Live in a northern US location that dips below freezing and gets regular winter snowfalls? Then, trust me. At some point in your retirement life, you’ll consider a seasonal snowbird migration. My husband and I are contemplating it now after arguing against it for years, because we thought:
- We were too young.
- Winter’s not that bad.
- It’s expensive.
Turns out none of the above are true.
How Young Is Too Young to Snowbird?
Nearly 70% of today’s snowbirds begin their winter migration before reaching age 60, according to a survey conducted by Emergency Assistance Plus, a travel insurance company. The flexibility of remote work has led to a dramatic increase in the number of younger people heading to warmer locations during winter.
Sadly, my husband and I did not have jobs that permitted us to jet off when the temperatures dropped in New York. But now that I’ve retired and he’s doing project-based work, it’s a possibility.
It’s Not Buffalo, But…
We live in downstate NY, a 45-minute train ride from New York City. Average February high temperatures are 36 degrees F and lows average 20 degrees F, according to Wanderlog. And we usually get a few 4-6” snowfalls spread out through the winter.
I maintain a daily walking schedule with my German Shepherd, plan a few day outings during the week and force myself to accept dinner invitations to stay social.
But, as the years pass, the urge to hunker down and embrace the Danish hygge lifestyle is getting harder to resist.
Can I Afford a 3-Month Vacation?
Maintaining a second home for a 12-week use seems impractical to me. That’s how old-timers used to fly. Think about your parents and their friends who owned condos in Florida. They’d depart after the Christmas decorations were packed away and return when the daffodils started popping up.
Our friends who recently started snowbirding rent in different locations for a few weeks at a time to check out areas. Whether they’ll ever commit to a purchase is yet to be determined.
Wondering about buying vs. renting? Check out this article: Second Home: Buy or Rent?
Deciding When and Where to Go
I’m watching the long-range forecasts. Hopefully, we can make a break for it before a particularly ominous stretch of weather sets in. We’ll only go for a couple of weeks since it’s our first time, so the expense will be comparable to a normal vacation.
I don’t want to blow our entire 2026 vacation budget.
So, avoiding pricey places like West Palm Beach, Florida, and Scottsdale, Arizona, means focusing our attention on welcoming destinations that are affordable alternatives, like these five sun-soaked locations.
Port St. Lucie, Florida: Budget-Friendly Alternative to West Palm Beach
Spring training home to the NY Mets, Port St. Lucie occupies a central position on Florida’s Treasure Coast, between Jupiter and Vero Beach. Retirement Living named Port St. Lucie as one of its Top 10 snowbird cities for 2025, citing the large number of golf courses, low property crime rates and a warm average temperature of 66.8 degrees from November through March.
Leesburg, Florida: Budget-Friendly Alternative to Orlando
Proximity to Orlando is Leesburg’s draw. The Lake County city of 28,000 has small-town charm thanks to a lively downtown with shops, restaurants and craft breweries. With several lakes, miles of trails and the scenic Venetian Gardens park, there are plenty of ways to spend your days in the outdoors.
Green Valley, Arizona: Budget-Friendly Alternative to Tucson
Home to approximately 22,000 year-round residents, this Tucson-area city swells with retirees during the winter months. Hiking, biking and golf are popular outdoor activities and culture vultures will appreciate the busy calendar of events staged annually at the Community Performance & Art Center.
Yuma, Arizona: Budget-Friendly Alternative to Phoenix
Yuma is located near the Mexico border, guaranteeing warm winter temperatures and sunny days. Tubing and boating on the Colorado River are popular activities. Get to know the plants and animals living in Yuma’s multiple desert parks. And day trips across the border are a fun way to experience Mexican food and culture.
Rio Grande Valley, Texas: Budget-Friendly Alternative to San Antonio
Multiple towns, including McAllen, comprise the Rio Grande Valley, about an hour and a half drive from the beaches of San Padre Island. There’s plenty to see during snowbird season in the region, including the International Museum of Art and Science, the Gladys Porter Zoo and historic missions like La Lomita.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Where do you snowbird? Why did you make that decision? Have you bought a place or do you rent?