice to be accustomed to the flow of the set-up, the furniture, location and why change if it's not necessary?
Jen already researched that our unit isn't available for Jan/Feb, but she and Steve wondered about March dates. That's a tricky one. The weather is steadily improving and that means the rates are substantially increasing. Shoulder season rates are early to mid-March and then there's Spring Break rates. Typically the Spring Breakers drive the snowbirds out for two reasons: they pay higher rates for the better weather and the area's population density noticeably increases.
My husband, our Golden Retriever and I were in Northwest Florida during Spring break this year and it's a completely different perspective than the winter months. The college-aged Spring Break students we encountered were very polite, blending in as fellow beach goers having some fun. I didn't see anyone stumbling around or overly loud, but I did see young ladies beautifully dressed up for sunset selfies; students enthusiastically indulging in beach volleyball, enjoying the pools, strolling the sidewalks, enjoying food and beverages in the local establishments and congregating after dark in the sand. We never find snowbirds out on the beach after dark except for the occasional night fisherman.
I don't know anything about Jen and Steve's budget, but March is a viable option if they put their funds into a shorter stay. This could be just the thing they want and need. Summer and winter in the exact same location have some very big differences as I've experienced. Maybe the Jan/Feb weather in Northwest Florida is too drastically different than the hot, humid temps of a Florida summer. Always research the mean temps no matter where you are considering, don't rely on your hunches and intuition, it may or may not be accurate.
Jen asked me about North Florida vs. South Florida. I told her essentially the same information as I wrote about in this post.
Location, Location, Location: Peak Vs Off Peak
Other considerations for summer to winter snowbirds and vice versa include your tolerance for busy vs. off season population density. Summer is much busier on the beach, in the restaurants, stores and establishments, other activities, driving in traffic and travelling to/from your destination. You'll likely have construction delays everywhere and you'll probably not stay as long because lodging rates are much more expensive. Beach service is a summer and shoulder season luxury.
Summer in Florida and popular Southern states such as Texas and Arizona is very hot and humid. If you like walking or running to exercise outdoors, it's almost unbearable during the hottest months of the year. Summer options involve swimming pools, lakes and the ocean.
When children are not in school, they are in full force in the locations where families go for vacations. Therefore you can expect to have a lot more activity and noise on the beach, in the pools and in the general community.
Winter is slower in terms of population and much less busy at the restaurants and retail shops, it's a longer season, generally less expensive and a time to get better acquainted and connect with others in your immediate and greater community. Winter snowbirds are much more likely to greet each other and be sociable. There's fewer distractions than the summer crowd.
In the winter, the sun rises and sets for a much shorter day, the temps tend to be cooler, cloudier and/or rainier. Many restaurants and attractions close for the month of January while the staff and owners go on their own well deserved vacations. When dining out, lunchtime is the best option for beachfront dining. You won't see a thing for dinner hour other than complete darkness.
Unless you have access to a heated pool or jetted spa, it's not likely you'll be swimming in the off season. However, with children in school, you'll likely not be encountering toddlers, kids, teens and young adults in the area during the winter. Weekends and holidays are a draw and do bring families during the winter for a refreshing change.
Before committing to changing from summer, shoulder season or winter, think it through, do your research and make an informed decision. It can be drastically different in the exact same location of your summer or winter community. If you're like me, you come to appreciate each season for the changes and make the most of each time you're able to be in your happy place.
-- Anthony J D'Angelo, American Author, Speaker, Business Owner
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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