Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
[Santa Rosa Beach, Florida near Point Washington] Three Housing Options: Rental, Own or RV? Firsthand Real Life Briefs from a Popular Web Thread Housing has been and always will be the biggest consideration as well as expense of the snowbird lifestyle. Housing choices dramatically affect …
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 …
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.
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 …
Proximity to local attractions such as wineries, entertainment, sports facilities, shopping and restaurants will help bring guests to your property. [Country Heritage Winery, Laotto, Indiana] Thinking of Renting Out Your Primary Home? Checklist of 15 Considerations Prior to Placing Your Primary Property on the Rental …
Price, location, view, pet friendly and availability are all deal makers. They're also the deal breakers. However, there's more to it than that. It's the nuances of a particular rental that may or may not work for snowbirds.
Recently, I was asked to tag along on a tour of a potential rental for two Wisconsin-based snowbird friends with an adorable Golden Retriever named Cooper. My friends decided to take a look around at the options because they weren't entirely sure about returning to their current place. Their rental rates were increasing and they had other concerns about the place. Not only did they gain valuable insight to what matters to them, the tour opened my eyes to mistakes by owners. To my astonishment, after touring several properties and considering everything, my friends decided to stay where they are.
This is an account of what the deal breakers could be and why owners should listen carefully to the feedback from potential guests. It can save a ton of headaches for both parties.
Snowbirds in general, like to plan way in advance. As in a year or more. My neighbor, Elaine and her husband and pooch have always stayed in the same unit for the month of January. She said finally -- two years from now in 2026 -- they will be staying for January AND February. It has taken that long to get a booking for the full two months. Past availability was not a deal breaker in this case, but for many it easily could have been. Elaine didn't say, nor did I ask, if the current February occupant is aware of what is happening. Snowbirds, always stay connected with your property manager and/or owner so they can work with you on your future plans. No one wants to be blindsided.
On the flip side, Wisconsin Terri was told it was "too soon" to reserve the unit she was considering for next year. This is exactly the opposite of how I think. Again, not allowing to book a year in advance would be a solid reason for many snowbirds to keep looking.
Owners: if a guest wants to book for next year, take the reservation! If you have qualms about a cancellation, request a significantly larger deposit of a minimum of $1,000 and extend the pay-in-full due date to be 90 or 120 days in advance instead of 60 days or whatever the standard policy is for weekly rentals. It's a huge commitment for snowbirds and owners to pledge 60 consecutive days vs. the usual 7 days, but each party needs assurances they will have a solid deal.
Snowbirds: Make sure there is a solid, written contingency plan if an owner cancels your reservation or sells the property before your arrival. If you book through a management company with a large property portfolio, get it in writing that you will be rebooked into a similar or better property in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It is essential all deposits and pre-paid funds will be refunded if the owner and/or PM do not have a suitable property available.
Unfortunately no one is aging backwards which means at some point weather, distance and transportation increasingly become a problem for snowbirds.
Several friends are facing this issue due to age, health and concerns about driving to and from their snowbird communities. Dee from Colorado relies on her son to bring her to and from her southern home in Northwest Florida. He has asked her to consider a closer location in Arizona to make it easier for him. Except there are no beaches in Arizona, which understandably puts Dee in a quandary.
The weather this winter has been one of the worst for as long as many can remember which doesn't help Dee's decision. Time will tell if distance and weather are the deal breakers for Dee.
I've personally witnessed an increase of doorbell cameras installed on the exterior of rental properties. For some, this could be a deal breaker simply because they don't want to be photographed every time they come or go. Nor do they want their belongings, packages, guests and deliveries to be documented. Not that there's anything illicit happening, it's simply a lot for guests to accept and it could make or break a rental to snowbirds or anyone else for that matter.
Snowbirds typically stay for at least 30 days and usually 60 or even 90+ days. They may book by the week or by the month, but it's a totally different set of needs than the weekly vacationers who are in and out in seven days.
