Snowbirds are people from the Northeast, Midwest, Northwest or Canada who spend a large portion of winter in the southern United States. Snowbirds can be retirees, business owners, or others fortunate enough to take the winter off. Some snowbirds are RVers who take their homes with them.
Interstate 10 has the distinction of traversing most of the states in the Sun Belt, and includes most snowbird destinations. Here are our top five…
1. Florida
Florida is on the top of the list because there are so many things to see and do there. The Panhandle has great beaches, fishing, golf and delicious seafood in the panhandle. RVers love the Space Coast because of affordable campgrounds and RV Parks. Golfing, fishing, and cruise ships are in abundance here. Atlantic South Florida is a little more expensive and fast paced, but for those who want to bask in the sun and spend time on the beach, this is a must. Gulf South Florida is a little more leisurely with prices lower than on the Atlantic-side. This side is also the golf-lovers paradise. If you’re looking for theme parks, golfing and a never-ending list of thing to do, Central Florida is the place to be. The Keys are simply white sand beaches, turquoise waters, fishing, sailing, and consistently warm temperatures.
2. California
Most of Snowbirds who make Southern California their winter home, head for the Coachella Valley and its desert resort cities. The weather is beautiful in Southern California and any day is a great day for golf or tennis. Fashionable Palm Springs is synonymous with the good life, the ultimate in resort living. People who can afford to winter anywhere in the U.S. often do it here where the winter weather is close to perfect. Palm Desert is home to the “Living Desert” with hundreds of fascinating desert animals on display, in eight different deserts. The city of Indian Wells, a desert oasis of lush, well maintained landscaping and towering date palm groves, is home to wealthy retirees craving world-class golf courses. Indian Wells resorts are some of the world’s finest desert getaways.
3. Texas
Texas has something for everyone and Snowbirds flock to Texas for consistently warm weather and endless miles of beaches lined with palm trees. The warm South Texas climate has a tropical feel that’s irresistible to snowbirds. Corpus Christi is a popular beachfront city often referred to as the Texas Riviera, It is a city with small-town feel. Galveston is a small romantic island tucked deep within the heart of south Texas with all the charm of a small southern town and just 40 minutes south of Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States. Port Aransas, a semi-tropical seaside village located in the Texas Coastal Bend, is the perfect snowbird destination. It’s often referred to as the “Best Kept Secret on the Gulf Coast”. Rockport is great destination for Snowbirds, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas when you’ll discover perfect weather, excellent birding, and small crowds. Snowbirds and winter visitors love South Padre Island! It’s got beautiful beaches, warm Gulf waters, fishing, boating, bird watching, shopping, and a tons of activities.
4.Arizona
If golfing and fishing isn’t your idea of a vacation, then Arizona might just be the place to spend your winters. Quartzsite, near the California border is probably the most affordable place to establish a winter home. Each year Quartzite’s population swells from a few hundred full-time residents to several hundred thousand Snowbirds. Mesa has mile after mile of RV parks that cater to Snowbirds, with a full schedule of organized activities. Winters are typically mild with an occasional short-lived cold snap. Yuma is a popular destination as long as you don’t mind the sound of aircraft from the nearby air base. If you’re an RVer make tracks for Oatman, in the northwestern part of the state. It’s a trip back in time when gold mining was a booming industry. Drop anchor here and discover the area. By the way, don’t forget the biggest attraction in Arizona…the Grand Canyon!
5. New Mexico
If you’re the type of person who enjoys the warmer weather but still wants to experience what winter has to offer (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.) Alamogordo might be just for you. Spend days in the lowlands, with an average 70 degree temperature, and then head to the mountains in the afternoon. There are also many attractions, including the White Sands National Monument. Be sure to check out Albuquerque. Albuquerque enjoys 300 plus days of sunshine, with humidity averaging approximately 40% even when the temperatures do rise it still feels quite comfortable. Albuquerque is one of the most popular Snowbird destinations in the entire Southwest.
