Snowbirds Eyeing Florida as Winter Looms

Across North America, as the fall season begins, winter looms. In many parts of America and Canada, winters are harsh, long, and unpleasant. Icy roads, snowy driveways, blisteringly cold winds, many aspects of winter really wear people down. While some enjoy winter and, in fact, prefer it, most would opt out of it if they could. Some Canadians and Americans do opt-out of the season, migrating South to spend the winter in a more favorable environment.

Several different American states enjoy year-round hot weather, such as Nevada, California, and South Carolina. However, one state seems to attract the highest volume of East Coast and Canadian residents escaping snowy weather. Florida is the hotspot in question, where every year, residents of further North states migrate to get away from less pleasant climates.

The people who flee to warmer climates come winter are known affectionately as snowbirds. Florida is the ultimate hub for snowbirds, with tropical humidity, rolling beaches, and affordable property. Florida is a state with several different cities and regions that attract snowbirds, and the impact on their economy is significant. An influx of external money entering their economy is a consistent boon every winter for the state.

Several different parts of Florida see snowbirds arrive en masse every winter. Let’s look at some of the areas snowbirds frequent in Florida and its impact on them.

Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay area is on the West Coast of Florida, located right on the Gulf Coast. There are some major cities such as Tampa and St. Petersburg along this area, and they are all right on the actual Tampa Bay. This area is blessed with constant sunshine and is one of the most populated stretches in Florida. That means there are tons to do, with great zoos, parks, and of course, water activities.

Every year, people head to the Tampa Bay area to wait out the winter in comfort. Although its tourism was hit hard by the pandemic and the lack of Canadian snowbirds last year, it should be all systems go this year. Tampa also has relatively affordable real estate options on both a rental and purchase basis. According to Redfin, the median sales price of a home in Tampa is $345,000. For residents of large east-coast cities like New York City or Toronto, that is eminently affordable.

Every year, people head to the Tampa Bay area to wait out the winter in comfort. Although its tourism was hit hard by the pandemic and the lack of Canadian snowbirds last year, it should be all systems go this year. Tampa also has relatively affordable real estate options on both a rental and purchase basis. According to Redfin, the median sales price of a home in Tampa is $345,000. For residents of large east-coast cities like New York City or Toronto, that is eminently affordable.

Tampa Bay provides a top-notch area with prime weather and access to water with an affordable housing market, making it the perfect destination for snowbirds on a relative budget.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the single most expensive real estate markets in the world, particularly on the Westside. Known for its glitzy country clubs, perfect golfing venues, and white sand beaches, Palm Beach is a haven for the rich and famous. Residents of this area include Bill Gates and Tiger Woods and numerous others who tend to spend their winters on “Billionaire’s Row,” the most exclusive area in Palm Beach. For Canadians and Americans with a less stringent budget, Palm Beach is pretty much paradise on Earth.

Palm Beach serves as a perfect place to spend a winter if you can afford the lofty price of real estate and people come in swarms. According to the Palm Beach Post, winter sees roughly 145,000 new part-time residents head to the area, which increases the city’s population by a significant percentage. Palm Beach is hot throughout the year, with beach-worthy weather even in the winter. With an incredible food and shopping scene, and some of the best leisure activity areas in the nation, Palm Beach may live up to its lofty pricing.

Miami

Miami is a city known internationally for its incredible year-round weather and beaches, making it a winter destination that attracts tourists from around the world. That isn’t even to mention the bustling nightlife, incredible food, and appealing local culture that continues to draw attention to Florida’s best-known city. While not a particularly cheap real estate market, Miami is still more affordable than many major cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and New York City and receives visits from a huge number of snowbirds across North America.

Miami consistently sees a major influx of Canadian tourists looking to escape those famous Canadian winters, and even while battling a pandemic, it remains appealing to tourists. In fact, many Northeastern visitors that would previously stay in the Miami area only seasonally are eyeing a full-time move, according to Mansion Global. And with some of the best beaches in the country, a growing economy, and of course, no winter weather, why not?