Three Florida Locations to Escape the Snow

Every year when the East Coast gets hit with winter weather, there is a significant migration south. People from New York City, Canada, and other frigid destinations seek refuge from the cold winds and snow-filled streets, and Florida is that ideal refuge. Known as snowbirds, these individuals often spend the entire season away from the cold climates of the place they call home the rest of the year.

And why not? Florida is one of the few states with hot weather year-round. With tons of great attractions, world-class restaurants and shopping, and some affordable real estate options, there are worse places to spend the winter.

According to some sources, the number of snowbirds that come to stay in Florida every winter is in the high six figures, contributing to a significant increase in the state’s population. There are snowbird rental options across the state that allow visitors to seasonally rent property, giving you the perfect nest for your Florida escape.

Florida is a big state with tons of amazing spots for getaways. Let’s look at three different Florida areas that make for perfect places to escape the cold winter weather.

Jacksonville

While Miami soaks up the spotlight, many don’t realize what they’re missing in Jacksonville. Jacksonville is the most populated city in Florida, a booming metropolis with tons of fun activities and incredible year-round weather.

If you’re looking for waterfront living in the winter, Jacksonville has you covered. Located in the far Northeast part of the state, there are beaches, oceans, and rivers that make for great boating and sunbathing spots, even in the deep winter.

There’s a lot to Jacksonville, with great eats, a vibrant culture, and many different outdoor attractions. With a huge park system perfect for hiking, top-notch fishing, and even a street art scene, Jacksonville is, in a word, picturesque. There are also tons of great museums, one of the best zoos in the state, and so much more.

Jacksonville real estate doesn’t come near to reaching the heights of some of the other big-city Florida counterparts like Miami or Palm Beach. It is a relatively affordable place to set up for the winter and an incredible option for snowbirds fleeing the winter blues.

Orlando

If you’re a lover of theme parks and attractions, there is probably no greater city in the world to spend your time in. Home to Disney World, the iconic family-friendly getaway that brings millions of visitors in every year, and Universal Studios, another globally popular massive theme park, Orlando is one of the biggest destinations in all of Florida.

However, while proximity to these theme parks is a great part of Orlando’s appeal, it has much more than that. Theme parks are not for everyone, and tons of other things make Orlando an incredible place to spend time. For one, few places typify Florida heat like Orlando. It is incredibly warm there all season long.

While Orlando isn’t a coastal city, there are still many water activities in the city. How does spending a winter kayaking in the Florida Everglades sound? Shingle Creek is a great area for canoeing and kayaking, and there are natural springs right near the city with snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving, with a manatee encounter not out of the cards.

Orlando also has a great food scene, considered one of the top cities for foodies in the entire country. If you’re looking for a city with great weather, tons of outdoor activities, and a top-tier food scene to settle down for the season, Orlando is the place to go.

The Panhandle

The Florida Panhandle is the Northwestern region of the state, bordering on Georgia and Alabama. There is a wide range of different towns in this stretch of land, which runs from Tallahassee to Mobile. With popular destinations like Pensacola and Panama City, there’s a lot to love in the Panhandle.

The Panhandle is a great spot if you’re looking to stay somewhere different than the typical locations snowbirds choose. The Panhandle has top-notch beach access, fewer crowds than big cities like Miami, and is only a short drive from Atlanta or New Orleans. In many areas of the Panhandle, real estate comes at a reasonable price.

The Panhandle has excellent nightlife, with wild bars and nightclubs, stunning state parks perfect for long hikes, and several top-notch food destinations. It is a large area with much to explore, and if you are seeking refuge from snow-covered driveways and freezing temperatures, waiting the weather out in the Panhandle is an ideal option.