Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Sunbirds, like snowbirds, put much thought into location, housing options and affordability [Pictured: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida] Where Do Reverse Snowbirds Go? Sunbirds Escape Brutal Summer Weather Summer is officially here and no matter where you are located, it’s probably hot and humid. Southern states …
Seeking paradise in another country requires much thought and honest evaluation International Snowbirds Ten Considerations of Snowbirds in Foreign Countries The inspiration for this post are the numerous TV shows featuring international travelers who purchase property in another country. You know the ones: ex-pats who …
Housing has been and always will be the biggest consideration as well as expense of the snowbird lifestyle. Housing choices dramatically affect every aspect of every other detail of a snowbird's warm weather existence. Therefore, it's important to not only make the best choice for your own individual preferences, spouses and partners also need to be on board.
I've compiled and rewritten feedback regarding housing options from commenters on a popular online thread. Below are brief overviews from real people who expressed their likes and preferences for renting, owning and recreational vehicles (RV's).Of note are the snowbirds who combine two or more options for their winter escapes. The creativity of mixed housing options is fun to explore.
Following are actual firsthand accounts from snowbirds who have experienced various housing options. Their insights highlight the trade-offs, lifestyle considerations and personal preferences that come with renting, owning, or living in an RV for an extended period of time.
Many snowbirds appreciate the flexibility that renting provides because it allows them to explore different locations without long-term commitment. Renters often note the convenience of turnkey living such as furnished spaces that they don't have to maintain and the ability to simply “lock up and leave.” It's also less expensive to rent a few months rather than own a property and have to pay the expenses when it's not in use. However, drawbacks include rising seasonal rates and competition for the premium properties that results in limited availability.
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Type: Long term condo rental in Florida
Time frame: Typically Jan 1 through the end of March, or occasionally December through March 31. Reserve a year in advance.
Considerations: Makes better sense for us to rent than own year round. When not in use nine months a year it avoids the headache of renting it out
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Type: Primary home is in Michigan with an average of more than 100 inches of snow per season. Rental properties, typically in Arizona via third party web sites are typical housing with ocean cruises added into the mix. This year is a stay in central California flanked by cruises.
Time frame: Three to four weeks or more in a rental property and at least one or two ocean cruises. After the December holidays, the timeframe is to be away all but five weeks until late April. Bookings are made one to two years in advance for maximum discounts.
Considerations: The wife does not want a RV/camper, second home nor to be a host or landlord for a rental property. The couple uses strategic 0% interest credit cards, perks, points and air miles to obtain the best rates on travel, including hotels, cruises and airfare. They also choose to live in a modest home during the off season.
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Type: Based in Northern Virginia. Rent in Florida during the winter and in Cape Cod during the summer, usually through a third party booking site.
Time Frame: One month in Florida, one month in Cape Cod.
Transportation: Travel is by autotrain to Florida, and although pricey, it's less expensive than fuel, hotel, food, wear and tear plus hotel for a couple of nights. They stop to visit friends on the way to/from.
Considerations: Because owning a place in either Florida or Massachusetts is expensive, not wanting to be tied to the same place every year and feel obligated to use it, renting is the better choice. An $8,000 to $10,000 rental may seem expensive for a month, but a second home or RV would be more expensive with insurance, maintenance and so forth.
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Type: Rental properties via a third party web site. Usually go to Arizona, but occasionally Florida.
Time frame: Primarily in January. Holidays at home bring contentedness and then the snowbirds depart for a warmer climate.
Considerations: Every year is different on purpose. The math for a second home doesn't make sense with today's prices and the routine of the same place every year isn't appealing. Low stress and flexibility are the priorities.
For some snowbirds, owning a second or vacation rental home offers stability and familiarity that renting cannot match. Property owners enjoy returning to a space that feels truly their own and often customize it to suit their lifestyle. Many have friends and loved ones in the same area. Over time, ownership can also provide financial benefits such as appreciation or rental income when not in use. However, owners must determine how the property will be maintained with the logistics of being away for extended periods. Owners also should be comfortable with the concept of returning to the same place rather than exploring new areas.
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Type: Initially rented a property in Florida as a single man escaping Midwestern winters. Made an offer on a nice small home in a preferred location, but the offer wasn't accepted. Then purchased a townhome in a second location. Six years of ownership.
Cost: Financially, the owner recommends renting if staying less than three months.
