Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Seeking paradise in another country requires much thought and honest evaluation International Snowbirds Ten Considerations of Snowbirds in Foreign Countries The inspiration for this post are the numerous TV shows featuring international travelers who purchase property in another country. You know the ones: ex-pats who …
[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 …
For snowbirds who wonder what goes on in their warm weather community after heading home, I can tell you, a lot! There's a huge shift that namely includes much more noise, bigger crowds and a higher activity level. Along with that comes a lot more involvement from local law enforcement to keep it all together. Traffic accidents, petty crime and under-age consumption are just a few of the issues they deal with.
Personally, I admit to "FOMO" -- fear of missing out. If I'm at the beach, I wonder what I'm missing at home. If I'm at home, I feel I should be at the beach. Even when I'm on our balcony looking at the beach, I think I should get out more and walk over to enjoy the beach. It's endless.
As of this year, I've spent two of the first ten years of being a snowbird at our beach community during a portion of spring break. My spring break FOMO is now officially cured because I have experienced the major shift more than once and it's simply not the same, nor should it be. I can say with confidence that I prefer the serenity of the snowbird community.
Typical snowbirds arrive in my southern beach community after the December and New Year's holidays and depart by March first. Rental prices are a huge factor.
Yet, there are many snowbirds who go south at the end of October and stay until the end of April or sometime in May. However, unless you own your warm weather property that is free of a mortgage, the rental costs for a six to seven month stay can be staggering. It's enough to make your head spin. In the best case scenario, you may find a very modest or tiny place that is not located near features such as a pond, lake, ocean or mountain. The temperature is not likely to be especially warm and the cost will likely be a few thousand a month in the winter season, which is the cheapest time to be a snowbird in the areas without the warmest weather.
When March and April arrive, prime rentals must dramatically increase the rate in the spring season to cover costs. March rates frequently spike in desirable locations as spring breakers arrive and snowbirds are priced out. If a snowbird is paying about $4,000 a month for two months, such as January and February, then March rates for the same place will usually climb to $6,500+. I don't know of many snowbirds who are fine with paying a rate of $8,000 plus another $6,500 (not including fees, taxes, etc) for three months in their warm weather community.
Spring breakers expect to pay a rental rate of at least $1,600+ per week for a decent one or two bedroom property with a view in a popular area. Snowbirds don't typically rent the large multi-bedroom shore homes, but if there's any nearby, they will be filled with young adults on spring break. Peak spring break weeks cost more and that's what motivates the snowbirds to head home.
The most obvious difference is the age gap of young adults vacationing in the spring season compared to snowbirds who are typically in their 50's up to about mid-eighties.
During early and mid-March, it's primarily university and college students on break. Families with school age children usually arrive later in the spring season.
Young adults are there to have fun and they definitely do. They are known for their paddleboards, boogie boards and oversized inflatables bobbing around in the water; the latest amplified music coming from their sound systems as well as party games that can be set up just about anywhere, usually involving a ball or beanbag, and, of course, beverages.
Young university people on break traverse the sidewalks walking in groups of four or more. Motorized rentals are popular, especially e-bikes and street legal golf carts, known as LSV's (low speed vehicles). Families and students alike love golf carts, especially the ones that accommodate more than six people.
Another trait of young adults at the beach is the popularity of wearing swim attire that exposes the back portion of the buttocks, known as a Brazilian bikini. Coverups are uncommon. Basically, anything goes and that includes when walking on the sidewalks and other public places.
Spring breakers don't bring pets with them and it would be completely out of the ordinary if they make eye contact or greet a stranger like the snowbirds do. An exception might be if they encounter a snowbird walking their dog and in the process, they might ask where to find a particular place, such as a fun, beachy dive or sports bar.
At sunset, the young people emerge in flowing sun dresses and beach attire for selfies and group photos. They stay out late and can be heard walking or driving back to their rental late in the evening.
Snowbirds walk solo or in pairs, often with their dog/s. They may be accompanied by a spouse or friend, but rarely are they out and about in any sort of a group.
Snowbirds usually drive their vehicles to get around since it's not practical to rent or park a golf cart for an extended stay. I've never seen a snowbird on an e-bike, but some ride traditional bikes. Noise is not a problem because snowbirds don't typically amplify their music or host nightly parties. They do host sports event parties such as national professional finale games.
In the evenings, snowbirds in my community informally congregate on the beach overlook to watch the sunset and enjoy a beverage. After the sun goes down, snowbirds are in for the night. No one is on the sidewalks after dark, which is fairly early in the winter months. No one dresses up and takes sunset selfies unless it's for rare occasions such as professional portrait photos.
Both snowbirds and spring breakers take advantage of local drink specials, such as hungry/happy hour. Snowbirds know which restaurants offer "two for one" dinners. This used to be known as the "early bird" specials. Spring breakers know where to get a discount on burgers on certain nights of the week, such as Mondays.
My husband and I enjoyed a beachfront hungry hour special the last afternoon of our stay and were surrounded by tables of young collegiates. Our waiter told us how nice it was to "talk to adults," which made me smile. I agree, it's great! I've not thought about it before, but it's nice to be around your peers, whether a snowbird or spring breaker.
This year, personal circumstances caused us to delay our departure until mid-March. I met arriving "extended season" snowbirds who prefer to be in our Northwest Florida community when the weather is much better compared to January and February. However, as I already mentioned, the rental rates for four weeks in March or April are a lot higher than January/February.
The snowbird I met said he's looking for a less expensive place for next year. He and his wife and dog have a spacious, beautifully decorated three bedroom, two bath unit with a side view of the gulf. The cost this year is nearly $10,000. He asked if I know of smaller units to consider. I do, but with the smaller unit is a huge adjustment to the smaller space.
I know other snowbirds who spent the winter in our condo complex and stayed beyond the first week of March. One is a retired veterinarian from Minnesota, so it is not a surprise he and his spouse are waiting until mid-April to return home with their dog. I'm curious of his feedback regarding his experience before and after the others have left. I'll have to wait a year to find out.
One by one as each of my snowbird friends departed to go home, it became harder on me being the one left behind. I didn't necessarily want to go home because of it, but I didn't want anything to change either. Life as I knew and I liked it was gone for another year. It's not easy to accept that it will be a long time before we are together again. Not everyone is able to return, even if they want to. I try to focus on making plans for when I'm home and making new friends, as well as renewing previous friendships upon returning to our beloved community next winter.
-- Unknown
HERE VS THERE: TOP QUESTION I AM ASKED MOST
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL
HOW TO EVALUATE ONLINE RENTAL PHOTOS
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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.
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 …
A great view of the beach and gulf has never waivered as our top priority for our snowbird residence Ten Years of Snowbirds – Now Vs Then A Look Back at Our First Decade of Being Snowbirds The first year we became snowbirds, it was …
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.
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.
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.
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/
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%.
Sources: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/sunniest-states
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/
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
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
--M. Scott Peck, American Psychiatrist
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.
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
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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, …