Author: midlifesnowbird

Snowbird Housing Deal Breakers

Snowbird Housing Deal Breakers Hint: The Deal Breakers are Personal and Nuanced Price, location, view, pet friendly and availability are all deal makers. They’re also the deal breakers. However, there’s more to it than that. It’s the nuances of a particular rental that may or 

Here Vs. There: A Candid Case Study

Here Vs. There: A Candid Case Study The Emotional Impact of Trading Proximity to Family for Full Time In Your Southern Community If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live in your snowbird community full time, consider this case study of one 

Here Vs. There: The Top Question I Am Asked the Most

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Here Vs. There: The Top Question I Am Asked the Most

Why Snowbirds Consciously Choose to Live In Two Places


Curiosity about the choice to live in two places vs. one primary home are what I am commonly asked when the subject of being a snowbird comes up with someone who has not yet experienced it. I have thought a lot about it. Snowbirds consciously make the choice and sacrifices to build their lives in two places. Here and there. It is not by chance or just happened to turn out that way kind of thing.

Snowbirds by nature are calculating types. Decisions are not made lightly and I am not easily persuaded to change the course without heavily weighing the pros and cons. Therefore, the discussion about here vs. there typically goes along these lines.

Why not live in one place all of the time? It is the top question I am asked the most.

It would be great to live in one place all year round: a tropical Southern climate is my ideal location. However, it is not a practical choice for many reasons.

One, I already live in the Great Lakes region of the Midwest. Family, friends and my primary home are all in Indiana. I have lived here my entire adult life with the exception of two years at the beach in Northeast Florida decades ago. It would be very difficult to disconnect from my lifelong friends and loved ones in my primary community. I've already done that during my two years in Ponte Vedra Beach Florida and yes, family will visit from time to time. I went home once in awhile, but it isn't the same as meeting up in my community to have dinner or a family celebration with loved ones. There are many times it wasn't possible to return home to Indiana for something of importance and that's time and opportunity you'll never get back. Life goes on without you when you are away from your core.

Nine years ago my twin sister deliberately chose to relocate to Oahu, Hawaii thousands of miles away from her family and it is not without intense emotional costs to do that. I am not willing or able to move away for more than a couple of months at a time. Snowbirds are snowbirds primarily because of this reason.

Next, think about it. Our primary home is located in a very nice suburban neighborhood near grocery stores, restaurants, businesses and other amenities that make it very appealing, plus the cost of living is considered to be one of the best values in the US per multiple sources. My husband and I live in a spacious home of 4,000+ square feet with a three car garage, deck, patio, hot tub, garden and a lovely fenced in yard for our dog. When the dog needs to go out, we simply open the door to the yard. It's safe and convenient for him and us. Our HOA fees and costs to maintain our home are very reasonable. We have choices of whether to mow our yard or hire a professional, we decide what internet services we want to use and we have flexibility to change vendors if the costs are not meeting expectations.

Our condo at the beach in Northern Florida is very small and expensive. The mortgage, taxes and HOA fees are high. Our complex is located in an upscale neighborhood of shore home mansions, vacation cottages, private residences and low rise condos.

Several years ago, we purchased a top floor, 792 square foot, one bedroom unit that features a gorgeous, sweeping view of the Gulf of Mexico as well as the South pool of our gated complex. By far it is the most appealing feature of our condo, you simply cannot beat the gulf view, it is stunning. It is an easy walk to many gulf front restaurants and we can drive to almost any retail store or business in our southern community. 

We have no choice or control over the costs or vendors for our beach home, it is determined by the HOA's Board of Directors. We have shared access to community amenities such as a 2.5 acre private beach with volleyball, two beautiful pools, a large hot tub, tennis and pickleball courts, club house and outdoor barbecue grills, but there is no covered parking nor reserved parking spaces. The trash dumpsters are a three minute walk from our condo. When the dog needs to go out, we leash him up, ride the elevator to the ground floor and walk to a green space whether it is night, day, raining, cold, hot or in-between, we make the trip at least five or six times and repeat again.

