Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
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 …
Seville Quarter, downtown Pensacola, Florida Creative Vehicle Options for Snowbirds Car sharing and multi-month leases As snowbirds age, transportation to and from their winter communities is increasingly a concern. Perhaps a solo or snowbird couple want to fly to their destination, but aren’t aware of …
I wasn't familiar with "snowflakes," which are a variation of snowbirds, until a reader contacted me about it. Online Artificial intelligence (AI) defines the primary difference between snowbirds and snowflakes as the former have a longer commitment to their warm weather destination, typically staying one or more months and snowflakes choose shorter stays, such as long weekends or weeks at a time and are more transient than their counterparts.
Snowflakes may escape the cold more frequently compared to snowbirds who escape the cold and stay away awhile. Other differences include snowflakes are typically younger, perhaps with families who travel with them. They are usually not retired and work remotely. Their objectives are to escape cold weather, just like snowbirds, but they also seek cultural and recreational experiences while away.
It turns out snowflakes are also motivated to spend time with family who live a significant distance from them and want to be nearby for shorter stints whenever possible. Personally, I see snowflakes as emerging snowbirds, assuming they like the lifestyle and want to grow into longer stays at some point.
Earlier this year, I was contacted by a reader who is doing exactly that: transitioning from snowflake to snowbird. The first time the reader contacted me, she said, "It's nice to find a blog that talks about my same feelings regarding leaving my family to go off once again by myself... I've tried snow flaking but it isn't enough of a break from the North where we have spring snow storms. I'll start my first snowbird nest on the coast in Southeastern Florida close to where my younger son lives... this fall 2025."
I asked the reader who lives in a Western Mountain state to share her insight about her experience so far that lead up to becoming a snowbird this fall. Below is what she told me with the hope that someone else will also find it beneficial.
*Name and other identifying details withheld
"I've been a snowflake off and on for about six years now since I retired. Snowflakes stay in different places for a few weeks or up to a few months without a lot of commitment. I've been spending time in different places mostly in Florida since my younger son lives on the Atlantic side. I have become more familiar with that state, especially the Gulf Coast.
Marco Island is my favorite place. They have recovered from the hurricanes a little bit better than the other islands in the area. I love shelling on the barrier islands.
I'm ready to make a more stable commitment of six months in the winter close to my son who I previously only got to see once a year. He's thrilled that I will be closer to him -- about 45 miles. My dog and I will be staying on the Atlantic side of Florida and my son is in Port St Lucie and he works in a community south of there.
It was difficult to find a place I liked that was furnished without committing to an association or apartment/condo complex with the process of application, etc.
I filled out a short questionnaire from the owner of the condo I am renting within a small condo complex. I will pay my rent directly to the owner of the condo. On one of the many questionnaires I submitted was the question regarding where and whom I work for. I am retired but I kept a job with a medical organization as an auditor. I work with clinical offices that are working toward accreditation by the organization. Key word is MEDICAL.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) found me and sent me a website, furnishedfinders.com. What a breakthrough! I've been looking for a resource like this for years! It's a website that mostly rents to medical travelers. Even though I no longer work full time in the medical field, I was accepted and was offered several opportunities to choose from. I found the condo at the beach, talked to the owner in person and sent her my deposit. So easy, I'm thrilled!
Of course the cost of rent was my main concern, because EVERYTHING has gotten so expensive. I used to rent Airbnb, etc and that price has tripled in the last year! I am saving money by paying rent directly to the owner. I will not pay HOA, amenity fees to the complex for pool, club house, exercise room, etc. No utilities. I will pay a small dog deposit. Free parking.
The owner likes the fact that I am staying six months and I was chosen over two other applicants for that reason. If things go well, I'm hoping I can reserve the same place for next year. When I look at the whole package, I get a sense of community. I will be driving to Florida in late October with my dog. I have done it before and that way I have my own car. I have thought of shipping my car like a lot of people do, but I want to bring some of my own stuff with me. I will arrive on the fourth day of driving. I love road trips so It's part of the adventure.
Until then, I've been doing a little traveling, checking off my fun list!"
-- Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman Stoic philosopher, 4 BC – 65 AD
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 Clara Barkley Dorr house, 1871, an iconic home surrounded by orange trees located in the downtown historic district of Pensacola, Florida North Florida Vs. South Florida A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is the fourth …
Drone view of gorgeous coastal waters of Miramar Beach in Northwest Florida. Both Florida and Hawaii are known for miles of scenic coastline and colorful hues Florida Vs. Hawaii A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is …
![Florida features 1,146 miles of coastal shoreline and Texas has about 367 miles of shoreline. [Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida, Miramar Beach, Florida]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/0_20250303_131026_743_1741034627389_photo-LKS.jpg "0_20250303_131026_743_1741034627389_photo---LKS")
This is the second of a multi-part series. The first was Florida vs. Arizona and the third will be Florida vs. Hawaii. I already stated in my original post of Florida compared with Arizona and other popular snowbird destinations as follows:
"Let's begin by addressing the obvious. It makes the most sense that if your primary home is on the West Coast that you choose a snowbird community that is also on the West Coast. Right? Investing yourself in an area will be a long term pursuit if you choose wisely and getting there is a huge consideration of where to go. If unsure, then try out different options and see what works best. I highly doubt most snowbirds will repeat a trip from say, Indiana, Michigan or Ohio to Arizona more than once or twice. It's a long, multi-day drive. I'm not a gambler, but if I was, I would put high odds on what I refer to as the big slide. Most snowbirds slide south to their winter destinations.
My region in Northwest Florida primarily attracts people from the Northern Midwest states with a sprinkling of other areas mixed in. Most of my friends and acquaintances drive south on Interstate 65 all the way to our panhandle community. The last thing I want to do is spend more time on the road trip than absolutely necessary, especially with a dog on board.
If an individual or couple does not have pets or a lot of absolutely necessary belongings, flying is a possibility. But, there's more than meets the eye with that and unless you have no other option, such as a medical condition or choosing Hawaii for your winter destination, a road trip makes the most sense for all of the snowbirds I've ever encountered.
Traveling to your snowbird community is a major factor, but the cost of living and weather are also significant. More than one conversation with future snowbirds has taken place about "Which is better?" types of scenarios. This post is the second of several that will discuss "Which is better?" of two states. Florida is the long recognized gold standard of snowbird destinations. It is the king of the country for popularity attracting seasonal residents such as snowbirds. However, it is not the only option and for many, it's not the best option for their own personal circumstances and needs.
Here I will briefly provide the facts of three topics: weather, costs and ease of travel comparing Florida with Texas. As always, weigh everything carefully and do your own research. The general information provided here is for a basic overview of what to expect and not intended to be specific for my readers."
Florida is the number one hottest state in the US with an average temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. Texas is ranked number three at 68.6 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. In-between is Louisiana followed by Hawaii at number four, then Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas and Oklahoma rounding out the top ten. Alaska is the least hot with an average temperature of 27.8.
Winters in Florida are mild and summers are hot and humid. July is the hottest month of the year in Florida. Temperatures in Texas average in the high 50s to low sixties in the winter with lows dropping to freezing in the winter and an average of 1" of snow in January. The hottest month in Texas is August with an average 93 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Texas has a divided climate with the east being sub-tropical, high precipitation and humid and the west is arid and prone to drought.
Source: Climate at a Glance, StateWide Mapping - National Centers for Environmental Information
Source: https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/united-states/us
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/hottest-states
Humid heat always makes temperatures feel hotter and more stifling because the high moisture in the air makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate from human skin. However, humid temperatures are generally better for sinuses and can decrease symptoms of asthma and allergies. In a dry climate, you may sweat more than in humid heat, but may not notice because the moisture evaporates from skin more quickly. It is easier to become dehydrated in dry climates.
Florida is known as the "Sunshine State" and lives up to the name vs. the "Lone Star" State of Texas.
Florida has an average of 66% sunny days per year and an average of 101 clear days and 2,927 sunny hours, making it ninth of the states in the US. Data was measured in Tampa, Florida located on the Western Peninsular side of Central Florida. Texas is not far behind with an average of 61% sunny days per year and an average of 135 clear days and 2,850 sunny hours, making it seventeenth of the states in the US. Data was measured in Dallas, Texas located in the Northeast area of Texas.
