The Best Cities for Snowbirds

Retiring to Phoenix and its surrounding area, like Scottsdale, is almost a rite of passage for those who want a bit of sunshine, adventure, and relaxation in their later years. If you’re ready to trade in your hustle-and-bustle lifestyle for something a little less frenetic, Phoenix is the place to be.

With one of the oldest cities in America nearby, you’ll certainly feel that age comes with wisdom. What’s more, Phoenix has an incredible selection of retirement communities where older folks can enjoy their golden years; just pick your favorite style of living and settle in!

This town has been a hidden gem for Chicagoans seeking to make their retirement funds go further ever since it was discovered. Let’s call them the smart set, realizing that their money can buy a lot more in this small city than staying up north or trekking down south. The town is definitely geared towards the older crowd, from the ease of living to the cost-friendly price tags.

The town gets around 11 inches of snow per year, but the rest of the year it’s nice and warm. It’s like an old-fashioned Goldilocks situation — it’s not always hot, and it’s not always cold. This is any retiree’s pot of gold at the end of their rainbow: peace, budget-friendly living, and warm weather!

If you need an escape from a cold winter, look no further than Fort Lauderdale. Yes, it requires a bit of an investment to take up residence there as the city is luxury-filled with expensive hotels and high-end shopping. But, if you’re ready for a little vacay and don’t mind splurging, this Florida beachside town will do just fine!

With average temperatures around 80 degrees year-round (say goodbye to snow!), get ready to soak up some sunshine and sand on vacation at its finest. So don’t be swayed by wild winds freezing everything in sight this season, break away from the weather woes and come soak up some warmth with us in Fort Lauderdale!

If you’re considering a retirement plan, Honolulu should certainly be on your list. What can beat the beauty of the island paradise that is Hawaii, right? You may have heard all about the sandy beaches, stunning views, and tropical beauty of this one-of-a-kind place, but did you also know about the 35 senior clubs Honolulu has to offer?

Whether you want to tee off on some golf courses or take in some fresh waves at the beach, it’s always nice to know there are plenty of other mature individuals like yourself ready to join in on the fun activities. But we must tell you – don’t think that paradise comes cheap! This is one of the most expensive cities in the entire country, after all. Good luck convincing your wallet otherwise!

If you’re looking for an earthly paradise that isn’t just filled with the same old crystal clear beaches of Florida, then Corpus Christi is your answer. And if that’s not enough to convince you, keep reading! This Texas city has something for everyone. The adventurous can visit aquariums and take tours on the USS Lexington while there are always the botanical gardens for nature lovers.

Beachgoers can get their fill of golden sand and blue sea from the Gulf of Mexico, and anglers will from far and wide come to enjoy this great fishing destination. But what really seals the deal is that it’s a lot cheaper than both the national average of living and Galveston! Well folks, there really isn’t anything else to say other than -viva Corpus Christi!

Louisiana really knows how to roll out the welcome mat for retirees! WalletHub recently recognized Baton Rouge as one of the top cities in the US when it comes to quality of life, affordability, and access to healthcare. Last year was particularly impressive as it reached number 7!

That’s not bad at all! With lots of things to do and a low cost of living, Louisiana is turning into quite the retirement hot spot. You might say there’s no better place for baby boomers and beyond to settle down – after all, you can’t beat a city with a heart as big as its gumbo!

Las Vegas is definitely one of the glitziest places in the U.S., and it’s no wonder why so many retirees love to come out and have a good time. However, if you don’t budget before you hit the strip, then you can find yourself hit with an ugly reality.

Snowbirds may just want to consider a visit as more of a vacation spot! Sure, the climate is gorgeous compared to what some of us back home experience in wintertime, but when it comes to overspending and emptying your bank account, there’s really no place like Vegas. So listen up, snowbirds – budget away!

Athens is the perfect place to settle down! Forget Brooklyn prices – with an average of 71% lower than the national housing rate, you can get a phenomenal pad with plenty of space to make into your own. Don’t worry about pesky snow shoveling duties in this part of Georgia. Temperatures here rarely dip low enough to merit more than 3.5 inches worth of it each year.

And the mild, humid climate makes the outdoorsy types feel right at home in Athens. Nature lovers, music enthusiasts, and fans of film culture all have a vibrant community here. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to say goodbye to high rents and enjoy everything that Athens has to offer without breaking the bank account.

St. Petersburg is a paradise for those seeking great prices on housing and some of the most pleasant climates in the country. From retirees who come to explore its beautiful sunsets to younger generations who flock in to try the newest restaurants, bask on the beaches and soak up the local cultures and festivals.

There’s something for everyone looking for a change of scenery. Plus, what’s not to love about beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round? So if you’re looking for an affordable place to settle down, St. Petersburg should be at the top of your list!

Looking for the perfect destination to retire? Look no further than Miami! Sure, the cost of living may be a little above the national average, but hey – you don’t have to settle down there. You can just…vacation forever! The climate is gorgeous, with sun throughout most of the year, and if you’re looking for medical facilities or senior care, Miami is a great place that caters to all your needs.

