You might love your northern home during the warmer months of the year, but when snow starts piling up, would you rather be somewhere else? Snowbirds refers to those people who tend to shy away from colder climates, instead favoring milder weather in other destinations. Then, when their home thaws, they return to their primary address for the remainder of the year.
States like Arizona, Texas, and Florida are all popular snowbird destinations because they rarely see freezing temperatures. Even better, there’s often lots to do, from golfing and fishing to cultural attractions and fine dining.
Living the snowbird lifestyle is certainly appealing, but it comes with plenty of logistics to work out. Before you dive all in and buy that property across the country, it’s a good idea to spend a few years experiencing it. Keep reading to learn how to be a snowbird and consider whether this lifestyle is right for you.
What Is a Snowbird, and What Does Snowbirding Entail?
Snowbirds evade harsh winter weather by migrating to warmer climates for the season. If you’re not a fan of the cold or find that dealing with winter maintenance like snow removal is a hassle, you might prefer to spend your time elsewhere.
Snowbirding takes some careful planning. You’ll need a second home, a way to take care of your first home, and the financial flexibility to maintain both.
It’s hard to say exactly how many people from the northern United States and Canada make their seasonal rounds to winter homes, but the number is in the millions. In Florida alone, around a million residents only spend part of the year there. Approximately 100,000 snowbirds leave Canada each winter to settle into sunny Arizona. Many are retirees, but as remote work grows more prevalent, that demographic is shifting. If you have a job you can do remotely and your finances and lifestyle make it feasible, you, too, can enjoy the comfort of warm weather year-round.
Planning Your Snowbird Transition
What to Consider Before Becoming a Snowbird
The biggest factor to consider before becoming a snowbird is whether your finances support it. Traveling between and maintaining two homes can be costly, especially if you’re paying the mortgage on or renting both properties. It shouldn’t be a surprise that most snowbirds are high-income retirees.
With that said, there are ways to make your snowbird dreams more affordable and achievable. Living in an RV or purchasing a modest property and renting it out during vacant months can help reduce costs.
If you plan on renting or buying a property in your destination state, make sure you’re ready for hidden costs. Before you commit, learn how snowbirds maintain two homes and whether it’s sustainable for you. You may have to manage:
- Two sets of bills (utilities, property taxes, condo fees, insurance, etc.)
- Taxes and tax implications of owning a property in another state or country
- Maintenance and renovations
- Landscaping
- Cleaning
- Winterizing and securing your empty home
An often overlooked part of learning how to be a snowbird is balancing your social life. Maintaining relationships with friends and family can be tough when you’re gone for a large portion of the year. It can also be hard to be far away from your primary home during the winter holiday season, when family time is emphasized the most.
“[I]f you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or have private insurance, you likely have a defined service area. In this case, you may need additional coverage that considers your snowbird destination as in-network.”
So don’t underestimate the power of building a local community. Join clubs, volunteer, and get to know your neighbors in your snowbird destination. They’ll be your primary social lifeline during the winter.
At the same time, modern technology makes it easier than ever to remain in touch with your loved ones back home. Video calls and social media can help you maintain contact. Plus, you can always fly in for special occasions.
Housing Options for Snowbirds
Often, snowbirds buy a second property in their winter location, but that’s not your only option. It’s also not necessarily the most practical, especially if you snowbird in a very high-cost-of-living area. Instead of maintaining private property, some snowbirds turn to alternative solutions.
- An RV provides a home on wheels, letting you travel to nearby national parks and camps if you choose. When you factor in costs for maintenance, gas, and a site to park, it can be a more affordable, more flexible option.
- If you have family in your winter destination, you could also explore building a tiny house on their property as an accessory dwelling. Alternatively, you could purchase a small plot of land and build a tiny house. Just keep in mind that tiny houses are often highly regulated, and not all counties, cities, or states are very accommodating for them.
- Renting instead of buying a second home can also provide flexibility. If you’re a new snowbird, renting for the first few years gives you the chance to experience the lifestyle and decide if it’s right for you. It also allows you to skip property maintenance costs and an additional mortgage. Just look for short-term or month-to-month leases so you don’t tie yourself down long-term if you’re unsure about the area.
Tax, Legal, and Logistical Factors
Contrary to popular belief, snowbirding isn’t just a vacation. It comes with very real tax and legal implications. It also requires you to think carefully about logistical factors. For example, if you settle on Florida as a destination, you have to consider hurricanes and flood insurance.
You may also have to claim residency in your snowbird state if you’ll be staying for a significant period of time. This may actually be to your benefit, depending on your home state. Popular snowbird states, including Florida, Texas, and Nevada, don’t charge income taxes, while others do. Consider speaking with a financial advisor to discuss the tax and legal requirements surrounding residency.