For comparison, Arizona is by far the top state in the US for sun exposure and has the highest percentage of sunny days at 85% and an average of 193 clear days per year. Arizona's average number of 3,806 sunny hours per year is followed by Nevada and New Mexico respectively with 79% and 76% to round out the top three. Data was measured in Tucson, Arizona located on the southern border.
States with the highest percentage of sunny days in descending order are: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Florida, Georgia, Utah, Kansas, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota and Virginia. Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Nebraska each have an average of 61% sunny days per year. Alaska has the least percentage of measured sunny days at 41%.
Sources: Average Annual Sunshine by State - Current ResultsSunniest States in the U.S. - Stacker
Sources: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/sunniest-states
The UV index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Texas and Florida both have very high UV rays; however Florida is rated as a "ten," and Texas is a "nine." Florida is higher with 3,636 compared with 3,538 average daily UV Irradiance 2015. Other states with a ten rating for UV rays are California and Nevada. With the highest score of 11, Hawaii is the state closest to the Equator and thus has the most intense UV rays. Alaska is the lowest with a score of one.
Skin cancer, premature aging and other health problems are all linked to prolonged UV exposure of the sun. Precautions such as using sunblock and avoiding sun and UV exposure should be taken to lower the risk of sun-related health issues.
Source: EPH Tracking
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/uv-index-by-state
The Cost of Living Index indicates Texas is better due to Florida's slightly more expensive rate than the national average. Florida's Cost of Living Index is 102.8 and Texas's score is lower at 92.7. Information included here is the most current "Composite Cost of Living Index 2024 Annual Average" published by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
For comparison, the State of Hawaii has the highest cost of living index with a whopping 186.9 and the state with the lowest score for 2024 is West Virginia at 84.1. My home state of Indiana is a reasonable 90.5 which is similar to Michigan's 90.4 and Iowa at 89.7. Other cold weather Midwestern states have scores as follows: Wisconsin, 97.0; Minnesota, 95.1; Illinois, 94.4; Ohio, 94.2 and Missouri, 88.7.
Northeastern states are all very high cost of living scores as follows: Massachusetts, 145.9; Washington D.C., 141.9; New York, 123.3; Maryland, 115.3; New Jersey, 114.6; Vermont, 114.4; New Hampshire, 112.6; Connecticut, 112.3; Rhode Island, 112.2; Maine, 112.1; Delaware, 100.8 and Pennsylvania, 95.1.
Northwestern states range from a high of California, 144.8; Alaska, 123.8; Washington, 114.2; Oregon, 112.0, Utah, 104.9; Colorado, 102.0; Idaho, 102.0; Nevada, 101.3; Wyoming, 95.5; Montana, 94.9; Nebraska, 93.1; South Dakota, 92.2; North Dakota, 91.9 and Kansas, 87.0.
Source: https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series
The short answer is what major North/Southbound artery can you access without too much trouble? If you are located in the Western half of the US and Canada, Texas is most logical for your road trip destination. If you are coming from the Eastern half of the US and Canada, Florida is better. The population in the middle US and Canada have the biggest decision to make and it will likely be based on your own personal circumstances.
Florida has a distance of about 450 miles north to south with about 400 miles in the East/West upper portion of the state. No other state in the continental US can come close to Florida's 1,146 miles of shoreline. The peninsula of Florida is surrounded by the Gulf of America and Atlantic Ocean. Florida is almost 66,000 square miles and does not have any international border.
Texas has approximately 800 miles of angled distance from the Northern panhandle to the Southern coastal area around Brownsville and is approximately 773 miles East/West. Southern Texas has a shoreline of about 367 miles along the Gulf of America. Texas has 1,254 miles of international border with Mexico to the south. The state is the largest in the continental US with just over a total of 268,000 square miles. Alaska is by far the largest US state with just over 665,000 square miles and 6,640 miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Because Florida is more compact in distance and has no shortage of fuel centers anywhere in the state, it edges Texas for travel by vehicle. Anyone who has driven in the Western US knows there may be long distances between fuel centers, including in Texas. Either Florida or Texas are acceptable for travel by vehicle, it will depend on individual circumstances and how much distance snowbirds are comfortable driving to arrive at their destination.
