Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
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] Florida Vs. Texas A Comparison of Weather, Cost of Living Index and Ease of Travel by Vehicle This is the second of …
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 first 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 Arizona. 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. Arizona is ranked number eleven at 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. In-between are Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas and Oklahoma. 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 Arizona in June, July and August average 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix, but are more mild in other parts of the state. Some parts of Arizona have snow in the winter.
Sources: Climate at a Glance, StateWide Mapping - National Centers for Environmental Information
Annual Weather Averages: Hawaii - Holiday Weather
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.
Although Florida is known as the "Sunshine State," 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.
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. In-between Arizona and Florida for sunny days in descending order are: Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, California, Oklahoma and Wyoming. Alaska has the least number of measured sunny days at 41%.
Sources: Average Annual Sunshine by State - Current ResultsSunniest States in the U.S. - Stacker
The UV index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Arizona and Florida both have very high UV rays and are each rated as a "ten," however, Arizona edges out Florida for highest with 3,728 vs. 3,636 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
Although the states of Arizona and Florida are slightly more expensive than the national average, Florida's cost of living index edged out Arizona. Arizona's Cost of Living Index is 111.5 and Florida's score is lower at 102.8. 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, Arizona 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.
From East to West, this is the rundown of the major North/South arteries and where you'll end up. Note: There is no direct North/South interstate that travels directly to the heart of Arizona! To get to Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, greater Phoenix, Tucson and other popular destinations, take Interstates 25 or 15 and then cut over to where you want to be in Arizona. Because of the lack of a direct North/South interstate to Arizona, Florida takes the win.
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
--Cyd Charisse, American dancer and actress
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.
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, …
Online Groups: Sort Out the Nonsense How to Sift Through the Answers and Motives of Online Q&A’s Prior to the rise of the powerful internet and social media, information was exchanged and shared in person, in local establishments amongst patrons and through traditional media channels …
Many times I'm inspired to write about questions I receive seeking insight of the snowbird life. This time our repeat vacation rental guests asked about making the transition from a summer to winter stay. We recently hosted Jen, Steve and their senior dog for two weeks in August. They love it here and said they are now considering returning to the same unit in the winter of 2025. I feel the same way, it's nice to be accustomed to the flow of the set-up, the furniture, location and why change if it's not necessary?
Jen already researched that our unit isn't available for Jan/Feb, but she and Steve wondered about March dates. That's a tricky one. The weather is steadily improving and that means the rates are substantially increasing. Shoulder season rates are early to mid-March and then there's Spring Break rates. Typically the Spring Breakers drive the snowbirds out for two reasons: they pay higher rates for the better weather and the area's population density noticeably increases.
My husband, our Golden Retriever and I were in Northwest Florida during Spring break this year and it's a completely different perspective than the winter months. The college-aged Spring Break students we encountered were very polite, blending in as fellow beach goers having some fun. I didn't see anyone stumbling around or overly loud, but I did see young ladies beautifully dressed up for sunset selfies; students enthusiastically indulging in beach volleyball, enjoying the pools, strolling the sidewalks, enjoying food and beverages in the local establishments and congregating after dark in the sand. We never find snowbirds out on the beach after dark except for the occasional night fisherman.
I don't know anything about Jen and Steve's budget, but March is a viable option if they put their funds into a shorter stay. This could be just the thing they want and need. Summer and winter in the exact same location have some very big differences as I've experienced. Maybe the Jan/Feb weather in Northwest Florida is too drastically different than the hot, humid temps of a Florida summer. Always research the mean temps no matter where you are considering, don't rely on your hunches and intuition, it may or may not be accurate.
Jen asked me about North Florida vs. South Florida. I told her essentially the same information as I wrote about in this post.
Location, Location, Location: Peak Vs Off Peak
Other considerations for summer to winter snowbirds and vice versa include your tolerance for busy vs. off season population density. Summer is much busier on the beach, in the restaurants, stores and establishments, other activities, driving in traffic and travelling to/from your destination. You'll likely have construction delays everywhere and you'll probably not stay as long because lodging rates are much more expensive. Beach service is a summer and shoulder season luxury.
Summer in Florida and popular Southern states such as Texas and Arizona is very hot and humid. If you like walking or running to exercise outdoors, it's almost unbearable during the hottest months of the year. Summer options involve swimming pools, lakes and the ocean.
When children are not in school, they are in full force in the locations where families go for vacations. Therefore you can expect to have a lot more activity and noise on the beach, in the pools and in the general community.
Winter is slower in terms of population and much less busy at the restaurants and retail shops, it's a longer season, generally less expensive and a time to get better acquainted and connect with others in your immediate and greater community. Winter snowbirds are much more likely to greet each other and be sociable. There's fewer distractions than the summer crowd.
In the winter, the sun rises and sets for a much shorter day, the temps tend to be cooler, cloudier and/or rainier. Many restaurants and attractions close for the month of January while the staff and owners go on their own well deserved vacations. When dining out, lunchtime is the best option for beachfront dining. You won't see a thing for dinner hour other than complete darkness.
Unless you have access to a heated pool or jetted spa, it's not likely you'll be swimming in the off season. However, with children in school, you'll likely not be encountering toddlers, kids, teens and young adults in the area during the winter. Weekends and holidays are a draw and do bring families during the winter for a refreshing change.