Therefore, what might be just fine for a family who is not going to be in the unit all that much for a week in peak season compared to snowbirds who have an extended stay and accordingly bring a lot more clothing and "stuff."
I kid you not, a friend toured a property that had a locked closet in the second bedroom. Presumptively it was full of the owner's possessions. Guests are expected to put their clothes on hangers dangling from three or four racks mounted at a 90 degree angle on the bedroom wall.
No! As in, "Are you kidding me?" Absolutely there is no way I would want to spend 30-60+ days looking at clothing dangling from the walls. My friend and her husband do not share a bedroom and her husband would be the one with his clothes decorating the walls. The owner refused to make accommodations and ultimately, this was the deal breaker.
Vacuum cleaners, mops, pots and pans, utensils, cleanliness, decor and more matter. Even beyond that, the details, large and small, can make or break a snowbird's willingness to rent a unit.
I know of a snowbird who didn't like the mattress in the primary bedroom. She said it was very uncomfortable and she tried every possible option to improve the situation, including sleeping on the unit's bunk bed. Worn out or sagging furniture is also another potential deal breaker.
Features such as very short vanity cabinets in the bathrooms may not be noticed in photos, but could be a problem for tall guests.
Snowbirds who can take a tour of a potential place should do so, it's worth the time to do so because you can pick up so much more than seeing photos. If it's not possible, ask a lot of open-ended questions. Prepare a list of potential deal breakers, then be honest about what your non-negotiables are. Know your limits and be patient. It can take time to find just the place. Once you find what works for you, protect your investment and plan accordingly.
-- Michael Bliss, Canadian Historian and Author
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.
An example of a gulf front private home in Miramar Beach, NW Florida with full unobstructed views and two reserved off-street parking spaces Top Terminology for Snowbird Rentals 100 Terms to Know Before Renting a Vacation or Snowbird Residence As a long term member, and …
Snowbirds who rent their winter residences are plentiful and there is typically not a shortage of guests who want to stay in a great property, which means it is important to be the best possible guest to be welcome back. Now, with the added competition of work from wherever (WFW) types who are no longer attached to a traditional office environment, there's even higher demand for rental properties in a warm climate.
As is true of any guest, whether it is a stay in a someone's private home or a paid vacation rental, to be invited back is completely related to how well the relationship goes for the duration of the stay. Don't think for a minute that paying to stay somewhere is that much different than a friend hosting you in their own home, the concept is the same. Be the best version of yourself and the chances improve for a return visit.
Word of mouth referrals and internet searches stack the odds in favor of the rental properties to acquire and retain the best long term guests. There is a level of trust required of each because let's be honest, the owners are entrusting someone with their property on a long-term basis and the tenants are paying competitive market rates for the privilege and typically like to return to the same unit once they find one they love. When an owner and renter form a good relationship, the reward is loyalty to each other.
Based on my own personal experience as both a renter and a vacation rental owner, here's my insight to be welcome back.
Most snowbirds who rent want a discounted rate and most owners want a fair market rate. It's OK to ask for the best possible rate for your winter home, that's fair. If you are staying multiple weeks or months, a discount may be granted. However, if the owner or property manager says the published rates are final, either accept it and pay the price or move on to something more in line with your budget. The days of deal making for the most sought after properties are not likely due to increased demand.
No amount of haggling is going to result in a change of policy if you are renting from a property manager, especially if they manage multiple units. They are busy and policy is policy. They can't spend their time negotiating with 30 to 90+ potential renters because it's a drain of time and energy that could be invested elsewhere -- meaning the guests who are willing to pay the published rate. Never assume there isn't a wait list for the unit you are renting.
To be honest, I felt relieved when talking with our snowbird neighbors who also rented from the same management company. For years they had asked and the result is no one gets a discount. Period. It put to rest the urge to try to get a better deal because "someone else got that deal." Everyone pays the published rate and that is the end of it.
