Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
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 …
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to live in your snowbird community full time, consider this case study of one mostly retired couple who relocated from Ohio to Florida. They've had three years to absorb and analyze the emotional impact of what it means to move away from friends and family. I recently spent a Sunday morning with my friend, Kaley, and we had a candid personal conversation about the challenges she has encountered by making her southern community her full time home base.
On the plus side, Kaley and her husband purchased what they considered to be a reasonably priced home with an inground pool in a mature residential area in the heart of downtown Destin, Florida. A pool in a southern climate makes sense because the weather will be warm or hot much more than the Northern climate. However, since that time housing prices have skyrocketed as has homeowner's insurance. She said it is about $6,000 per year for insurance largely due to being in a coastal area, but Kaley said so far property taxes have been relatively reasonable.
Kaley felt that having a pool would be a draw for their family to want to visit, especially her grandchildren. Yet Kaley quickly acknowledged her teen grands have a pool at their own home, although pool season is much shorter in Ohio. The gorgeous nearby white sandy beaches of the Emerald Coast don't exactly repel anyone either. There are many other attractions in the area for just about any age or ability. This is what is so appealing to tourists and full time residents alike.
Housing and the allure of pools and the beaches are just one factor of being based in your warm weather community. Kaley shared that she and her husband are seriously considering moving back to Ohio. Caught by surprise, I listened carefully.
Family and friends are hugely important and that is Kaley's biggest Achilles heel. Yes, it's typically not a problem to make an effort to get acquainted with new friends in any area and be happy with them, although it does take time to do that. Kaley didn't say, but I'm fairly certain it must be challenging to sustain meaningful friendships in a community where the majority of the population is comprised of transient tourists. Snowbird friends tend to come back every year, but then they are gone again right about the time you find your groove. There's a large gap of time in between. Close friends from home will typically visit once and they may or may not return.
Family is another thing. They obviously cannot be replicated or substituted. For many snowbirds, family and friends are two of the biggest reasons to remain in close geographical proximity. No one ages backwards and there's only so many resources be with family who live a significant distance away. Kaley has made many trips back to Ohio for various occasions, but no one can be there for every single gathering or life event. Grands are born and grow up quicker than anyone is ready. There's no price that can be established for time with family. Therefore, if either the parents or adult children move away no matter what the reason, there's pros and cons. Hence the conundrum.
Kaley researched the costs of moving back to their original home base in Central Ohio. Insurance is still reasonable because they would be land locked. However, housing and property taxes are expensive which means she and her husband would be trading lower insurance for high property taxes.
Another consideration is which one of their three adult children to be nearest? The children plus grands are located in three different cities and it would be at least a two hour drive each way if they chose to base near one of the three families.
Kaley and I both personally know of parents moving to the same city as their adult children only to be frustrated with the outcome. Kaley pointed out that her friends moved to Virginia to be near their children and grands. After a period of time the grands and their family were transferred and now the parents were in a location where they didn't have many friends and now they didn't have family either.
Another friend of Kaley's moved close to family and said they see their family and grands the same amount of time as before they moved there. Although grandparents realize teens are busy with school and their own friends and activities, it's not pleasant to miss out on a relationship with them, especially when they are in the same vicinity. Regarding the adult children, it's even less pleasant to feel your children are avoiding you after the effort made to relocate nearby. This is another subject entirely and one that is all too common.
Kaley and I didn't delve into the hurt feelings, resentment and emotional issues of moving to be closer to family only to find the significant life-changing gesture isn't exactly welcome, but that is the reality of making a huge change. If Kaley and her husband move back to Ohio, who's to say how much time they will actually have with their family? To be fair, when Kaley and her husband moved away from Ohio, their children and grands, it almost certainly had an emotional impact on the remaining family.
Whether snowbirds stay with the status quo by splitting time between two homes or permanently relocate to their southern community, there's no easy answers. For those who aren't particularly close to their adult children, whose children don't live nearby, who don't have children/grands or whose core family is no longer surviving, there's still extended family, friends, neighbors, community and the long time roots connecting anyone to a particular place.
Ultimately, each situation is personal and unique. There's several wise adages to consider before making any major life changes: "The grass isn't always greener" and "Be careful of what you wish for" are two that come to mind. No matter what Kaley and her husband decide, there's always trade offs. I believe the best option is to consider what is best for each individual or each couple, not what is best for everyone else.
-- Eckhart Tolle, German born spiritual teacher and self-help 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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If you're like me, packing is a pain and a task I have yet to perfect and finesse despite years of travel. If it's a shorter stay of a long weekend or just a couple of weeks, it makes it even worse because I wrongly think "It's only a couple weeks," then forget items. My husband forgot to bring items related to our business, largely because of the "I've got this, no need to refer to my long-established packing lists." Everything is at risk of being forgotten, it's all about the details. Establish your systems, then stick to them.