From East to West, this is the rundown of the major North/South arteries and where you'll end up. Both Texas and Florida have three major North/South interstate highways that will take you where you want to be.
Interstate 95: Carolinas and Eastern Peninsular Florida
Interstate 75: Georgia, Central and Western Peninsular Florida
Interstate 65: Northwest Florida and Alabama
Interstate 55: Louisiana and Mississippi
Interstate 45: Eastern Texas
Interstate 35: Middle Texas
Interstate 25: Western Texas and New Mexico
Interstate 15: Northwest Arizona, Nevada and Southern California
Interstate 5: Southern California
--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.
Florida Vs Arizona: Sun and heat are high in both states which makes each a great choice for outdoor activities [Maravilla Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida] Florida Vs. Arizona A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle Let’s begin …
In a competitive snowbird housing rental market, it’s essential to know your top priorities [Seaside Florida] The Snowbird Housing Scramble Top Three Essentials: Planning, Communication and Decisiveness This season there has been a major scramble to secure snowbird housing for next year. Don’t be fooled, …
Winter is the off season for the vacation rental markets that snowbirds tend to choose for their warm weather communities. Peak season is when school is out for holidays and breaks plus the ultimate summer vacation months from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. Thus, the off season is November through March, exactly the months snowbirds migrate south.
It should not come as a surprise that maintenance and/or construction projects are typical for any housing community, especially in the off season. Private homes and condo complexes want to avoid as much disruption to guests during peak season when rental prices are at a peak. No one wants to inconvenience anyone at anytime, but if the work has to be done, it will likely be in the winter months.
Be proactive and ask your owner or property manager each and every year if there will be any work being done to your complex and/or rental unit. Ask specifically what will be done and when. Be aware construction projects rarely begin and end when scheduled. Expect the unexpected and go with the flow. It's frustrating, yes, but it's also beyond anyone's control other than the construction vendor/s and HOA. Owners have zero to minimal input or influence on anything despite misconceptions to the contrary.
Some, but not all snowbirds tend to forget part of the reason the off season rates are so enticing is due to the time of year, weather and the likelihood of disruptions from maintenance and construction. Therefore, if it comes down to inconveniencing summer guests who pay a weekly rate comparable to the monthly rate of snowbirds, we know the snowbirds will be the ones adjusting to the construction.
This season our 188 unit condo community is undergoing major work. As in expensive work. Comprehensive all-encompassing work. Much of it is required by the State of Florida as part of the legislation enacted after the Surfside tragedy in South Florida several years ago. Some is for aesthetics such as changing the exterior color of the buildings from a sandy warm beige to summery white. The work is to ensure safety as well as aesthetics.
Our HOA spent millions of dollars to pay for the construction work and the owners paid the HOA for the work via special assessments. The HOA and owners have a vested financial interest in making sure the work is completed on time with as few disruptions as possible. Delays are bad for business and the whole point of the rental business is to maximize the number of nights that can be sold to guests.
That means snowbirds need to understand and agree to abide by everything they are asked, not put up a fight about it and move to another location if it's too much for their sanity. This can and does happen. However, snowbirds are generally not in a position to play hard ball or negotiate rates if their rental property is in high demand. Other guests are eyeing the place and complainers will be easily replaced if they get out of line. I'm not saying not to politely ask about a reduction of rate, just don't argue and threaten if the response is not what you think should happen. Either accept it or move on.
--David Allen Coe, American country music singer, songwriter, guitarist
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.
Our beloved Bodie and Dan shortly before Bo’s cancer diagnosis, Miramar Beach in Northwest Florida, November 2024 The Hardest Goodbye One Last Snowbird Season with our Beloved and Terminal Golden Retriever Eight years ago we excitedly brought our strong, stubborn, energetic male Golden Retriever puppy, …