Privacy is minimal. There are 188 condo units, 68 cottages and 12 shore homes in our 33 acre complex at the beach. Privacy is limited to the inside of our unit and somewhat our small balcony. Anytime we step out the main door we need to look somewhat presentable and expect to meet/greet anyone walking by, riding with us on the elevator or that we encounter in the parking lot because that is the norm and the polite thing to do. At our northern home, privacy and safety are not taken lightly. We park our vehicles in the garage and can cocoon as much or as little as we like. No one will see or hear us go about our business as is the norm at our beach condo.

We love our time in our snowbird community of Miramar Beach Florida and have made many friends in the area. We are residents, not visitors, there is a huge distinction. We are fully vested in our beach home and are fully present in our life there. It's the same for when we are in our northern home. Both homes are "home."  I wouldn't want it any other way.

Many snowbirds I've met live in colder climates than I do. Canada, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Northern Michigan to name a few. In the summer, the foliage, lakes and beauty of the northern states and Canada is alluring for tourists and permanent residents alike. How can anyone easily give up the opportunity to live in two places, each at their peak of benefits? They can't and that is why we do.    

    


"What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”

-- John Lubbock, English Author "The Pleasures of Life," first published in 1890


DISCLAIMER

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.

What The Golden Bachelor Has in Common with Snowbirds

Lake Kalamazoo , formed as part of the Kalamazoo River connects the twin towns of Saugatuck and Douglas What The Golden Bachelor and Snowbirds Have in Common The Golden Bachelor and Snowbirds Have Another Chance at Finding Love More than 7.7 million viewers to date 

Packing 101: Quick Tips for a Shorter Stay

Plan your travel bags so each person knows exactly how much space they are allotted for clothing, kitchen, bath, office and pet/s. Packing 101 Quick Tips for a Shorter Stay If you’re like me, packing is a pain and a task I have yet to 

Starter Snowbirds: Analysis of Two Pre-Emerging Snowbird Couples

Stinky's Fish Camp, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stinky's Fish Camp, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Starter Snowbirds

An Analysis of Two Pre-Emerging Snowbird Couples


While sitting around a firepit at our neighbor's end of summer social gathering, the topic of retirement and possibly becoming a snowbird were of interest to two couples who are also long time friends. Although neither of the couples were fully committed to the concept of being a snowbird, it seems they were at least intrigued.

My observation is that seasoned snowbirds are generally eager and excited to talk about it. The same cannot always be said for potential snowbirds who may have various reasons for holding back. It may be the perceived or real lack of time or finances, an uncertainty of whether becoming a snowbird may be a good fit. There may even a bit of envy. It's hard to say, but it's very noticeable among pre-emerging snowbirds. Having said that, any tidbits of information that are shared are always something I enjoy analyzing. Are the plans realistic or well thought out? Are the ideas in sync with each person in the relationship? Are the logistics likely to work? Typically not, which is why pre-emerging snowbirds have time to figure it out because there are a lot of angles beyond, "I've always loved the desert, so I want to be a snowbird there." 

I periodically check in with my known potential snowbirds just to gauge the ongoing level of interest, timelines and goals, perceived obstacles and also offer support without being too intrusive. No one wants unsolicited advice and everyone wants to dream about the future and what could be.

Below, I share with you my analysis of the two couples. Each are at different points of their journey and both are on the spectrum of being starter snowbirds. If you are not yet a snowbird, consider the major areas to hone in so you can direct your energy to either fully committing at some point or acknowledging it isn't the right goal for you. The biggest obstacles and challenges are where you need to be honest and realistic. Of course that's easier when looking at someone else's situation, which is why I wrote this post. It's a reflection of not just these couples, but almost every couple considering becoming snowbirds.