Items I recently forgot were a food scale and cough drops. Typically, I don't get sick or need OTC types of products at home or anywhere else. However, while away I developed a cough that would not quit and was making me miserable. Cough drops are readily available at any pharmacy, that isn't the point. What is irksome is we literally have two one-pound bags of 500 cough drops and three food scales at our primary home -- there is no need to buy more. Our supplies will last for years. None of this is a major problem, it all adds up to minor inconveniences that no one wants to have to deal with while away, especially for a shorter stay. Shorter stays fly by as it is without searching and shopping around solving issues of forgotten items.
I purposefully didn't bring much cash, which turned out to be a poor choice. Cash is helpful just about everywhere including tipping your hotel staff, the cleaning staff at your southern place, beach and service attendants and small businesses who may or may not accept plastic. If you bring too much cash and don't spend it, terrific! It's not so convenient to get cash when you unexpectedly need it.
Overpacking is another common issue. Once again, I brought too many pairs of jeans and three jackets for a two week stay. Two of each would have been fine. Too many shoes is another common yet bulky item my husband and I both overpack. One pair of comfortable slip-on shoes, such as flip flops; one exercise or walking shoe and one versatile dress-it-up-or-down shoe is enough. The balance is to have an "heir and a spare" so that if it rains or an item gets dirty, you have an alternate option while the dirty/wet item is washed and dried.
I've included three areas to focus when packing for a minor time away such as a long weekend or a few weeks, but the same principles also apply to longer stays.
Examples include:
Toilet paper doubles as tissue paper in a pinch
Beach towels are, of course, great at the beach and they double as a throw blanket on a cooler evening as well as for the road trip
Olive, coconut or vegetable oil; butter or margarine. There's no need to bring every kind of oil/spread you own
Aluminum foil functions for both hot or cold applications, plastic only functions for cold uses
All-purpose seasonings: blend equal parts granulated onion and garlic instead of one container of each; bring one meat rub, specialty or all-purpose seasoning, not all of the individual ingredients to create your own spice blends while away
Animal crackers and dry cereal such as Cheerios double as snacks for you and your pet
Rice/Pasta: Long or quick cooking rice, not both. Pasta should be limited to one or two types that you consume most often
Beverages: Focus on the essentials such as coffee and purified water. If necessary, fill in with tea bags, lemonade mix or a two liter of soda
Wine/Beer/Liquor: Narrow it down to the basics such as one wine, beer and liquor, not the entire bar and every kind of mixer in your pantry
Examples include what you will wear from head to toe by time of the day:
Early Morning: Attire for taking the dog out, coffee on the patio
Morning: Breakfast at your place or in the highway hotel's common area
Mid-day: Work, shopping, errands, lunch, exercise, appointments, social or other activities
Late Afternoon: Beach or pool attire, sports wear, hobbies, exercise/hiking, work/online video calls, etc
Evening: Dinner at your favorite upscale or casual restaurant, nightlife, or just lounging around on your sofa for tv night
Bedtime: Sleepwear and everything needed for a good night's rest such as a robe and slippers, night creams and an eye mask
Don't overlook the items that accompany your attire:
Accessories: Belts, jewelry, purses, scarves, bags, canvas totes, etc
Hats: Sun hats, baseball hats, fashion hats and winter hats for the road trip to/from your destination
Jackets: Casual jackets such as windbreakers and lighter weight zip-up jackets as well as a trench coat for an evening out and cold weather jackets for the road trip
Examples include expensive items such as computers and electronics and travel-sized portions of bulk items
Vitamins and over the counter (OTC) wellness items purchased in bulk such as vitamins, supplements, energy/nutrition/fitness products, etc.
Vision: prescription eyewear, contacts, eye drops, sunglasses
Hearing: hearing aids, Q-tips, ear-related products
Rx items that may be seldom or occasionally used: aspirin, cough drops/cough syrup, tissues, cold/flu remedies, medications, etc
Jewelry: wedding rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, every day and special occasion pieces
Electronics: Electronics are such an integral part of our lives, there's a lot of components to remember to pack. Cables, connectors, computers, mini towers, monitors, printers (+ink and paper), surge protectors, the list is extensive.
Hobbies: Pickleball, golf, tennis, hiking, photography, picnics, etc. Whatever your thing is, don't forget to pack everything necessary to set up in your warm weather destination
Cash/Credit Cards/Checks: Although money is not a big ticket item, cash is king when traveling. You'll need to have plenty in small to large denominations for tips when on the road, cash-only vendors, parking and tolls and much more.
