What is a snowbird exactly? Maybe you’ve heard the term before, but you don’t really know what it means. Well, let me spill the beans! A snowbird, in this case, is not your regular feathered friend. A snowbird is a person!
Snowbirds bid goodbye to their permanent residence up north when it’s time for snow shoveling. Instead, they hit the road to their preferred residence in the south—where the sun’s got some warmth to it.
Most snowbirds are from the United States and fall between the ages of 50 and 70. However, there are also a lot of Canadian snowbirds! In addition, many younger generations are seeking the sun as well, given flexible work arrangements and changing lifestyles.
Why Become a Snowbird?
So, why do people choose to become a snowbird? The answer is simple! These migratory folks have decided they had enough of that harsh winter chill.
Instead of a cozy winter by the fire, they’d prefer sipping cocktails by the beach in South Carolina or rolling the dice in Las Vegas. A life filled with sunshine, now that’s the dream!
Now, don’t think they’re just bums lazing around all day. Snowbirds just shift their whole life south, so they’re still keeping up with the latest, checking the mail, seeing the sites, and even in some cases working their regular jobs.
There’s also tons of planning and preparation for the journey both ways between the seasons to keep them busy!
About the Snowbird Lifestyle
If you think the snowbird lifestyle is all fun and no work, then I’m sorry to rain on your parade! The truth is, snowbirds hustle to keep up with many things.
It’s not just a change of address; they’re flipping their lives around. There are boxes to pack, routes to map, and a whole agenda to sort!
Remember, snowbirds are managing their lives in two different geographic locations – that’s no piece of cake! They have to keep up with the times in both areas, manage communication throughout their travels, and clean and set up their homes when they get there.
I have to give credit where credit is due for pulling it all off year after year! Check out my Snowbird Leaving For the Summer Checklist if you want a sneak preview of everything snowbirds have to do before heading back north!
The Impact of Snowbirds on Society and Economy
As you may expect, the migration of a population south tends to have an effect on the society and the economy of the area. However, snowbirds, even as winter visitors, still do their part to contribute!
They pay their taxes dutifully, eat at local restaurants, fill up gas, and even volunteer sometimes! That’s a good dose of change flowing into southern economies.
What about jobs, you may ask? Aren’t most snowbirds retired? Well, some do choose to find employment – seasonal jobs mostly. It’s a great way to keep busy and keep that wallet from leaking too fast! That, too, adds another slice to the local economy.
Believe it or not, snowbirds even have a hand in the real estate scene. Back in the ’70s, these birds of paradise played a major role in some property developments that went down.
If you find yourself with a white picket fence in a sun-drenched southern neighborhood, chances are good that you’ve got a snowbird to thank.
The Difference Between Snowbirds and Sunbirds?
What’s the difference between a snowbird and a sunbird then? Are they the same thing? The answer is: kind of! Sunbirds are actually snowbirds that make their temporary residence permanent.
Somewhere along the way, after spending the winter months in the south, where the sun always shines and the cold is just a distant memory, a snowbird decides: I could do this all the time.
Instead of longing for the comfort of their northern hometown, its familiar sights, and the warmth of their community when seasons change, they realize that their southern abode has become all of those things to them.
Next thing you know, they’re a sunbird instead of a snowbird. Instead of packing bags and jetting north when the snow melts, they make their southern home their new permanent residence and head north to visit for smaller portions of the year (it’s like reverse snowbirding)!
In fact, quite a few snowbirds change their migratory patterns over time. They start spending more time in the south, eventually settling there for good while making trips back north for a few months each year.
The Health and Social Aspects of a Snowbird Lifestyle
Now, I want to get more into the health and social aspects of the snowbird lifestyle. It isn’t just about getting a tan and avoiding the shovels! There’s more to it than meets the eye.
Health Benefits: The Brighter Side of Being a Snowbird
There’s something about that southern sun that just seems to make people healthier. It makes you wonder if there’s some truth to the phrase “fun in the sun,” huh?
According to a study I came across, over 63% of snowbirds rated their health as “very good” or “excellent.” Now, that’s a statistic I can get behind!
Guess what? The same group didn’t feel as spry when they stayed north all year round. In fact, snowbirds reported better health than even sunbirds!
It seems that it pays to follow the sun (within proper moderation of course), though I think part of it is just the extended vacation before returning home to all your friends and family! You never know; being a snowbird might be one of the best health decisions you could make!
Sociability: Identifying Snowbirds as Extroverts
Now, moving on to the social side of things. You’d figure snowbirds would be the lonely types, with all the traveling. However, you’d actually be wrong! These folks are some of the most sociable people I know. You might even call them extroverts.
There’s something about heading south in the winter that brings people together; don’t ask me why. It could be the shared experience of escaping the harsh winter, the common destinations, or the vibrant energy of the southern states. Whatever it is, it works. And these snowbirds sure know how to have a good time!
Unconventional and Modern Snowbirds
See, it used to be that you had to be able to Afford Two Homes to be a snowbird, but that’s not necessarily the case nowadays! There are many new unconventional ways to snowbird that have taken root, which are popular among all sorts of age groups.
Not only that, but modern snowbirds are hanging out in more than just Florida, so you can find them in a variety of places you might not even think of!