Starter Snowbird Couple One

Married for 40 years

Primary residence: almost paid off

Financial resources: yes

Wife is retired

Husband will formally retire by December 2023, then continue to work part time two to three days per week

Pets: Yes, two dogs

Family: Three adult children, two are local to the area, the third is a six hour drive away in Wisconsin; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, one six year old grandchild

Goals

Goals are somewhat fleshed out. A general timeline and interest in being snowbirds was expressed, but the husband and wife have differing opinions on what that looks like. The husband would like to target Winter of 2024 for the initial run and the wife wants to postpone the target date a year later at the soonest because she first wants to travel to Greece and other places overseas.

Both eliminated Florida as a potential snowbird location. Texas is one state they are considering. Arizona is their preferred target location, but they haven't looked into much more detail other than being in a suburban area such as Mesa and likely a condo. Neither has loved ones in potential areas they are considering, but that is one factor they considered.

Hobbies and interests include family/their grandchild, travel, food, hiking and entertainment such as live music and sporting events.

Both maintain close family connections.

Analysis

Advantages: wife is already retired

Disadvantages: pets to contend with, family and grandchild in their primary area, husband required to be on site at work several days per week

Biggest adjustment: they currently enjoy spending money on entertainment such as season tickets to national sporting events, cruises and vacations. Budgeting for one or more seasons as snowbirds will cut into or reduce vacation travel and other discretionary activities.

Biggest obstacle: In my opinion, the biggest challenge they will face as snowbirds is being 3-4 days' drive away from their primary home if they choose Arizona as their destination. Re-framing their discretionary spending and letting go of other long held traditional pleasure expenses will be a very big adjustment as a couple. I haven't yet figured out how the part time job comes into play if they become snowbirds more than 1,800 miles away from the job unless the employment takes a pause for a couple of months.

 


Starter Snowbird Couple Two

In a committed relationship for several years, previously married to other partners

Each purchased their own individual residences

Financial resources: yes

She is of retirement age, but enjoys her career and the salary/benefits of her employment

He is approaching retirement age in about 3-4 years, but enjoys his career and the salary/benefits of his employment

Pets: none

Family: Both have adult children who are not local to the area, neither has grandchildren

Goals

Goals are not yet fleshed out. A general timeline and interest in being snowbirds was expressed, but nothing more specific.

Both enjoy interests that they said, "Everyone else also likes." Hobbies and interests include travel, food, craft beer, wineries, etc, gardening, entertainment such as live music, sporting events, tours and other cultural activities.

She maintains close family connections and he does not.

Analysis

Advantages: no pets to contend with, no family in their primary area

Disadvantages: both are required to be on site at work every day, two residences to maintain while away, differing situations regarding family, separate finances.

Biggest adjustment: they currently do not spend 24/7 together and this will test the relationship should they become retired snowbirds.

Biggest obstacle: In my opinion, the biggest challenge they will face as snowbirds is finding common ground regarding the terms of becoming snowbirds, such as where, when, how long and who will pay for what. Being around each other and sharing resources, such as a vehicle, in a different location other than their individual residences will challenge their long-held independence.


Just for fun, I've included a third scenario of a neighbor who is a hybrid type of snowbird. She is her own unique person and here is what I know of her semi snowbird lifestyle.

Single Woman Semi Snowbird

Single, previously married

Residence: Owns her primary residence, owns a vacation lake home in Northern Michigan

Financial resources: yes

Retired: yes

Pets: none

Family: Adult children who are local and adult children who are not local to the area, several adult grandchildren

Observations

She is very independent and is able to make or change her plans as she wishes. She spends time in her favorite places all year round, including her vacation lake home and other places of interest including the Western United States. She seems to prefer Key West for extended periods of time, including about six weeks each winter. She is not the typical snowbird who parks in one place for a season, she tends to come and go to various locations as it suits her needs.

Hobbies and interests include travel, food, tours and other cultural activities.

She balances family with travel and it seems to work for her.

Analysis

Advantages: fully retired, no pets to contend with, no spouse or partner to compromise with and solid financial resources.

