What to Expect

Daily Life

Snowbird considerations include basic needs such as access to groceries, fuel, pharmacies, transportation and parking , which are all part of a snowbird's daily life. As are other considerations such as your neighbors, your pet, and amenities of the greater community, including places such as hair salons, department stores, post office, automotive centers, health care and churches.


THE SOLO SNOWBIRD

MODEL HOME SYNDROME

HOME VS. AWAY

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL

WORKING SNOWBIRDS

FIND THE BEST OF THE BEST WITH SOCIAL MEDIA


 

Social Life

Nurturing your snowbird social life requires a conscious effort and can be accomplished by being outgoing with your new neighbors, getting involved in your community and hosting both new friends and family/friends from home. Don't expect too much too soon when moving to a new area -- just like at home, it takes time to develop your snowbird social network.


SNOWBIRD THEME PARTIES

SNOWBIRD HOBBIES: 125 IDEAS

SNOWBIRD HOSPITALITY


 

Guests

Should you invite guests or not? Who should be invited and when? Who pays for what? How long is too long of a stay? Guests from home can be a big comfort to snowbirds missing their family and friends, but it's not always easy to find the right balance. Here's what snowbirds have to say on a very hot topic... 

GUESTS

 

What to Expect

So you want to be a snowbird, now what?

Becoming a snowbird at any age is a lot more involved than picking out your ideal second home in a warm climate. It takes months of planning, organizing and execution to make it happen. Whether you are a new or repeat snowbird, there's many aspects to carefully consider. However, the two biggest indicators of when you can become a snowbird and / or continue your snowbird life are 1. your income and 2. your budget.

Income and Budget

If you and your partner or spouse are not yet retired, your income will need to be from a career or job that allows flexibility to work remotely. And from there, you will need to determine your budget. Start by allocating a weekly amount for housing. A starting point for rentals is $800 to $1,200 per week. You can then look at locations and housing options in your price range and calculate how many weeks you will be able to stay in your warm weather home.

Remember, the more desirable the location, the higher the price will be. If you simply want to move to a warmer climate that is not as hot or tropical as South Florida and perhaps further inland, your cost will be much less than other housing options such as water or ocean front property with two or more bedrooms, bathrooms and community amenities. Texas and Arizona are also very popular snowbird destinations. Property owners who offer monthly rates typically discount the price for a longer term contract of 60 days or more. However, not all property owners offer monthly rates or any discount whatsoever. Read the contract carefully prior to paying a deposit and signing paperwork.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SNOWBIRD RENTAL

COSTS OF SNOWBIRD RENTALS: BEACH, DESERT, CITY/METRO

RV SNOWBIRDS: 21 CONSIDERATIONS

Many snowbirds eventually decide to buy some form of housing. The most economical accommodations tend to be park model homes where there can be great buys to be found. Park models in Central Florida may be available for $15,000 plus an annual lot rent fee anywhere from $4,000 and up. Condos, town homes, and single family residences range in price depending on where you want to be located.

Don't forget to also budget money for hotels and transportation to / from your snowbird home, gas, groceries / food, dining out, entertainment and unforeseen expenses such as car repairs, medical and vet bills. Typically, utilities and HOA fees are included in your rental, but check your contract to make sure. If you aren't leasing your primary residence while away, also budget for the monthly expenses of your housing -- rent / mortgage, insurance, taxes, utilities, unforeseen repairs and other maintenance costs. Below are 22 major considerations for new and seasoned snowbirds.

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FUTURE SNOWBIRDS

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22 Top snowbird considerations:


Financial


Housing


Transportation / distance to / from your second home


Family


Friends


Pets


Length of Stay


View / Waterfront / Climate


Social Life


Entertainment / Shopping / Dining


Amenities


Local access to Groceries / Gas / Pharmacy / Shipping, etc


Wi-fi and Cell Service


Parking


Neighbors


Medical / Health Care Services


Community Services


Banking


Automotive Centers


Religious Institutions


Airports / Bus Terminals


Your Primary Home


and much more

snowbird considerations, beach homes on Miramar Beach Florida
Beach homes at sunset, Miramar Beach
Whole Foods, Destin, FL, the Emerald Coast
Whole Foods, Destin, Florida
Midlife Snowbird, The Emerald Coast, FL
Walmart, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Contact Me

Contact me with your own snowbird goals, experiences and stories.  I want to hear from you!