Ditching Snow Shovels for Sandals: Reasons to Become a Florida Snowbird
Many people who live in the Midwest and Northern states feel that they can't look forward to the winter season, as it brings with it colder temps and a more difficult day-to-day existence. For decades, many residents have been motivated to migrate to the Sunshine State over the winter and enjoy leaving extra layers of clothing behind to become immersed in a more laid-back culture.
One-fourth of Americans choose the winter months at the time that they want to take vacations, and enjoying retirement provides the option of staying even longer. From October until May, the population in Florida grows as much as 5%, when many Midwest residents realize that there IS a geographical cure for the wintertime blues. Here are some of the reasons that so many singles and couples alike make the decision to “flat-out escape” and leave snow shovels behind for sunny and vibrant shores.
1. In Search of a Slower Pace: if you are not retired yet, the slower, relaxing environment of Florida is the ideal antidote to prevent burnout and anxiety. If you are already enjoying retirement, the balmy air, hospitable charm, and recreational activities here will convince you that you made the right decision. Since many others here are making the most of their golden years, a general sense of enjoying the sunset and vibes is more prevalent than the pressure to succeed. Having attractions such as Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando available allows you to focus on leisure instead of frantic productivity.
2. Enjoying a Profit While You’re “Back Home”: Beaches, warmer temps, and many tourist attractions see Florida ranking as the second most popular tourist destination in the nation. Kissimmee, Key West, Miami, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale are great locations to generate viable income on your residence while you’re not staying there. The many draws of the Sunshine State can allow you to charge premium rates, and there are many opportunities to outsource the responsibilities you encounter to take care of the basics.
3. Nature Lovers Welcome: It’s not just the fantastic beaches here that draw a crowd: animal lovers will have their fair share of places to observe wildlife in various habitats. At the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, you can get up close and personal with wild animals, with a focus on conservation and education. There are also many leash-free dog parks in Florida, offering an opportunity for a very relaxing way to spend the day and give your loved one some exercise. The Seacrest Wolf Preserve outside of Panama City provides a sanctuary for displaced wolves, offering a unique experience with hands-on interaction.
4. Top-Notch Retail Therapy: Shopping trips during an all-out vacation always hit the spot! Whether it’s at malls and outlets, with the kids, or antiquing and at flea markets, there is an abundance of opportunity for shopping in Florida. Waldo Farmers and Flea Market is about 15 minutes northeast of Gainesville, taking up six large buildings and offering everything from appliances to produce. Florida is also a “malls and outlets” capital of sorts, with locations such as the Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Destin claiming the title of “the crown jewel of budget shopping.” The International Plaza in Tampa is a fantastic upscale location that also offers many restaurants and nightlife spots.
5. Toes, Meet Sand: You can travel to further-away destinations such as Cancun or Bermuda, but some of the world’s most stunning beaches are right here in the United States. Miramar Beach is known for its white sand and awesome volleyball. Cocoa Beach has long been known as the surf capital of the East Coast. Bowman’s Beach is a seashell collector’s dream, and a perfect place for a towel under the sun. Delray Beach boasts a wide and sandy sprawl with ample space to relax. Clearwater Beach lives up to its name to the fullest and is ideal for fishing or parasailing. Marco Island is a gem between Naples and the Everglades that is an amazing pace to catch a sunset. There are so many more great beaches to enjoy in Florida, and this draw alone is a fantastic reason to leave the familiar faces (yet cold temps!) behind.
6. Explore Freely, and in Good Health: Cold weather isn’t just “mildly difficult” to endure, it is actually linked to an increase in heart attacks. A 2018 study published in the Cardiology Journal closely analyzed 15 years of data on more than 274,000 patients. The findings concluded that heart attack rates went up when the temperature was below freezing, and dropped significantly when the temperature rose to above 40. Even when doctors (and family!) orders push us not to, the urge to shovel snow can often result in very unwanted consequences! Increased memory and serotonin are also benefits you enjoy after getting plenty of Vitamin D.
7. Affordable Tax Policies: Florida’s tax policies are one of the most rewarding hidden benefits of choosing it as your snowbird location! There is no income tax to speak up here, and those taking the snowbird route can also enjoy peace of mind knowing there are no inheritance or estate taxes on anything they are planning on leaving their families. In fact, Florida is so tax friendly that you'll only have to file a federal return when March comes. The first step to making Florida your primary place of residence is finding a digital or paper trail to prove that you have lived in the state for at least 183 days out of 365.
The slower pace, potential for Airbnb or other income opportunities, the abundance of nature, shopping locations, beaches, climate, and tax breaks are all great reasons to decide to live the snowbird lifestyle. As soon as the snow globes and other seasonal festivities are making their mark in the Omaha area, packing your bags for sunny shores may be an excellent way for you to enjoy the best of both locations.
