Tag: snowbird considerations

Low, Mid and High Rise Buildings

Low, Mid and High Rise Buildings A Look at Three Very Different Snowbird Housing Options Definition of Low Rise Building Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Having few stories and not usually equipped with elevators Mid Rise Building American Heritage Dictionary: Relating to or being a building of moderate 

Creative Vehicle Options for Snowbirds

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 

North Florida Vs South Florida: Comparison of Weather, Costs, Travel

The Clara Barkley Dorr house, 1871, an iconic home surrounded by orange trees located in the downtown historic district of Pensacola, Florida
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 of a multi-part series. The first was Florida vs. Arizona, the second is Florida vs. Texas and third is Florida vs. Hawaii. Florida is such a huge, 450 mile long, state that there's major differences within the North, Central and South regions. 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.  

[Flying Snowbirds]

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 regions within the State of Florida. 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 and many consider South Florida the premier choice for snowbirds. However, South Florida is not the only option and for many, it's not the best option for their own personal circumstances and needs.

Within Florida, there's quite a difference of weather, travel and costs. Keep in mind, the further south you venture in the winter the rates go up because it is peak season. North Florida's peak season is summer and rates are highest at that time, especially around the Fourth of July holiday. 

[Location, Location, Location: Peak Vs. Off Peak]

Here I will briefly provide the facts of three topics: weather, costs and ease of travel comparing North Florida with Southern Florida. Examples of Northern communities include Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Panama City, Destin and Pensacola. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are popular with snowbirds and are included here as a western extension of North Florida. South Florida communities include Key West and the Keys, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Central communities such as Tampa, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Melbourne and Orlando fall somewhere in-between for weather and travel. 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 vs. Arizona]
[Florida vs. Texas]
[Florida vs. Hawaii]

 


  

How Much Hotter Is South Florida?

13 to 14 Degrees (°F) Average in December, January and February

To review, Florida is the number one hottest state in the US with an average temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit in 2024. Winters in Florida are mild and summers are hot and humid. July is the hottest month of the year in Florida, averaging 90 to 92 degrees and frequently exceeding 100 degrees.

I selected two coastal areas to compare data based on snowbird popularity and available data. There is no quick method to compare the entire Northern vs. Southern regions, so two communities were chosen. Of course Miami Beach has a much larger snowbird and general population, but it also provides a fair representation of South Florida's weather. Of the Northern snowbird communities, Destin-Fort Walton provides a fair representation of the weather and snowbird population.

The charts below show the maximum, minimum and average temperatures by month for Miami Beach and Destin-Fort Walton. In December, the average temperature in Destin-Fort Walton is 57.6 (°F) vs. 71.9 (°F) for Miami Beach for a difference of 14.3 degrees. The average temperature in Destin-Fort Walton in January is 54.2 (°F) vs. 68.6 (°F) for Miami Beach, a difference of 14.4 degrees. For February, the average temperature in Destin-Fort Walton is 56.8 (°F) vs. 70.2 (°F) for Miami Beach, a difference of 13.4 degrees. 


A popular snowbird destination, Destin-Fort Walton is located on the Gulf Coast in Northern Florida and the chart below shows the mean temperatures from 2006 to 2020, which is the most recent information available from the source.

Month MAX TEMP (°F) MIN TEMP (°F) AVG TEMP (°F) PRECIP (IN)
Jan 62.4 45.9 54.2 4.07
Feb 64.8 48.9 56.8 5.35
Mar 70.3 55.2 62.8 3.64
Apr 76.3 61.9 69.1 5.05
May 83.0 69.1 76.1 3.73
Jun 88.5 75.7 82.1 4.85
Jul 89.9 77.3 83.6 6.06
Aug 89.8 77.3 83.6 6.38
Sep 87.6 74.0 80.8 5.07
Oct 80.8 64.5 72.7 3.11
Nov 71.3 53.3 62.3 3.36
Dec 65.5 49.6 57.6 5.69

Miami Beach on the Atlantic Coast is most populated in South Florida and the chart below shows the mean temperatures from 2006 to 2020, which is the most recent information available from the source.

