First Things First 

Before even looking at low, mid or high rise housing options, it's important to assess your own and the other occupants' personal needs and abilities. Not just the actual snowbirds, but also any guests or loved ones who are visiting for any length of time. Seriously thinking it over upfront can help avoid selecting an option that just isn't realistic when it comes down to it.

• How many stairs can you climb? Descend?
• How many stairs can your pet climb? Descend?
• Are you able to carry luggage, bags of groceries and other items up or down a flight of stairs?
• If the stairs are located outdoors, can you navigate them in inclement weather conditions?
• Do you have a fear of heights?
• How important is a view?
• If the elevator/s stop working, can you make it work?

Low Rise Ground Floor

Low rise ground floor units may be in high demand for snowbirds because ground floor units, whether located in a low, mid or high rise building, are ideal for anyone who cannot physically go up or down stairs if there is no elevator. Be sure to check if the unit is ground floor vs. "first floor" or something that isn't actually ground floor. I've seen many buildings that have mixed use space, specifically retail space, on the ground floor and the "first floor" of housing is actually the second floor.

Low rises are not usually ideal for a great view. It will possibly be a worm's eye view or rather flat view of a body of water such as a coastal area. However, if your view is of mountains, woods or a lake, it could work out very well.

Some low rises have outdoor patios, decks or other outdoor space. In the event of building construction, it may cause the outdoor space to close just the same as units with a balcony.

Check to be sure your pet is allowed on the outdoor space or beyond, such as in the grass. Many ground floor units are popular so pets can be taken directly outdoors without having to wait for an elevator or climb stairs, but there may be restrictions.

For security, ground floor units are not typically left open after dark, overnight or when not home.

Low Rise Not on Ground Floor 

Low rise buildings with units not on the ground floor typically do not have an elevator. It's one thing to say climbing stairs is your "home gym," but that can get old fast when you have to carry trash and heavy items up and down, run out to your vehicle, take your dog out and maybe don't feel well.

The older anyone gets, the worse it gets, which means you'll need to eventually find another place.

Mid Rise 

We live in a mid rise condo in the winter and I personally love it. Our top (4th floor) unit is located near an elevator. If the elevator is not functioning, there are three more available from the fourth floor without having to use any stairs. The gulf and pool view from our unit is lovely and when we are on our private balcony, I don't feel like I'm in a fish bowl like some of the other lower floor units in our complex.

In the event of a fire or emergency, I believe a mid or low rise building is the best place to be able to escape.

High Rise 

A high rise building is usually taller than six floors. Skyscrapers are known to exceed 40 or 50 floors, but I'm not getting into skyscrapers here because there aren't likely to be any in most snowbird communities. The view from a high rise is often quite amazing due to the nature of nothing coming in between the building and the scenery. High rises are usually associated with residential, retail, office and other mixed use spaces, which can be very convenient.

Pitfalls of high rises include concerns such as a long elevator ride, especially with a pet, non-functioning elevators and other practical considerations of being forced to use stairs in the event of unavailable elevators. Depending on how many elevators are available, it's likely you will be sharing the space with at least a few others. Odors, conversation or not, loaded utility carts, pets riding with other kids and pets and other awkward situations can arise.

My snowbird friends have tried staying in a high floor unit of a high rise and decided it is not for them. Fear of heights plus a fear of pet/s, people and other items falling or blowing over the balcony are no joke. If you don't have a balcony or outdoor space, that's also a mixed concern because fresh air is important.

Another concern is if you have to walk from central elevators to your high floor unit. The wind at that height can be unreal and it's even worse if the weather is bad.

Overall, a high rise has the most concerns to address in my opinion, but everyone is different and I have a friend who always comes back to her favorite high rise.

Think all of the options through carefully and make an informed decision based on your abilities and personal needs. Never hesitate to do your research of what others have found with the places they stay and why they prefer the choice they've made.