If the owner requires a minimum of two full calendar months, go with it or go elsewhere. Short term you may win a battle to stay less than the minimum, long term you will be replaced by a new guest who contracts for the terms as published. If your goal is to only stay one season, then ask for the terms you want without fear of becoming attached to the unit or being replaced.
Long term rentals are high risk to owners and property managers. If a guest backs out at the last minute, they're stuck with weeks of unfulfilled dates and dollars. Therefore long term rentals typically require a higher down payment and full payment well in advance of the check-in date. I've never heard of anyone accepting weekly or pay-as-you-go for a long term snowbird rental, but it's possible there are some units with those terms. Typically, it's too high of a risk to the owners. Therefore, if your payment due date is 60 days in advance, communicate well in advance to reaffirm your intentions and don't wait until the last second to mail your check. Send it at least a week or two ahead of the due date so your property manager isn't left worrying about what your intentions are and possibly lining up back-up offers.
If you plan to bring a pet or two and think that the owner won't find out because they live hundreds of miles away, think again. Owners have eyes and ears on site, whether in the form of an HOA, neighbors of the property, housekeeping staff, trusted local friends and property managers.
If a unit is not pet friendly, don't bring your pet. Find a unit where your type/size/breed and quantity of pets will be welcome. If you bring your dog/s to a pet friendly unit, follow all rules to the letter, especially promptly picking up after them, keeping the noise and shedding hair to a minimum, and not allowing them to go in restricted areas such as the pool deck. If you or your pet damages the unit and you can't easily repair it, let the property manager know right away, apologize and offer to pay for the damage.
If the unit is no smoking or vaping, make sure you clarify if it's ok to smoke on the deck, patio or balcony.
The Scouting adage of "leave it better than you found it" holds true for rentals. Many of my snowbird friends have casually mentioned that they've worked on their rental during the stay. By that, it may be cleaning corners of the bathrooms, wiping down baseboards or the track of the slider doors, dusting overhead light fixtures, replacing light bulbs, reattaching a chain in the toilet tank, tightening loose cabinet knobs and so forth. Not only does this make the guest happier about the condition of their rental during their stay, it helps the owners and property managers keep up with maintenance without having to disturb the guest.
If you have valid concerns that need attention, make a list of everything so it can be handled at the same time. Be cautious with the list to include only the most important issues. Avoid being demanding or critical and be flexible when help is sent.
One year we stayed in a unit that had recently been renovated with a new backsplash, under-cabinet lighting and lovely kitchen quartz countertops. We were so happy to be the first ones to enjoy the improved kitchen, however, we noticed the construction debris was still in the back of the cabinets underneath the countertops. We didn't say anything because we thought it would be cleaned up once we moved out.
A year later, the chunks of debris were still there and we felt compelled to let the property manager know in part so future guests would not have a valid complaint about it. We emailed the PM and also added several other issues that needed attention such as a broken overhead light fixture in the shower area, a wall clock with an expired battery, a badly stained dust ruffle in the primary bedroom and some additional deep cleaning that needed handled. I regret sending that email mid-stay because the result was that a very sweet housekeeper came over right away and we spent the day trying to stay out of her way. We ended up taking our dog and ourselves off site for the afternoon and wished we had simply said it could be handled once we checked out.
As mentioned, don't bring unnecessary attention to yourself or your needs. Everyone is busy and no one wants to get a call that you have yet another complaint or problem unless it's absolutely necessary such as a plumbing issue or safety concern. If a unit is getting new furniture or anything else while you are there, be cooperative and accommodate the delivery crew. Same is true for fire extinguisher inspections and other needs of the HOA to access your unit.
If you don't like aspects of your unit, you don't need to ask permission to make temporary changes. We have moved game tables to create "desks;" rearranged couches; relocated wall art and a zebra-striped chair into a spare room or closet and stuffed lime green throw pillows into spare drawers because the unit functioned and looked much better without those things. If you rearrange the furniture and relocate ugly items you dislike, simply put it all back where it was before you depart. Leave no footprint.
