The term “snowbird” is familiar to all year-around residents of Florida and other warm-winter states that see an influx of part timers wanting to escape the cold temperatures of Northern climes from December to April of each year. I can’t speak for other states, but Florida certainly depends on the money those temporary residents bring to our economy each year.
The idea of having homes in 2 distant locales sounds exotic and luxurious and it can be if you have the financial resources to make it so. But many Boomers and seniors of moderate means are finding ways to enjoy the colder months in more pleasant climates.
Said snowbirds may be retirees who own houses or condos in their home states and come to their chosen winter destinations to either rent for a few months or perhaps buy a second place to live. Others may be a bit younger and have jobs that allow them to work from anywhere for a few months. Another group of snowbirds may seek to become official residents of states like Florida that doesn’t have a state income tax. They make Florida their place of permanent residence by obtaining a Florida Driver’s License and then return north for a few months in summer and fall.
Those who only winter in warmer states like Florida, may rent a house or condo or even bring an RV with them for the Season.
Becoming a snowbird isn’t difficult. Once the housing issue is settled, using corporate pharmacies like Walgreen’s, CVS or Walmart can make transferring prescriptions for a few months an easy process. Physicians in Florida (and I’m sure in other Southern states) count snowbirds as a large part of their medical practices and with so many doctors switching to electronic records, accessing patients’ medical records is a simple process. If you use a national bank, it will be simple to cash checks and make deposits and withdrawals in your new area.
Churches in Florida welcome their snowbird visitors and members for a few months each year. The numbers swell by the hundreds where I live, especially from January to Easter.
Snowbirds tend to get involved in their new communities, be it only part of the year. Where I live, many volunteers in hospitals, churches, and hospices only live here part of the year but they make themselves welcome and wanted.
If you are considering becoming a snowbird in a warm-winter state, there are key pieces of information to consider:
*Where do I want to live? Before settling down in one area, try to visit several popular retirement havens. Do you want really warm temperatures during the entire winter? If so, pay close attention to South or Southwest Florida. Southern Arizona and Southern New Mexico might offer what you want. If you like it a bit cooler, look at the Florida Panhandle or areas in Texas. Central Arizona might also work for you in winter. Whatever you prefer, research the weather in those areas for the last 3-4 years. Check out rental options for seasonal visitors. If you have the time and resources, spend a month in each of the areas that interest you before settling on one.
*How do I get involved in my new community as a part time resident? Make a point of meeting and greeting your neighbors and exchange phone numbers. Invite them over for coffee or cocktails. Ask them about good restaurants and things to do in the area. Find a church and volunteer. My first four years in Florida, I volunteered one day a week in the church office. Several of the volunteers were snowbirds and their office positions were held open for them each year. Hospitals love volunteers! So do libraries. Ask around and you’ll find opportunities just waiting for you.
*Be sure you have a good understanding of the costs involved. Research housing in the new area. Decide if you want to rent or buy a place. Think about the cost of maintenance on two homes. Know about taxes that could affect you. Some states charge an income tax on pensions, annuities and such. Think about family who could visit and how often. How will those visits affect you financially? If you live near a major theme park, factor in the cost of entertaining your visitors. Keep adequate savings aside for emergency trips back home if needed.
*If you are Canadian and want to become a snowbird in the United States, be sure to know the rules of your own country. For instance, health insurance for Canadian travelers is minimal if you don’t carry a private policy, so you may want to take out a traveler’s insurance policy. You are allowed to visit the U.S. for 182 days each year. Research to be sure you cover all the rules before you go.
*Can I find a job as a snowbird? I cannot speak for other areas of the country but in Southwest Florida, temporary jobs are not difficult to find for qualified people. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have a Green Card to work. Once you establish yourself as a valued employee, many companies will work with you each year. In my area, I’ve seen retirees who are only here a few months each year work at supermarkets, department stores, doctor’s offices, and more.
There are several good websites that offer tips for those considering becoming a snowbird. Here are a few:
http://www.moneysense.ca/property/vacation/follow-the-flock-south/
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-hidden-costs-of-being-a-snowbird-2013-02-22