-- Unknown
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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Snowbirds looking for a place with "beachfront" in the description may be surprised to find out the actual distance to the shoreline can be quite a hike for some properties or quite the opposite with mere steps to the sand.
The nuances of view, beachfront and ocean/gulf front are a continual source of confusion for both property owners and potential guests. It's enough of an issue that a very popular all-inclusive resort with many Caribbean island locations dedicated an entire web page to the subject with beautiful photos to illustrate exactly what you will actually get when you book their rooms and suites.
There are many informal online groups and third party travel agency sites dedicated specifically to matching guests with rental properties. Local and regional groups offer a forum for potential guests to make a request seeking properties specifically within their preferred criteria and owners will respond if they have something available. It's not a question of whether the guest or rental unit will mistakenly interchange the terms, it's just a matter of when it will happen. No one wants a surprise upon arrival, so error on the side of acquiring information beyond a doubt.
What exactly is the difference of beachfront vs. ocean/gulf front? Or ocean view? It can vary widely because there is no authoritative standard definition for beachfront, ocean front and ocean view. No one-size-fits-all for beach rental terminology exists, which is why there is so much confusion. You may encounter a wide range of properties that are "ocean front" or "beachfront" and all could be correctly labeled yet be wildly different.
Here's what you need to know before booking a property.
Beachfront typically implies ground floor and a short distance to the sand. However, you may encounter properties who consider "no road" between the unit and the beach to be beachfront, despite being located in a high rise or quite a distance from the actual beach. An ocean front room is also ocean view, but an ocean view room is not necessarily ocean front. An ocean front accommodation may be situated near the water and an ocean view unit may be located much further inland, even half a mile or more away in some cases.
Ocean view indicates you can see the ocean/gulf somewhere from the interior, but it won't be directly facing the ocean -- which is considered ocean front. Never assume the ocean view will be from the interior, it could be from somewhere on the balcony or patio area. Your balcony may be way in the back of the complex or it may be an inline side balcony that requires leaning over the railing to see the ocean view. Likewise, ground floor units may or may not have a visible view of the ocean, it all depends on whether obstructions such as pools, fences, landscaping and topography block all or part of the view. Partial views, sliver views, balcony views, side views, direct views, rooftop views, panoramic views and unobstructed views are all nuances of ocean view.
If all else fails, price will offer a huge clue about the property. The most expensive will be beachfront, followed by ocean front and then ocean/gulf view. No view is also something to consider for snowbirds on a budget or who simply want to be in a desirable location near the water, but perhaps in a unit with with other features such as detached home or cottage, private pool, covered parking or fenced yard.
For your convenience, I've compiled dictionary definitions for some of the most common beach terminology, but it is not intended to be anything other than a point of reference. Invesigate, then evaluate all of the information you gather with the facts. Don't get caught up in the promotional photos and marketing sizzle before you have the actual facts. Clarify if the photo/s you are looking at are general views of the overall property or are they of the actual unit where you will be staying. Ask a lot of questions, confirm the information in writing and take a virtual video and/or photo tour of the specific unit you are considering before making a decision about renting a new place, whether staying for a few nights or much longer.
Because there is no authoritative standard source of beach terminology relating to the hospitality and travel industry, I've compiled definitions from reliable sources that pertain to the literal meaning of beachfront, ocean front and ocean view.
Cambridge Dictionary
Noun. A strip of land along a beach
Collins Dictionary
Noun. A strip of land bordering on a beach
Merriam-Webster
Noun.
1. A strip of land that fronts the beach
2. The usually sandy or gravelly land bordering a body of water
Collins Dictionary
Noun. Land, buildings, etc. along an ocean shore
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Noun. A shore area on the ocean
Oxford Dictionary
Noun. The land that borders an ocean
Cambridge Dictionary
Definition not available
Collins Dictionary
Definition not available
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Definition not available
Oxford Dictionary
Definition not available
Collins Dictionary
Countable Noun. The view from a window or high place is everything that can be seen from that place, especially when it is considered to be beautiful.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Noun. All that can be seen from a certain point
Oxford Dictionary
Noun.
1. The ability to see something or to be seen from a particular place
2. A sight or prospect, typically of attractive natural scenery, that can be taken in by the eye from a particular place
Oxford Dictionary
Noun. The line along which a large body of water meets the land
Oxford Dictionary
Noun. The shore of the sea, on which the waves break, the strand; spec. the part of the shore lying between high- and low-water-mark
-- Pilou Asbæk, Danish Actor
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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