Considerations: Now has a new life partner and she also likes the townhome community. They considered moving to a larger, nicer place, but don't want to leave their friends, so they plan to stay because it is a nice place to live.
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Type: Purchased a beautiful condo in gated community, Fort Myers, Florida. Two years of ownership.
Time frame: Rent to snowbirds for the winter which covers HOA fees and a portion of taxes. Owners also use it once or twice during the year.
Considerations: They bought their place when her parents were still alive, but after they passed there is uncertainty about keeping it because they don't really know anyone and are not planning to join social or sports clubs, so it seems "ridiculous to stay" for any length of time. We are considering selling because we can't make the emotional commitment.
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Type: Smaller, economical desert home in an Arizona small town with low maintenance landscaping due to no lawns, low water plantings
Time frame: Owners enjoy the winter there with many social activities such as dances, music, potlucks, community activities
Considerations: Located in a place that many snowbirds pursue community theater and artistic endeavors that they missed in their younger days
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Type: Duplex in unnamed warm weather college town
Time frame: Owners use one half of the duplex for the winter as snowbirds and a year round getaway. The owner's two children live in the other half of the duplex and maintain the entire property.
Considerations: One of the two now adult children decided to settle there and are now employed in the area and enjoy the social life.
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Type: Florida house, downsized primary home in Connecticut to a condo
Time frame: Late October to late April/May in Florida, Connecticut in the summers and early autumn
Considerations: Husband and wife snowbirds. He is within weeks of retiring and she is already retired. They still have parents, family and friends in Connecticut so they fly back and forth as needed. They like their area of Florida because it's near friends and there's plenty to do. Owning two homes is not the least expensive option, but they like being home and having what they need in each place.
Type: Arizona house, lake property and primary home is a condo with "no worries"
Time frame: Six months in Arizona, plus a recreational lake property in summer season
Considerations: We can "lock and walk away." The Arizona house appreciated five times the purchase price, so the winter home turned out to be a good investment.
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Type: Rented for a couple of years, then purchased a small Naples, Florida condo. Based in the Midwest.
Time frame: December through April in Florida, plus occasional visits for a week or two during the year
Considerations: The condo is a great option for cruises that depart from Southeast Florida, including an extended round trip cruise from Fort Lauderdale. After 15 years in Florida, they have a group of friends who are scattered throughout the Eastern US. When traveling, the stop to visit their winter friends at their primary homes and vice versa.
Type: Condo on the South Carolina coast
Time frame: Winter months
Considerations: The other owners are from the south and want to use the place in the summer only. We use it in the winter and drive there so we have a car. We also have a small storage unit for bikes, golf clubs, tennis and pickleball racquets and other items.
Snowbird RV enthusiasts are attracted to the freedom and mobility of the lifestyle due to the ability to follow the weather, easily change locations and hybrid benefits of owning their rig without having to maintain it from a long distance in the off season. Many RVers also value the camaraderie and close community of campgrounds and RV parks. However, this lifestyle requires adaptability to live in much smaller spaces, being able to drive your RV, ongoing travel planning, as well as maintenance of the vehicle and storing it in the off season. It is not especially inexpensive for lot rent and occasional hotels. Amenities such as laundry, fitness centers, pools, convenience stores and more are sometimes available on site.
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Type: Recreational Vehicle (RV)
Time frame: Winter months of the year "in the south"
Considerations: The flexibility of going anywhere when the "mood strikes" is appealing. Extended time in a RV is not necessarily bad, however, that much time in a campground is a turn off. Storage for the RV in the off season is problematic.
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Type: 35 foot camper
Time frame: Five months in Arizona and the remainder of the year in Kansas
Considerations: The contributor's buddy and his wife live in Arizona for the winter and enjoy the same campground slot every year. Full amenities including on site laundry, pool, wi-fi, off leash dog park and the same friends every year. They love it.
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Type: Small RV
Time frame: Two months in Florida, January and February
Considerations: Although the RV is small, they have a large clam (screened tent) that expands the living space. They occasionally stay in a hotel and spend approximately $60 per night for the campground and $200 a night for hotels, it's relatively lower cost and provides flexibility.
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Type: Small rented camper in Key Largo, Florida
Time frame: February of 2026
Considerations: This is our first time trying the snowbird thing. Baby steps to start...
