Where Should You Snowbird This Winter?

Winter is coming, and snowbirding is the way to go if the cold isn’t your thing.

Snowbirds come in all ages these days. While it used to be a term reserved for retirees, working-age people are also heading south with their laptops in hand.

Want to know where to snowbird this winter? Keep reading, and we’ll reveal tips and the best destinations for the 2021-2022 winter. 

What Is a Snowbird? 

Snowbird is a term used in North America for a person who goes south for the winter. For years the term referred to retirees who spent winters in the South.

They would either rent or buy condos or RV to seasonal campgrounds in a southern state. 

In recent years, the population of snowbirds has grown. People who can work remotely are also flocking south for the winter.

Some working-age adults are getting part-time jobs where it’s warm for a few months at a time and then returning to their homes up north in the summer months.  

When Is Snowbird Season? 

Snowbird season ranges from October to April. Some people leave for the South after Thanksgiving or the December holidays, but many take off when the fall weather turns cold.

And they go back up north when the snow is melting and temperatures are warming in the late spring. 

Tips for First-Time Snowbirds

If you’re new to snowbirding, we have some tips. Check out these four top tips and create checklists for yourself around them.

Manage Affairs at Home 

Getting your affairs in order at home while you’re south is crucial. Think through everything that typically goes on when you’re home during the winter.

Will your house need any maintenance? Perhaps you need to winterize or take care of yard work. Consider forwarding your mail or having a family member take care of it. 

We recommend making a list. Then figure out what you need to get done on the list before you leave and what you need someone else to manage for you while you’re gone.

Finally, make the arrangements at least a month before you leave to work out any potential issues while you’re still in town. 

Plan Your Trip Carefully 

Plan your trip south carefully. Will you be staying at one place the entire season or traveling to multiple locations?

Since snowbirding is popular, the southern states are busy in the winter, so make your reservations in advance.

Get Your Finances in Order

Budget wisely for your snowbird months. You may be surprised at how much you spend while in the South. Consider social activities, food, fuel and travel expenses, rent, utilities, and anything else you usually put in your budget. And remember to factor in your home up north.

If your bank is local only, determine how you’ll communicate with them while in the South. Whether it’s banking online or having a relative help you with your banking, knowing how you’re going to access money is essential.

In addition to getting your finances in order, be sure to contact your health insurance company. If you need to go to the doctor or emergency room while you’re in another state, know what will happen.

They can help you make any necessary adjustments to your policy.

Go Somewhere You’re Comfortable

When choosing a place to snowbird, go where you’ll be comfortable. Being out of your comfort zone when visiting somewhere for a few days or even a couple of weeks is fun, but living somewhere for a month or more can be different. 

If you’re unsure if snowbirding is suitable for you or you don’t know where to go, we recommend visiting the top three places you may want to go.

Then, stay at each for at least a week and see as much of the area as you can. This can help you get a feel for whether it’s somewhere you want to be for an extended period. In addition, contacting common interest groups in the area can also help you know how welcoming the community will be.

Best Places to Snowbird for the 2021-2022 Winter

We’ve identified 10 of the best places to snowbird for the 2021-2022 winter season. Let’s take a look at why they’re ideal for snowbirds. 

Gilbert, Ariz.

Gilbert, Ariz., is about 30 minutes southeast of Phoenix. It’s close to the city for shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and everything you’ll need. And it’s near the Tonto National Forest for hiking and sightseeing. The area is popular with bird watchers, hikers, and bikers. 

Gilbert is one of the best places for snowbirds because of the various activities and the weather. Located in the Arizona desert, the winter days are warm and sunny, and the nights are cool.

As a result, the air stays dry, and unless you go high into the mountains, there’s no snow to contend with.

Jupiter, Fla. 

Jupiter, Fla., is on the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach county. It’s a 20-square-mile town with a massive population from retirees to millennials. The town’s barrier island, Jupiter Island, has one of the highest per capita income ratios of anywhere in the country.

Famous faces such as Tiger Woods and Celine Dion live there.

Jupiter is a popular location for snowbirds due to the social life, weather, and ocean. A lot is going on in this small town, including food, shopping, entertainment, the beach, and fishing.

