From Snowflake to Snowbird: A Mini Report
From Snowflake to Snowbird
A Mini Report from a Former Snowflake
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
A Mini Report from a Snowflake Who is Transforming into a Snowbird
"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!"
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”
-- Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Roman Stoic philosopher, 4 BC – 65 AD
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