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Type: Double wide trailer in Key West, Florida
Time frame: Mid January to early April
Considerations: One partner has been traveling to Key West for 30 years and has built a network of friends in an established park right on the water. The new partner has been going to Key West for three years and although not keen on being a snowbird or wintering in Florida, she's supportive of the arrangement. They drive down with their dog, split the rent, which makes it even more affordable and her man is passionate about boating and fishing with nearby boat storage. A relative stays in their Northern home while they are away and helps with mail and other things.
--Anne Frank, German author, historic figure
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
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.
Extended season snowbirds, as I call them, remain as the spring breakers arrive [Pictured: Pompano Joe's in Miramar Beach, Florida] Extended Season Snowbirds How Everything Changes After the First Week of March For snowbirds who wonder what goes on in their warm weather community after …
Low, Mid and High Rise Buildings A Look at Three Very Different Snowbird Housing Options Definition of Low Rise Building Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Having few stories and not usually equipped with elevators Mid Rise Building American Heritage Dictionary: Relating to or being a building of moderate …
The first year we became snowbirds, it was a deliberate choice from a longtime goal that became more realistic over the years. The true catalyst driving us from "goal" to "action" was our ten year wedding anniversary. Instead of traveling somewhere tropically exotic, such as a week on the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, I calculated the same budget could purchase five weeks with a great view of the beach in Northwest Florida and we could bring our beloved Golden Retriever. Of course, for us, "The rest is history."
This past week, we celebrated wedding anniversary number twenty and our ten year anniversary as snowbirds. Not only that, but we are also celebrating our fifth year of owning a vacation rental. Yes, lots of milestones! Along the way, there's been a lot of changes. So many that it's impossible to remember all of them. It's been an evolution, not a revolution for the past ten years. But there's also much that never changes and it's that balance that keeps us coming back every year.
Like many snowbirds, my husband and I have experienced ups and downs through the years. Being able to roll with everything and adapt is a trait that will carry anyone through almost any situation. This is my look back at what has changed and what hasn't for my first decade of being a snowbird starting at the age of "forty something."
-- Margaret Peters, American educator, African American history specialist and author; 1936 - 2022
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
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.
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
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.
How to Solve Your Live Plants Dilemma Set Up a Self Watering Irrigation System Definition of Dilemma: “A situation in which one has to choose between two or more… plans that are equally unsatisfactory: a difficult choice.” Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilemma To have live plants at home …
Easy Ways to Add Holiday Sparkle to Your Snowbird Home Keep it Simple, Make it Special, Showcase your Local Environment Years ago Midwestern friends visited us while they were in our southern city for Thanksgiving. My friend asked if I planned to decorate for the …
![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")
For the past twelve years, a single hot button question has plagued me. It comes up almost every time I encounter someone who is familiar with both me and my twin sister and it instantly creates a prickly abrasion that I can't shake off. No matter who asks the question or what kind of mood I'm in, it causes the same bad reaction every single time. I've tried not to let it get to me. I've told myself not to react so poorly, yet it happens each and every time.
I've put a lot of reflective thought into why it's such a problematic question. I've consulted with my sister, husband and close friends for their perspective. Yet, the answer eluded me.
Finally! I now know why the question, "When are you going to Hawaii?" bothers me so much. It is a symptom of a bigger issue and indicates that the person asking the question incorrectly assumes that my travel dream is the same as theirs. They are in love with Hawaii, therefore everyone else must also love it or desire to visit. For me, it couldn't be further from the truth.
As a snowbird, I know that making sacrifices and tough choices are how most people can afford to pay for two residences. Taking off season trips to Hawaii and other expensive, exotic places are not usually practical if you also want to be a snowbird. Thus, the contrasting lifestyle of snowbirds and non-snowbirds.
Looking back I can see that the question about travelling to a far away place is a symptom of a bigger issue. The people who ask the question, "When are you going to Hawaii?" can relate to my sister's life, but apparently not to my life, which is that of a snowbird. Hence the dichotomy of a literal division/contrast between two things that are opposed or entirely different.
It all started twelve years ago when my twin sister moved from Indiana to the island of Oahu, Hawaii. She had her reasons and although I have made no secret that I want her to live much closer to me, she successfully pursued the popular tropical environment that is her goal, her dream, her life. My sister's choice is not my choice and I accept that.