And there are golf courses in the area and every kind of sport you would want. 

Pro Tip: If you’re 55+ and want more information on staying in a more age exclusive RV park, We Snuck Into a 55+ RV Park, Here’s What We Learned.

Corpus Christi, Texas 

Corpus Christi, Texas, is on the state’s central coastline. North Padres Island and Mustang Island protect it from the Gulf of Mexico. Being a major shipping port and housing a naval base, a lot is going on in this medium-sized city.

Corpus Christi is one of the most affordable places for snowbirds. The weather is mild throughout the winter, and there are miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

And the city has tourist attractions, museums, an aquarium, and everything else one needs.

Having all that along with affordable housing is ideal for snowbirds of any age.

Fort Myers, Fla.

Fort Myers, Fla., is about 45 minutes north of Naples. It has pristine white sand and shell-covered beaches. It also provides easy access to Sanibel and Captiva Islands for hiking, biking, fishing, and dolphin watching.

Fort Myers is one of the best places for snowbirds because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. And it’s in the southern part of the state, which increases your chances of warm temperatures.

The city is more affordable than its neighbor, Naples, and offers just as many activities. From pickleball to hiking and swimming, there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had.

It’s a popular location for retirees who rent in mobile home parks or park their RVs in the parks.

Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Mount Pleasant, S.C., is on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a suburb of Charleston. Mount Pleasant is known for having a low crime rate and for its commitment to livability and sustainability.

There are several historical sites in the area as well as recreational opportunities.

Mount Pleasant is a pleasant place for snowbirds of all ages. It has eight miles of beach and five golf courses.

Working-age snowbirds will love the area due to its proximity to outdoor fun and great Wi-Fi. The housing may be more expensive here than in some other locations, but the amenities are top-notch. 

Temecula, Calif. 

Temecula, Calif., is in a valley in the southern part of the state between Oceanside and Palm Springs. It’s beautiful, with mountains surrounding the city. And there are miles of vineyards just outside the historic downtown district with wineries to visit. In addition, downtown boasts of architectural wonders, eateries, and shops. 

Temecula is one of the best places to snowbird due to its southern California weather.

It stays around the 70s on a winter day and cooler at night. It’s also close enough for day trips to the Pacific Ocean beaches. In addition, the wineries and golf courses draw snowbirds to the area.

You’ll also find reservoirs for fishing and boating, hiking and biking trails, and many more outdoor activities.

Pro Tip: While exploring California, make sure to check out these 5 Incredible California Castles.

Rotonda West, Fla.

Rotonda West, Fla., is an unincorporated, deed-restricted community just south of Sarasota, near the Gulf of Mexico. Its layout is like a World War II airfield.

There are 30 miles of ponds, lakes, and canals in the neighborhood that offer water activities.

Snowbirds go here for the independent community and the weather. Temperatures are usually in the 70s all winter with cooler nights. There are countless activities in the area, from outdoor recreation to museums and more. 

Princeville, Hawaii 

Princeville, Hawaii, is in Kauai County. It has a small-town feel with the most beautiful Hawaiian beaches and botanical gardens. With mountains and the ocean, it has a ton to offer.

Princeville is one of the best places to snowbird because of its sheer beauty and weather. You can explore waterfalls, caves, beaches, and the underwater life of the island from here.

Its tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, and sometimes snowbirds decide to stay permanently. It’s just that amazing!

Yuma, Ariz.

Yuma, Ariz., is in the southwest corner of the state on the border of Mexico. It’s an extremely popular destination for RVers and retirees. Many flock here in the winter months to get inexpensive dental and eye care from across the border in Los Algodones, Mexico. 

Yuma is a great place to snowbird due to its warm, dry weather. Its desert landscape lacks rain and humidity.

There are numerous RV parks and affordable housing in neighborhoods in the small city. 

Enjoy the Sunny Weather in These Snowbird Destinations 

You’re guaranteed a lot of winter sun in these snowbird destinations. Which looks most appealing to you? Whether you’re looking to fill your days with activities or relax on a beach, there’s a place for any northerner wanting to escape the cold.

If you already snowbird in one of these locations, we would love to hear about your experience. Drop a line in the comments below.

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