Before committing to changing from summer, shoulder season or winter, think it through, do your research and make an informed decision. It can be drastically different in the exact same location of your summer or winter community. If you're like me, you come to appreciate each season for the changes and make the most of each time you're able to be in your happy place.
-- Anthony J D'Angelo, American Author, Speaker, Business Owner
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.
Stinky’s Fish Camp, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Starter Snowbirds An Analysis of Two Pre-Emerging Snowbird Couples While sitting around a firepit at our neighbor’s end of summer social gathering, the topic of retirement and possibly becoming a snowbird were of interest to two couples who …
Personally, I'm not a shopper. I'd rather do almost anything else than run to the store for something. Professionally, I've become adept at finding everything needed to furnish our vacation rental and have invested much time and thought in choosing every single item. Nothing was purchased or returned on a whim or without weighing the pros and cons of how that item fit into the rental property or not.
Many snowbirds own a vacation rental, second home, lake, desert or mountain home and/or simply want to know where to find the charming items stocked in their winter rental. That used to be me. Where did the owner acquire the rugs, pillows, lighting, accent pieces, furniture, artwork and outdoor patio set? Now I'm that person supplying these items and we've had guests ask, "Where exactly did the mattress come from and what is the specific model # of it?" A true compliment!
It's ironic that being a shopper in a professional capacity changes your outlook on what you are looking for. You are not only shopping for what you like, you are anticipating what your guests will like. It's not just the adults, you have to appeal to the teens and kids too. There's a mix of every personality staying in a rental unit, which means it's critical to identify the overall theme. I've written about this topic in another post [The Basics of How to Furnish a Vacation Rental Property] and it's important to get it right. A guy's rustic fishing trip kind of place is completely different than a ladies' luxury getaway or a romantic couple's retreat.
Everything needs to work together in a cohesive way and you have to know what the limits are. When is enough, enough? How much is too much to spend? Is good enough, enough? Is it time to stop shopping?
Your furnishings must not only look appealing, they need to endure wear and tear to get through at least one entire busy season. Value, quality and brands do make a difference for many items that need to last much longer than one season. Other items, such as bath towels and wash cloths need only meet your minimal standards because they will be replaced before showing lots of wear. No one wants to use a thread-bare towel or make-up stained wash cloth. This also applies to chipped dishes. Buy a moderately priced brand that will be available from year to year and replace every single chipped item. Tired, imperfect and dirty is what many guests have at home and they want to escape to fresh everything. Below, I will share where I shopped to furnish our vacation rental. Consider every possible bricks and mortar store and online resource to find the mix that works for you.
I love Walmart for anything where you only need the basics, large and small.
Home Goods is great for discounted prices on better quality close-out items
I also shopped regularly at Tuesday Morning for these same items, but unfortunately the retailer closed it's stores in 2023
Big box stores fill in a lot of gaps for practical household items
Thrift shops are ideal for pre-owned household items at a greatly reduced price. Typically, I drop off donations and then visit the shop to see if there's anything of interest. Thrift shop furniture is typically very well built if it's more than 20 years old and often will look fresh again with a new coat of paint.
Restaurant suppliers such as Gordons Food Service are great for commercial grade products that need to wear well for many seasons.
Amazon, Etsy and other online retailers such as Overstock and Wayfair offer practical specialty and unique items.
Surf shops are great for finding local items that add that extra special touch.
Let's be real, there's no need to pay for free driftwood and shells from your local beach. Buy the items that you can't find at the shore.
Local mom and pop retail or consignment shops, such as Retail Therapy in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida typically offer local products for a one-of-a-kind purchase.
Mattress Firm, Rooms to Go and local furniture stores have practical options at various price points for big ticket items.
National retailers such as Marshalls/TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, At Home, Kirklands, Five Below and other medium to large home stores offer items you might not find elsewhere.
Before Bed, Bath and Beyond closed stores in 2023, I shopped there as well.
You have to know when to edit yourself and stop shopping. If you can't do this on your own, ask a trusted friend or family member for honest feedback. No one wants to stay in a place that has too much of a good thing. If necessary, rotate your regular and seasonal accessories so returning guests feel there's something new to enjoy for their stay. Retire items that start to show a little wear, not after they are worn out or too dirty to clean. Never keep broken items, not only is it a safety hazard, it's unbecoming.
As a professional shopper, it can be fun, but it is a LOT of work. Pace yourself so you can think about each item and how it relates to what you already have. If necessary, return it or donate it to a local charity. I bought a charming $35 lamp with a sea-grass shade at Home Goods. Upon installing it in the rental unit's bedroom, it didn't quite look right. So I decided to paint it a coastal blue hue to blend in better with the decor. It still didn't look right and now it had an imperfect paint job. I felt it was time to retire the lamp. Letting go of the items that are not working for one reason or another is better than making a bad impression.
One more thing: don't forget to keep an eye on the trends. After a few years, it's important to replace dated items with fresher things, not because they actually are bad, just to keep ahead of or equal to your competition. Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy the large and small items that provide the extra special charm.
-- Gertrude Stein, American Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Art Collector [1874-1946]
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.