Winter weather is not for everyone. Once you’ve settled into retired life, you might find that you dread the thought of snow and bitter temperatures. You’re certainly not alone. Many retirees and active adults leave behind their regular residences for a warmer climate when temperatures begin to drop. This migratory group has earned the name of snowbirds.
If you’re ready to join the flock, you have plenty of planning to do—specifically finding a rental.
While taking up the snowbird mantle takes some careful preparation, this handy guide can help you get started when wondering ‘how do snowbirds find rentals?’.
Finding a Rental
Utilize the following popular methods to find a rental property as a snowbird:
Online
When searching for snowbird rentals, a good place to start is online. This will help you easily see what’s currently available for the months you’re planning to get away. You have two options when searching online for winter rentals: a general search on a platform like Google or browsing on specific vacation rental websites.
Queries like “snowbird rentals Florida” or “snowbird rentals Myrtle Beach” can provide you with thousands of options throughout the state and allow you to further customize your search based on preferences.
While you can use general rental sites to find your snowbird rental, you won’t know who your neighbors are or their ages. Using a rental site dedicated to active adult housing communities will ensure you’re living next to like-minded people, not college students on a weekend getaway or a bachelorette party.
Another benefit of looking for a snowbird rental online is seeing past reviews to see if the location met the expectations of other snowbirds.
Real Estate Agent
Few people know communities as well as real estate agents, making them especially helpful when renting or buying a house. Once you know which area you’d like to spend your winter months in, contact a trusted real estate agent who works within that region.
A real estate agent will know which areas to go to to find what you’re looking for in a rental property and can suggest other nearby options that fit your needs.
Personal Recommendation
If you know family or friends who have vacationed and rented property where you’re planning to snowbird, ask them for recommendations or a referral. This method of finding rentals will provide you with more information via a first-person account.
Make sure the person you solicit a recommendation from is someone you trust to provide you with their honest thoughts and experience. In addition, getting a referral to the community from a family member or friend who already lives or rents there can help you get a spot.
Choosing the Right Rental for You
Now that you know how snowbirds find rentals, it’s time for you to choose a rental property. This is a place where you’ll be spending a lot of time over the winter months, so it’s important to ensure your snowbird rental meets your needs.
Visit the Destination in Advance
Winter vacation rentals for snowbirds are often in places with more mild weather, like the Southeast and Southwest. Whether you’ve vacationed in these regions before or not, it’s important to visit the area before spending a few months there. This will help you get a feel for the local community and what it has to offer. Plus, you can see where your rental is in comparison to any attractions.
Especially if you plan to stay in popular destinations, like winter rentals in Florida for seniors, you should see how busy the area is and what the neighborhoods have to offer before committing months of your time to the location.
If you’re unable to visit the property in person, ask for a virtual tour so you can still see it in advance.
Pick Amenities That Appeal to Your Active Lifestyle
Many snowbird rental communities offer residents amenities to keep them active throughout the winter months. Popular amenities include:
- Outdoor and indoor pools
- Fitness centers
- Yoga, Pilates, or aerobics studios
- Walking and biking trails
- Fishing
- Golf courses
- Community gardening
- Dog parks
If your rental property community doesn’t offer all of the amenities you’re looking for as an active adult, check out the surrounding community and its events pages to find locations for activities during your stay.
Preparing As a Snowbird
Deciding to become a snowbird comes with a lot of preparation for your months-long journey. Even when staying in winter rentals, you need to do plenty of research and make arrangements before you embark.
In addition to finding your rental, follow the below steps to make sure you’re ready for snowbirding season:
Picking a Destination
Heading south will take you to warmer weather, but where do you see yourself spending the winter? The top snowbird destinations include:
- Arizona: Arizona is known for its dry heat. With temperatures reaching the mid-60s in the winter, this southwestern state offers a welcome respite from wind chill and layers.
- California: Winter in California can still be chilly, particularly in the northern part of the state, but it can feel warm for snowbirds traveling from the Midwest or the Northeast. Plus, you have the option of beautiful ocean views.
- Florida: Florida is probably the first destination you think of for snowbirds. In fact, some Florida communities have snowbird clubs due to the high seasonal population. The Sunshine State is home to sandy shores and a warm, humid climate that makes shorts a wardrobe staple all year long.
- Nevada: Nevada might conjure up images of weekend trips to Las Vegas, but this Southwestern state is also a popular destination for snowbirds fleeing the cold.
- South Carolina: With coastal cities like Charleston, South Carolina is the beachy getaway that many snowbirds crave.
- Tennessee: Not all snowbirds are interested in the beach. For those who want a mountain escape with warmer weather, Tennessee is the perfect fit.
- Texas: Texas is an enormous state, offering snowbirds plenty of different options for winter getaways. The state’s great cities offer plenty of culture and relaxation.
Setting a Budget
If you’re planning to rent a winter home, setting your budget is one of the most important steps. Some of the top budget considerations include:
- Rent: Rent is an obvious cost of temporarily relocating to a snowbird destination. How much rent can you comfortably afford for the duration of your trip, while also paying your bills back home?
- Transportation: How are you getting to your rental? Flights or gas factor into your budget, whether you are flying or driving. If you do fly, will you need to rent a car to get around?
- Activities: What are you planning to do while you enjoy the warm weather? Are you content to lounge by the pool or on the beach? Or, are you planning some fun activities? (Grandparents who head to Florida for the winter might love the opportunity to take the grandkids to Disney World.)
- Maintenance: While renting means you won’t have to worry about maintaining your winter home, you do need to think about your permanent residence. Do you need to pay someone to shovel the sidewalks or keep up with any other routine maintenance while you are away?
Keep in mind the costs of snowbirding when you plan your seasonal escape. While price might seem like an obstacle, it’s possible to stick to a budget. Think about your destination, the features you want in your rental, and the length of your stay.
Setting a Timeline and Getting Your Permanent Home Ready
The timing of your winter getaway is up to you. Do you want to be here for the holidays and then head for warmer weather? Do you want to invite family to your rental for Christmas? Do you want to head home as soon as the first signs of spring make an appearance, or do you want to stay until winter is a distant memory?
No matter the timeline of your trip, it’s important to keep your permanent residence in mind. When you leave your home behind for months at a time, there are some important steps to take to keep everything in order for your return. Expert snowbirds are used to the lock and leave process, but it can be a little worrisome for first-timers. A few simple steps can help put you at ease. Remember to:
- Turn off your water
- Set your thermostats to an appropriate temperature
- Double-check your smoke alarms
- Unplug major appliances
- Schedule mail forwarding
Depending on your budget, you can also look into finding a house sitter to stay at your home for the duration of your trip. Or, you can ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to periodically stop by to check on your home.
Finding Your Snowbird Location With 55places
Now that you know the answer to ‘how do snowbirds find rentals’ it’s time for you to begin your search and journey to warmer winter weather. If you’re not sure whether renting or buying is right for you, take the time to research your preferred snowbird location to see which tax exemptions or lower cost of living would apply to you.
Ready to find your snowbird property? 55places can help you find what you’re looking for in the destination of your dreams.