Plus, there’s plenty of fun to be had; why not try bingo by day and salsa night classes with your new friends at night? Miami will keep you busy and entertained in your retirement years. So don’t rule it out just yet – after all, you deserve to enjoy life in style!

Homestead, Florida is about as far from snow as you can get and still be in the same country.  Only 25 miles from the pristine beaches of the Keys, this little town has managed to avoid snowy winters for decades. Perfect for anyone that’s tired of the white stuff and is ready for the sandy stuff.

In recent history, the only time Homestead was blessed with a dusting of white powdery flakes was on January 19th, 1977 – and even then, it was brief. And if you ask the locals down there, they’d probably just laugh at you for asking such a strange question!

Snow in Malibu? Believe it or not, it does happen. The last time was in 2008, but don’t worry! It isn’t super common. Though most of us here like to think we’re always sunny, this old west coast city gets its share of winter days too.

This particular snowfall was a shocker for folks living further inland as well — Las Vegas!! You heard me right – even the desert got a dusting. Anywhere with mountains in the U.S. will usually get some kind of snow, so when it happens in Malibu, it’s extra special. You can enjoy the snow without having to clean it up!

Puerto Rico is sunshine and bliss for those who hate the snow. The cold season can be a depressing time for many, with the absence of bright summer sunlight and the overwhelming presence of white snow across the ground. But there’s no need to worry! Puerto Rico has you covered—literally!

Instead of building a snowman for the millionth time, why not gulp down a refreshing piña colada while your feet sink into the powdery white sand on any one of its beautiful beaches? Now that’s what I call paradise! It doesn’t get any better than that – unless someone brings you some plantains too.

If you’re dreaming of ditching the snow for some sunshine, you’ll be over the moon when you discover this sun-soaked island paradise. Let your inner golf hero shine on these sandy links, or dive deep into the crystal clear waters for an adventure in water sports.

You can also switch gears and see if you have what it takes to catch some of the 50 types of fish that call this place home! With so much to do, whether on land or sea, this one is sure to provide an idyllic escape from winter’s chill.

California may have a reputation for being expensive, but when it comes to weather, you can’t put a price tag on perfect. From San Francisco to San Diego, the Golden State remains anyone’s number one pick for its near-perfect climate with mild temperatures and low humidity – sure worth more than the little ‘pretty penny’ we tend to drop here and there.

Not to mention, with all that sunshine comes tons of activities; California offers something for everyone. Whether you’re talkin’ beaches, theme parks, or international cuisines, one thing is certain: there’s never a dull moment in the sun-drenched state!

This island town may be small, but it certainly doesn’t lack adventure! Not many people can say they’ve spent the winter camping in a tropical climate — it’s almost as if Mother Nature told us it was time to take an extended break from reality and dig our toes into the sand.

Instead of braving the cold a few months out of the year like some brave souls in colder climates, you can experience amazing warmth instead! Don’t worry about crowds, either; this little slice of paradise will remain just that: yours and serene all year round.

Come to the land of sunshine and charm! Winter blues getting you down? Ditch the heavy layers of clothing and escape to our glorious haven – perfect for any nature lover in desperate need of some warmth. From the calming views of Lake Shelby to the thrill of ziplining over the lake, this is a guaranteed good time.

And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of heights, there are plenty other activities like biking, swimming, or even just lounging around as you enjoy peace and quiet. It’s time to adore Mother Nature again— saying goodbye to winter never felt so sweet!

If you hate the snow like I do and want a guarantee that you won’t have to deal with it, Birmingham is definitely your best bet. Every year, they get on average only .8 days and 1.6 inches of snowfall – so unless arctic conditions suddenly emerge in Alabama, you’ll be safe!

No snow shoveling or long tedious commutes due to hazardous winter roads here – just breezy days, sunny skies, and mild temperatures. What a fantastic weather guarantee if I ever saw one!!

Hawaii is the perfect paradise for those of us who don’t enjoy cold, wintery weather. And if you thought having no snow sounds perfect, just wait until you hear what Hilo has in store. Temperature-wise it’s pretty much perfect with temperatures ranging from a balmy 79 degrees to a still-good 55.

The only trade-off is that with great temperature comes lots of rain.  So, if an umbrella isn’t your thing then this might not be the place for you. However, if you love a lot of rain and warmer weather, this is the ideal spot. What are you waiting for?

Nothing says ‘snowbird city’ quite like the desert! During the winter months, while the beaches are packed and bustling with seasonal visitors, head to the desert and experience solitude. With only 23 days of rain a year and only seven days of winter, no need to worry about the weather.

The better part of the deal is that Yuma has incredibly affordable housing (and in abundance)! So this winter break, pack your bags for a unique destination and explore the lovely sights that await you in the vast desert to catch those nice, warm rays — just be sure to throw on some sunscreen!