If you are picky about certain things: kitchen linens, bathroom linens, bedroom linens, special knives or utensils, bring it! There's nothing wrong with that and it will help your hosts by less wear and tear on their linens and kitchenware.
Neighbors who permanently reside in the same complex as your rental are typically dialed in with your property manager and/or owner. If they observe you not following the rules, you and your property manager are going to be hearing about it. Likewise if they compliment you for always being polite and unobtrusive, it may eventually get back to the owner as the years go by.
Checking out on time is much easier said than done. Anyone who has ever packed for an extended stay knows it's a lot to handle. Our first few years we had no idea how to properly budget our time to pack our stuff, clean out the fridge/freezer/pantry, remove the trash, replace all of the items that were moved around and load the car. Plus keep the dog calm while all of this is going on. Dogs are very perceptive and they know when you are stressed, they are also stressed. Our dog becomes panicky and clingy, which makes everyone's stress off the charts.
Practice helps, but there's one tip I suggest. If you fail miserably to properly budget your time, focus on getting everything moved to the exterior of your unit and then load it into your vehicle from there. Always assume housekeeping will arrive the minute of your departure time and consider it a blessing if you get any extra time to move out.
The best snowbird rentals are often taken before they become available on the market. Snowbirds are known to refer their friends and even friends-of-friends if they don't intend to come back to the same place. I've personally witnessed snowbird friends trading the same unit back and forth over the years and a good reputation is essential. Most snowbirds let the owners/managers know their intentions a year or more in advance and happily pay the deposit to hold the unit. Owners know they have a reliable guest and snowbirds know they like a unit and want to keep the continuity.
If you have a valid complaint, handle it privately with the proper persons. If the problem is partly your fault, apologize. If it is not your fault, accept the manager's apology, then move on and don't bring it up again. Mistakes and accidents happen, there is no perfect rental anywhere.
Do-not-rent lists are real and they are standard industry practice. Before you decide to publicly blast a unit with a bad online review, be prepared for the worst. You may win the battle and lose the war. Not only is it likely you will be banned from returning to the same unit, you can also be banned from returning to every unit in the complex and/or every unit that your property manager handles as well as their business associates. Yes, it does happen.
Think about how you would feel if you were the owner. It is an insult to select a place based on accurate online photos and description, then post publicly that the place isn't "upscale enough" for your preferences. Or that there is "possibly mold in the bathrooms" when that is an outright lie. Treat the owners and property managers the same way as an old friend: with courtesy and respect or be prepared for the consequences.
Some of the reasons for being added to the do-not-rent lists are unfair, petty online reviews, not following the rules and otherwise creating reasons for an owner and/or property manager to decide you are too much risk for the reward.
Most guests who end up on do-not-rent lists are not typically snowbirds, this is far more common with weekly rentals. Overall, if you put your best version of yourself into the stay, you will likely be welcome back and that is a win-win for all involved.
A handwritten thank you note for your host is always a lovely gesture. If it's not practical, send an email or make a phone call to say thank you. Hopefully, they will also let you know how much you are welcome and appreciated.
If you are happy, your host will be happy and vice versa if you are not happy. It takes a lot of trust and respect to allow someone into their home for weeks and months at a time. Behind every property manager, there are owner/s who invested both emotionally and financially to share their home with you. Snowbirds who rent their warm weather homes need to appreciate that trust and convey how much they enjoy the home that means so much to both parties. Until I became a vacation rental property owner, I didn't fully understand this relationship, now I do.
-- Zig Ziglar, American Author, Salesman, Motivational Speaker
Map of The Emerald Coast, Southern Alabama and Northwest Florida LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Peak vs. Off Peak Affects the Cost of Housing As snowbirds return home to begin the off-season, much reflection goes into what can be done differently for the next season. Life changes …