Disadvantages: two residences to maintain while away, must find and rely on neighbors, family and other helpers to assist with her primary residence when not there, no travel partner with whom to share her adventures or the mundane things such as driving to destinations

Biggest obstacle: In my opinion, the biggest challenge she faces as a semi-snowbird is being physically able to continue her lifestyle if she should have health issues that limit her ability to go to all of the places she desires.


 

"Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better.”

-- Sydney J. Harris, American journalist


DISCLAIMER

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.

Books Connect Snowbirds to Community: Six Favorite Local Gulf Coast Books

I am honored to have two original maps published in “Florida’s Emerald Coast, A Pathway to Paradise” by Robert Reynolds Books Connect Snowbirds to Community Six Favorite Local and Regional Gulf Coast Books At the end of summer when the weather starts changing and there’s 

BeachFront, Ocean Front, Ocean View: What to Know

An example of prime beachfront property, the units are directly accessible to the sand at ground level. Miramar Beach, Northwest Florida. Beachfront, Ocean Front, Ocean View What to Know About the Nuances of Beach Rental Terminology Snowbirds looking for a place with “beachfront” in the 

Cook Like a Pro: The Basics

Beautiful and simple butternut squash pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese
Beautiful and simple butternut squash pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook Like a Pro

The basics of cooking like a professional chef


When it comes to cooking, I've found that snowbirds fall into two groups: the non-cooks and the foodies. I consider myself a foodie and am guessing the non-cooks focus on pre-made meals and food they can assemble, heat up or purchase from a drive-through, delivery service or carry out kind of place. I have many snowbird friends who fall into this category for one reason or another. 

I didn't start out as a foodie, although looking back it seems inevitable. From a young age, I was taught how to cook by my mother and grandmothers because it was a necessary survival skill. I learned to prepare and serve family meals every week starting at the age of 11 because my parents had full time jobs and their children were expected to contribute to the household by working in the kitchen. My experience was mostly based on learning a few basic skills to be able to follow hand-written recipe cards that were kept in a small file. On assigned cooking nights, my job was not only to plan, prepare and serve the meals on time, but to create meals that were nutritionally balanced, within budget with ingredients that we already had on hand and not a repeat of what someone else already recently served. It was a lot of responsibility, but I learned that eating well is rewarding and preparing food to enjoy with others is comforting and worthwhile.

As an adult, the evolution of television shows on networks dedicated entirely to food and cooking intrigued me. I became a huge fan of the shows that explained and cooking techniques plus so much more. Tantalizing new recipes were readily shared on the shows as well as flavor combinations and terminology that I didn't even realize existed. My vocabulary and knowledge of cuisine increased to the point that some family members, such as my dad, had no idea what I was talking about. As the years went by, I was inspired to take local cooking classes with a variety of talented professional chefs as well as food enthusiast instructors. The classes included techniques and recipes featuring hors d'oeuvres, soups, salads, mains, cocktails, desserts and foods of other cultures such as Cajun cuisine and the foods of India, South America, Italy, France, Thailand and Japanese sushi. The primary difference of watching a tv show vs. in-person classroom instruction is all about being able to taste the results. I truly enjoy my cooking classes and look forward to each of them. 

Below is an overview of the very basics to cook like a pro. Once you incorporate the basic techniques, you can build from there. The key is to follow the basics. Every. Single. Time. Bon appétit!


Recipe for Butternut Squash Pasta [Pictured above]

 


Fresh, Quality Ingredients

Start with fresh, quality ingredients whenever possible.

    1. Choose the freshest produce, fruit and perishables
    2. Fresh herbs make a difference
    3. If your budget permits, select better cuts of meat, such as ground chuck vs. ground beef for better flavor.
    4. Fresh fish is ideal when possible
    5. Properly store your ingredients until ready to use
    6. Frozen white fish is acceptable, but I've not had good results with frozen slabs of salmon
    7. Freeze ingredients that won't be used right away, such as meat

Know Your Flavor Combinations 

Tomato and basil; chocolate and peanut butter; sour cream and onion; olive oil with garlic or basil; apple and cinnamon; strawberries and bananas, salt and vinegar; lemon and lime are examples of popular flavor combinations. Lesser known combos include bacon and brown sugar; cream and nutmeg; chocolate and hazelnut or coffee; sea salt (fleur de sel) and caramel or chocolate; pineapple and coconut; blueberries and lemon; teriyaki and beef; bourbon and brown sugar; strawberries and balsamic vinegar for example. "The Flavor Bible: The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity, Based on the Wisdom of America's Most Imaginative Chefs" is a best-selling book and respected source professional chefs turn to for more extensive flavor combinations and ideas.