It’s also important to consider how to support this lifestyle long-term. You may be lucky to have a robust retirement savings plan, but is it enough to sustain two properties? If not, you may benefit from renting out your properties on Airbnb or VRBO when you’re out of town.
How to Prep for Your Snowbird Migration
Preparing to move to your temporary home is typically less involved than making a one-time move to a new destination. You’ll have less to pack, so the process should require less time and money spent on professional movers. Still, you need to make some crucial preparations.
Set Up Your Home to Sit Vacant
Your primary home still needs some degree of maintenance while you’re away, especially if you’re leaving a climate with harsh winter conditions.
- Ensure you can pay your bills online or with auto-pay to avoid missing payments.
- Protect your pipes from freezing by setting the thermostat between 55 and 60 degrees and shutting off the water main line.
- Set up your home security. Lock the windows and doors, install a camera or home security system, and test the smoke alarms.
- Prepare for outdoor maintenance. Store your outdoor furniture and decorations. Install guards on your chimney to keep pests out and clean your gutters.
- Inform your neighbors you’re leaving, when you’ll be back, and how best to get in contact with you while you’re away.
- Reduce energy usage by unplugging major appliances. Set a few lights on a timer so your home doesn’t look vacant.
- Have someone look after your home while you’re away. If necessary, hire a maintenance team for gardening, snow removal, or other general needs.
Pro tip: While you’re packing, cleaning, and preparing to leave your primary home for a few months, consider taking some time to declutter. You can often have unwanted furniture and items picked up by charities. That way, you return to a nice, clean, clutter-free home — and you have space for any souvenirs or items you picked up while you were away.
Forward Your Mail and Update/Alert Your Contacts
The last thing you need when enjoying your time in your destination state is to miss important mail or notifications because they were sent to your primary home. Updating your contact information and forwarding your mail avoids this and other issues, like credit cards being declined when you suddenly use them across the country.
- Fill out a temporary change of address order with USPS. This forwards most of your mail to a set address during a specified period, but doesn’t include packages or marketing mail.
- Ensure your medical offices know where you’ll be and how to reach you during your time away. This is usually as simple as calling the office and informing them of the temporary change of address.
- Update your banking information online or over the phone. Inform the bank of where you’ll be and how long you intend to be there. If you don’t, you run the risk of your transactions being flagged as fraudulent while in your destination state.
- Pause any subscriptions you won’t need during your time away and update the address on those you intend to keep using.
- Ensure all emergency contact information is up to date.
Healthcare and Prescription Management
Whether or not you have conditions requiring medical supervision, you need healthcare secured in your snowbird destination. This includes ensuring you have insurance coverage in both locations. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) typically provides nationwide coverage. However, if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or have private insurance, you likely have a defined service area. In this case, you may need additional coverage that considers your snowbird destination as in-network.
If you take prescription medication, ensure you have enough for the season or a plan to request and receive refills if you run out. You can refill most prescriptions across state lines. However, if you take a controlled substance, state-specific regulations can complicate things. Establish seasonal providers or telehealth care in your snowbird state to have access to in-state prescriptions if necessary.
“If you’re a new snowbird, renting for the first few years gives you the chance to experience the lifestyle and decide if it’s right for you. It also allows you to skip property maintenance costs and an additional mortgage.”
Those who need specialist care should seek referrals in their snowbird destination to avoid disruptions in care. This requires extra collaboration between primary and secondary providers, but it’s necessary for your health.
If you’re snowbirding across country borders, like Canada to the United States or the United States to Mexico, travel health insurance is a viable option. You can usually get short-term policies that cover what you need. Just confirm they cover both emergency and routine medical care while abroad.
Coordinating a Short-Term Move
If you’re maintaining a second household, you need to line up all the necessities. That means moving at least some belongings to your second home. During your first trip, you might want to ship furniture and appliances along with your general belongings.
Shipping a moving container in the United States can cost well over $5,000 for large-scale, long-distance moves. International moves can cost even more. Depending on shipping costs, it might make more sense to buy large items at your destination rather than bring what you already own.
Subsequent trips may only require your personal vehicle or a U-Haul, depending on how much you leave in your other residence.
Packing for Two Homes
Don’t feel the need to rush out and buy a whole house’s worth of furniture and clothing for your snowbird destination. Think carefully about what you should bring, buy, or rent. Still, there are some non-negotiables for your snowbird packing list:
- Copies of all your important identification, insurance, and medical documents should be kept on hand. Don’t travel with original copies of paperwork like Social Security cards or birth certificates. While you may need copies in your second home, the originals should remain in a deposit box or safe at your primary residence.