Hawaii, it turns out, is apparently the same dreamy place that many, many others who have either vacationed in Hawaii, visited the islands of Hawaii for education, work, a conference or whose goal it is to someday go there. I didn't fully realize that for many, Hawaii is the pinnacle of their travel dreams.
However, it is not my goal, it is not my dream. It makes zero difference if my sister lives in Hawaii or not, I have not allocated any time, resources or energy to visit Hawaii. Fiji, Bora Bora, Bangkok, Dubai, Bali, Rio, Machu Picchu, Australia or just about anyplace else that requires more than a four hour flight are also off the list. Europe, including Italy, London, Paris and the Mediterranean are of interest, but going there in person is not likely to happen. I've already traveled to almost all of the Continental United States and to St. Lucia/the West Indies, Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada with many fond memories.
We are self-employed and it is impossible to get away for even one day without having a current or future client ask for help with a price estimate, technical or training problem or some other issue that needs addressed. If we don't work, we don't earn money and if we don't take good care of our customers, we won't have a business. To leave for an extended time away creates more problems than it's worth and we would not actually be able to get away from work and enjoy ourselves.
My sister lives in an expensive, yet very tiny place near the iconic Waikiki Beach. She doesn't have space for overnight guests and she has to balance her time off from work. When she comes home to Indiana, it burns up 10 to 14 personal days that she can use to spend time with many friends and loved ones in one trip home.
When I'm asked, "When are you going to Hawaii?" it creates an instant reaction. It is a hot button and the question comes up fairly often. Typically, my response is a quick, "I'm not planning to go" or something like that.
However, that's never the end of it: Question, answer. Oh no.
What happens next is absolutely unnecessary, yet predictable. I end up on the receiving end of being pushed into giving ten reasons why I don't want or plan to go. I get badgered with follow up questions such as, "Why not?" or "Have you ever been to Hawaii?" and "Why on Earth do you not want to visit your sister in Hawaii?"
The implication is, "What is wrong with you? Who in their right mind doesn't want to go to Hawaii?" Especially with a "free" place to stay, which is not accurate and even with a "free" space to sleep, airfare, ground transportation, fuel, meals, sightseeing tours, souvenirs, fees and everything else are not free. It all adds up to thousands and thousands of dollars for a relatively short time away. However, I continually wonder, "Why can't you let it go?" Why is it important that I have to think like you?
The truth is your travel dreams are not my travel dreams and vice versa.
Now that I've realized I'm being asked the question because it is someone else's goal, I can better cope and seek to help them understand my life as a snowbird.
Snowbirds have a different mindset that you cannot have it all. Financially and in other ways, you have to prioritize and make difficult choices. I am a snowbird for ten years and counting. It took vision, sacrifices and plenty of hard work, but it was important to my husband and I. We became snowbirds and love it.
Five years ago, we achieved another huge goal: to buy our own slice of the beach. Through hard work, many more sacrifices and sheer determination, we made that happen. We own a gulf-front vacation rental that was and is the realization of MY lifelong dream. My goal, not necessarily yours. And that is OK.
I would rather save every dollar and ounce of energy that I have so that I can spend time in my happy place in Northwest Florida. I never get tired of returning to the same place and meeting new people as well as spending time with the friends we've made over the past ten years. I like the predictability and familiarity of our southern snowbird home and community.
You may like the heady options of going somewhere completely different for each trip away. Cruises, mountains, beaches, road trips and far away locales may be your thing and that's great!
My travel dreams are not your travel dreams and that is fine.
Like many snowbirds, we already are entrenched in our warm weather community. Like many snowbirds, we dreamed of investing in real property. For us, real property brings a significant return on our financial investment. I prefer not to spend resources on expensive one-off vacations. However, that's my thought process, it's not everybody's objective.
I will not try to confront or convert you or make you feel less than for choosing to spend your time, resources and energy on anything other than what you want from your life. So keep on dreaming and may you find the travel balance that works best for you. I support you and your dreams. I don't need or want them to be the same as mine. And that is perfectly OK.
-- Aporva Kala, Indian Born Author of Contemporary, Fiction and Thriller Genre
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
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.
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
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.
The Lilly Mansion Summer Tour of the Historical Midwestern French Inspired Home The summer off-season is the perfect opportunity to explore gems closer to your primary home. I love checking out the places that are right in my own backyard as they say. The unique …