“Boondockers” Lifestyle
Instead of finding a place to hang their hats, boondocker snowbirds live a more frugal lifestyle. They usually purchase or rent a van or RV and choose to “dock” in nature instead of an stationary home.
Now, funny enough, you typically won’t find snowbirds tent camping. Maybe that’s a little too rustic! Tent campers are usually referred to as “backcountry” instead of “boondockers” anyway.
They spend their nights in open wilds under the broad sky, living life on their terms. You can learn more about preparing for Snowbird RV Travel if this is something that appeals to you!
Florida is Not The Only Snowbird Destination
Now, don’t get me wrong, Florida has its charm, but it’s not the only popular snowbird destination. While it does offer miles of coastline and sunshine for days, there are lots of other great snowbird spots to change things up and move away from the “norm.”
Instead, we’ve got folks flocking to the warm embrace of South Carolina and the vibrant landscapes of Arizona. There’s even California, with its golden beaches to lure you in.
That isn’t all! Some snowbirds even stretch their wings beyond the States, landing in locales as far as Costa Rica! It just goes to show that snowbirds are anything but predictable!
History of Snowbirds
The concept of ‘snowbirds’ has been popular for decades, especially in North America. Hopping state lines and changing addresses like they’re shuffling a deck of cards, snowbirds are the folks who ditch harsh winter weather and the continuous shovel, salt, repeat routine you get with northern snow and ice.
Now, you might think they have a screw loose, picking up their whole lives just to chase the sun. After your next snowstorm, though, just ask yourself if you want to endure winter or if you’d prefer spending your days in Florida or Texas, basking in sun-drenched days by the ocean?
Snowbirds embrace the lifestyle like a badge of honor. It’s no longer just second home or condos, though! Nowadays you’ll find them at RV parks, rentals, in van homes, and even in developed snowbird communities.
More research is also coming out to support the health benefits of this lifestyle, which is why we see more people making the choice to change their patterns, and even starting at younger and younger ages!
Snowbirds, on average, visit the hospital more – not because they necessarily need to get treatment but because every traveler (especially older ones) knows they need to assess their health before setting off on any journey. They’re also statistically less likely to have comorbidities—a person with two or more medical conditions.
The history of snowbirds is a testament to their indomitable spirits. Their lifestyle, deeply rooted in the desire to escape the northern clutches winter, has turned into something beneficial for people and communities alike.
Plus, the future of snowbirds looks even brighter! It’s a trend on the rise, witnessing more and more folks embracing the idea of being “snowbird friendly.” This isn’t just some fad; it’s a lifestyle choice that’s gaining traction.
People are increasingly ditching the cold weather for a life where the ice becomes extremely dangerous only in a glass of whiskey. Now, that’s a future worth toasting to!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do They Call People Snowbirds?
The term snowbird first came around to describe people who’d enlist in the military during the winter months for food and clothes. Then, they’d ditch their positions when the weather got warmer.
These days, we use the term ‘snowbird’ to describe older folks who migrate to warmer places during the winters.
How Long Do People Snowbird?
People snowbird during the winter months, so generally between two to three months depending on the weather.
However, the exact time can vary based on their home location and their budget.
Who Typically Qualifies as a Snowbird?
Snowbirds usually include retirees or individuals with flexible work arrangements who have the means and desire to spend extended periods in warmer climates.
While historically snowbirds were typically senior retirees, that is no longer the case. Anyone who has the desire, flexibility, and budget can now be a snowbird.
Why Do People Choose to Become Snowbirds?
People choose to become snowbirds for various reasons, including seeking relief from cold weather, enjoying outdoor activities year-round, and experiencing a change of scenery and lifestyle.
That is why there is such variety in how people snowbird nowadays, with varying locations, housing, and transportation methods to suit different needs.
What Are Some Challenges Faced by Snowbirds?
Common challenges faced by snowbirds include adjusting to a new environment, navigating healthcare systems in different locations, and managing travel logistics.
Once you have made the journey a couple times and established routines, it becomes much easier.
How Can Snowbirds Stay Connected with Family and Friends?
Snowbirds can stay connected with family and friends through various means, including phone calls, video chats, social media, and arranging visits during the winter season.
The Internet provides so many ways to keep in touch, even when geographically separated.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever been curious about what a snowbird is, I hope that you now have a better idea. Sure, they’re sunseekers who migrate south to avoid the cold of winter.
What you may not have known, however, is that snowbirds flock to plenty of locations outside of Florida, and that they belong to a huge variety of age groups nowadays. That’s right, snowbirding isn’t just for retirees anymore!
With the Internet available to keep you in touch with friends, family, and work while you’re away, there are so many ways you can embrace the snowbird lifestyle and go on a new adventure.
If you’re ready to learn more about become a snowbird, make sure to check out my Top Tips For Snowbirds for all the things you’ll want to start thinking about!
I was born and raised in the northern United States, and one thing I learned pretty early on in life is: I hate the cold and snow. Sure, there’s something charming about the first snowfall of the year, but after that, I’m out.
While a part of my heart will always lie in New England, the older I get, the more I want to escape it during the coldest months.
That’s where the snowbirding lifestyle earned its appeal for me. When the bad weather starts to loom, I head south to find warmer climates to get me through until spring and warmer weather returns.
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