- Pack clothing according to the weather where you’re going, not moving from.
- Consider packing a capsule wardrobe or other versatile clothing to minimize bulk.
- Take any frequently used electronics with you, and don’t forget the accessories and chargers.
- If there’s anything you just can’t live without, like specialty snacks or drinks, take them along. Don’t forget your favorite comfort items, such as robes, blankets, or slippers. You want your time in your snowbird state to feel like home.
Vehicle Transport Options
Many snowbirds drive their vehicles between their homes. Keep in mind that this doesn’t just cost gas — you’ll need hotels and food along the way.
Once you factor in those extra expenses and inconveniences, you might be better off shipping your vehicle instead. On average, it costs between $550 and $2,450 to ship your car out of state.
If you’re already driving a U-Haul or other moving truck to your new home, you could consider renting a vehicle transport trailer or tow dolly. Then, you just tow your car along behind you.
Some snowbirds opt to leave a second vehicle with their second property. Just keep in mind that cars are meant to be driven, and leaving a vehicle unused between seasons could increase your maintenance costs.
Securing Valuables
You don’t want to travel with your valuables, but at the same time, you shouldn’t leave them unattended for long periods. Storing them in a safe deposit box is the best way to protect them from theft or damage. If you can’t or don’t want to, a secure, well-hidden safe attached to your floor or wall also offers protection at home.
International Moving Considerations
Moving internationally introduces additional considerations, but they’re manageable with a bit of forethought.
- Exchange rates can affect your spending power in your destination country. However, if the plane tickets are expensive, you might be spending more on travel than on living costs.
- Depending on the country you choose, you might need to learn a new language so you can communicate effectively.
- Some countries impose limitations on whether you can purchase or rent property as a noncitizen and how long you can stay. You may also need special visas to remain for several months at a time.
- If you have pets, they must be cleared for international travel, or you may need to make alternative arrangements for their care back home.
- Not all countries will honor your driver’s license from back home. If you plan on driving in your snowbird destination, you may need an international license.
- You’ll likely need an international phone plan and SIM card for your destination country to stay connected without expensive roaming and data charges.
- It’s harder to take as much with you internationally if you’re flying. Baggage limits can restrict how much you can carry, so you’ll likely have to pack lightly and buy necessities in your destination country.
Finding Your Snowbird-Friendly Home
Really, anywhere can be a snowbird-friendly destination if it’s somewhere you enjoy in the winter. However, most people look for mild or warm weather and plenty of activities to keep them busy.
It’s a good idea to consider how the state or country treats your retirement income, too. Some states may impose taxes on Social Security and charge temporary residents.
Some communities are more snowbird-friendly than others. Many make a name for themselves catering to temporary residents and have an abundance of long-term rental options or discounted rates. They might also have plenty of RV parks and resorts tailored for months-long stays.
When choosing your home away from home, look for communities that appeal to you. If you love leisurely days on the beach, look for coastal areas. For avid hikers, areas where mountain trails abound may be more appealing.
Top Choices for Where to Snowbird
If desert living and vineyards sound like the ideal way to spend your winter months, check out Scottsdale, Arizona. Winter temperatures remain moderate, with average highs between 67 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and lows around 45 degrees. Located near Phoenix and surrounded by golf, hiking, and cultural attractions, there’s plenty to love about this popular snowbird destination.
Fort Myers ranks high on the list of snowbird destinations in the United States for good reason. Its close proximity to the beach, the Everglades, and many wildlife preserves makes it an ideal home away from home for nature lovers. Plus, it boasts numerous RV parks, so if you’re looking to live the camper life in the winter months, this could be a viable option for you.
Charleston offers the best of both worlds, blending cultural and historical sites with access to natural areas. Snowbirds appreciate easy access to beaches while still being surrounded by trending restaurants. The weather remains consistently comfortable throughout the winter, rarely dipping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Living in Galveston keeps you close enough to enjoy major urban amenities in nearby Houston without the same hustle and bustle. Whether you enjoy fishing, exploring local festivals and events, or just want somewhere with moderate winter temperatures, Galveston could be right for you.
For a fast-paced winter, the Entertainment Capital of the World could be your perfect second home. Mild winter temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and with constant live events, concerts, and a robust nightlife, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy. Plus, Nevada is a tax-friendly state for retirees, lacking a state income tax and boasting low property taxes.
Mexico
Snowbirding might not be a vacation, but it can feel like it if you set your sights on Mexico. Mexico’s lower cost of living compared to Canada and the United States makes it an attractive destination. Warm, sunny weather and a rich culture add to the appeal. Popular areas include:
- Puerto Vallarta
- Mayan Riviera
- Baja California
- Merida
Snowbird Packing List