Practice "Mise en Plas" 

Prep Ingredients Bourbon Chocolate Nut Pie Midlife Snowbird
Prep your ingredients for Bourbon Chocolate Nut Pie: clockwise from the bottom: Kosher salt, vanilla, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, corn starch and bourbon (center)

A French term that literally means "setting in place," Mies en plas (pronounced MEEZ ahn plahs) is a technique of gathering all of your ingredients, tools and equipment prior to beginning the food prep. Professional chefs do this to easily identify if all ingredients are acceptable and accounted for and thus they can assemble meals more efficiently and quickly. Pans, mixing bowls, knives and other tools and equipment are readied first and ingredients are peeled, cut, sliced, grated and measured.


Consistent Cuts, Slices, Dices  

Professional chefs go to great lengths to make consistent cuts, slices and dices. Use an appropriate good quality knife with sharp blades. If you don't already own a variety of serrated knives, a chef's knife and paring knife, it's a good investment for the home chef. You don't have to have amazing knife skills, but it does help. When preparing food to be heated, the pieces need to be similar in size so they cook evenly. If prepping salad or soup ingredients, the pieces need to be smaller than the fork or spoon so they don't flop over the sides of the utensil as it traverses into one's mouth.


Recipe for Bourbon Chocolate Nut Pie


Properly Heat Your Oven and Equipment

By properly heating your oven and equipment, it saves time but it doesn't save electricity and that's OK.

  1. Preheat your oven in advance of starting the food prep so the oven is waiting on you, not the other way around
  2. Preheat your stovetop skillets and pans
  3. When the pans/skillets are adequately hot, add the water, butter or oil and adequately heat it prior to adding any other ingredients

Season Every Layer, Check and Recheck Seasonings

Seasoning every layer makes a distinct difference. One of my favorite chef instructors admitted that in the past, he didn't realize how much of an impact it has until he accepted a challenge to try it both ways. Now he religiously seasons every layer. Think of it like adding lotion directly to your skin vs. through a sweater. Absurd yes, but the point is made. When the food is warm, it will "grab" the flavor more than when cold, so it's important to add the seasonings before chilling the meat or food. If you plan to season, then chill the food, the seasoning will become more intense with time and colder temps. Always taste and adjust the seasonings to cook like a pro. Properly seasoned food does not need added salt or seasonings by your guests, it should be adequately flavorful when served.


Presentation, Presentation, Presentation

We eat with our eyes prior to the first bite. Restaurant chefs go to great lengths to make the food look appealing and use all kinds of methods to enhance the presentation. Presentation can make the difference of someone being willing to try an entree or passing it by even if it has the most amazing flavor. Until recently, I didn't realize foods such as sushi are prepared with presentation, rather than flavor as the overall objective. It never occurred to me that presentation could be more important than flavor. I prefer both, but to each their own. Thanks to the internet and social media, there are endless opportunities to enhance your presentation skills. Have fun, be creative and don't forget to use enhancements such as knotted bamboo picks, garnishes, tiny paper umbrellas and other flair for your beautiful, picture-perfect presentations.


 

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces -- just good food from fresh ingredients.”

-- Julia Child, American Cooking Instructor, Author, and Television Personality


DISCLAIMER

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.

Where to Shop to Furnish Your Vacation Rental

Where to Shop Where to shop to furnish your vacation rental or second home Personally, I’m not a shopper. I’d rather do almost anything else than run to the store for something. Professionally, I’ve become adept at finding everything needed to furnish our vacation rental