Month MAX TEMP (°F) MIN TEMP (°F) AVG TEMP (°F) PRECIP (IN)
Jan 75.3 61.9 68.6 2.05
Feb 76.2 64.2 70.2 2.70
Mar 77.3 65.9 71.6 2.18
Apr 81.1 71.1 76.1 3.93
May 83.6 74.4 79.0 6.38
Jun 86.7 76.7 81.7 6.91
Jul 88.5 78.2 83.3 7.46
Aug 88.6 78.7 83.6 8.19
Sep 87.5 77.7 82.6 8.04
Oct 84.8 75.1 79.9 7.53
Nov 80.1 68.9 74.5 3.65
Dec 77.4 66.3 71.9 2.70

Source: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/us-climate-normals/


Which is Sunnier?

South Florida

Miami Beach in the Southeast Atlantic Coast area of Florida boasts an average of 252 sunny days per year. This makes it a fantastic choice for year-round outdoor activities, especially in the mild winters. Miami Beach averages 127 days per year of some sort of precipitation and summers are typically very hot and humid with temperatures in the 70's, 80's and 90's. The average number of rainy days is 59 inches compared to the US average of 38 inches. There is an average of zero inches of snow.

Source: https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/fl/miami_beach

By contrast, Destin, Florida in the Northwest Gulf Coast area of the state has 226 sunny days per year compared with the US average of 205 days. Destin receives an average of 66 inches of rain per year compared with the average in the US of 38 inches. Destin is also hot and humid in the summer with temperatures in the 70s and 80's. There is an average of zero inches of snow.

Source: https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/fl/destin

Florida is known as the "Sunshine State," and 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. 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%.

      • “Sunlight Percentage” indicates the average annual percentage of time between sunrise and sunset that sunshine reaches the ground, based upon the past several decades of weather data.
      • Each state’s sunlight was measured using a specific test city, indicated below. Averages in other parts of the state may vary.
      • A small number of states lack sufficient data in one category or another

    Sources: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/sunniest-states


Which Has the Most Winter Precipitation? 

North Florida

A popular snowbird destination, Destin-Fort Walton is located on the Gulf Coast in Northern Florida and the chart below shows the precipitation in inches from 2006 to 2020, which is the most recent information available from the source. For December, January and February, Destin-Fort Walton Beach has 15.11 inches, which is about twice as much as Miami Beach with an average of 7.45 inches for the three months.

Month MAX TEMP (°F) MIN TEMP (°F) AVG TEMP (°F) PRECIP (IN)
Jan 62.4 45.9 54.2 4.07
Feb 64.8 48.9 56.8 5.35
Mar 70.3 55.2 62.8 3.64
Apr 76.3 61.9 69.1 5.05
May 83.0 69.1 76.1 3.73
Jun 88.5 75.7 82.1 4.85
Jul 89.9 77.3 83.6 6.06
Aug 89.8 77.3 83.6 6.38
Sep 87.6 74.0 80.8 5.07
Oct 80.8 64.5 72.7 3.11
Nov 71.3 53.3 62.3 3.36
Dec 65.5 49.6 57.6 5.69

Miami Beach on the Atlantic Coast is most populated in South Florida and the chart below shows the precipitation in inches from 2006 to 2020, which is the most recent information available from the source. For December, January and February, Miami has 7.45 inches.

Month MAX TEMP (°F) MIN TEMP (°F) AVG TEMP (°F) PRECIP (IN)
Jan 75.3 61.9 68.6 2.05
Feb 76.2 64.2 70.2 2.70
Mar 77.3 65.9 71.6 2.18
Apr 81.1 71.1 76.1 3.93
May 83.6 74.4 79.0 6.38
Jun 86.7 76.7 81.7 6.91
Jul 88.5 78.2 83.3 7.46
Aug 88.6 78.7 83.6 8.19
Sep 87.5 77.7 82.6 8.04
Oct 84.8 75.1 79.9 7.53
Nov 80.1 68.9 74.5 3.65
Dec 77.4 66.3 71.9 2.70

Source: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/us-climate-normals/


Which is Cheaper? 

North Florida

The Cost of Living Index indicates North Florida is much more affordable than South Florida for housing and groceries. Miami Beach on the Atlantic Coast specifically is 39% higher than the national average; 140% higher for housing, 11% higher for groceries and 5% higher for utilities than the national average. Transportation is just 1% higher than the national average. The median home price in Miami Beach is 1,244,151 US dollars.

Source:  https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Florida-Miami-Beach

By contrast, the Pensacola area of North Florida located on the Gulf Coast is below the national average for housing and groceries. Pensacola is a coastal city located in the Northwest area of the state and overall it is 13% lower than the national average; 25% lower for housing, 14% lower for groceries and 11% higher for utilities. Transportation is just 2% higher than the national average. The median home price in Pensacola is 391,297 US dollars.

Source:  https://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/Florida-Pensacola

For an overall comparison by state, Florida is slightly more expensive than the national average with a Cost of Living Index of 102.8. The State of Hawaii is by far the most expensive state due to the whopping cost of living index of 186.9. For comparison, the state with the lowest score for 2024 is West Virginia at 84.1.

Source: https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series


Which is Easier to Travel by Vehicle?

North Florida

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.

Because of North Florida's geographical proximity to the remaining states in the Continental US, it is the easiest to reach by vehicle. Traveling to the southern regions of Florida by vehicle can add an extra day of travel to and from your destination. If physical mobility for you and/or your passengers and pets is an issue, it's a consideration when determining where to spend your time as a snowbird.

Florida has 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

 


"Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.” 

--M. Scott Peck, American Psychiatrist


DISCLAIMER

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 Hawaii: Comparison of Weather, Costs, 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 Vs Texas: Comparison of Weather, Costs, Travel

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 

Florida Vs Arizona: Comparison of Weather, Costs, Travel

Overhead drone image of pool, clubhouse, BBQ, tennis, pickleball and gulf and beach
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 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.  

[Flying Snowbirds]

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. 


  

Which is Hotter? Florida or Arizona?

Florida!

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.


Which is Sunnier? Florida or Arizona?

Arizona!

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%.

      • “Sunlight Percentage” indicates the average annual percentage of time between sunrise and sunset that sunshine reaches the ground, based upon the past several decades of weather data.
      • Each state’s sunlight was measured using a specific test city, indicated below. Averages in other parts of the state may vary.
      • A small number of states lack sufficient data in one category or another

    Sources:  Average Annual Sunshine by State - Current ResultsSunniest States in the U.S. - Stacker


Which is More Intense? Florida or Arizona Sun?

Arizona!

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. 

  • UV Index values shown are averages for the noon hour. The UV Index at any given time and place may be higher or lower depending factors including the time of day, cloud cover, and altitude.

Source: EPH Tracking


Which is Cheaper? Florida or Arizona?

Florida!

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


Which is Easier to Travel by Vehicle? Florida or Arizona?

Florida!

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

 


"It's like comparing apples and oranges; they're both delicious.” 

--Cyd Charisse, American dancer and actress


DISCLAIMER

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 Snowbird Housing Scramble

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

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 

From Summerbird to Snowbird

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From Summerbird to Snowbird

Transition from a Summer to Winter Stay in Your Warm Weather Community

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.

 


"Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine."

-- Anthony J D'Angelo, American Author, Speaker, Business Owner


DISCLAIMER

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.

Two Alternate Travel Options To Get to Your Destination

Nashville Tennessee skyline Two Alternate Travel Options How to Get to Your Warm Weather Destination Without Driving Yourself At some point, every snowbird must decide whether to continue driving themselves to their destination. It’s a tough decision snowbirds face for various reasons.  As snowbirds age,