Not
every senior who heads toward warmer climates for the winter is
seeking the South Beach dirty martini and floor show high life. Some
of my good friends leave every Christmas Eve, and after stopping a
few miles away to spend the holiday with local family, continue on
with their two little dogs for a simple stay on Florida's gulf coast
in a quaint, circa 1960 mobile home park with clean, cozy fully
furnished units. They swim, stroll, window shop, go to church and
just relax from a great, affordable all inclusive rental far from the
frozen, windswept lake where they have their Ohio homestead. They
report that three months in Florida each winter comes in at about the
same cost they used to pay for just two weeks away in Italy. Florida
abounds with such mobile parks, campgrounds and private
condo/efficiency residences off the beaten path but still under the
sun.
For
seniors living in the northeastern U.S., the snowbird destination
seems to follow the eastern coast from the Carolinas through to the
number one destination: Florida. “Many snowbirds enjoy the
cost-efficiency of staying in one place all winter long. A number of
southern RV parks that cater to snowbirds offer special winter rates
for campsites that are rented by the month or by the season. Because
most of the guests are there for the entire season, these parks have
active social scenes with regular activities like potluck suppers and
ice cream socials. Some snowbirds make such great friends, they agree
to rendez-vous in the same spot again the following year to keep the
gang together,” according to the article, Snow
birding : Snowbird Destinations
at Camping.com. Those who hail from the mid-western states often
winter near the Gulf of Mexico in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
and Texas, while Westerners head toward Arizona, southern California
and Mexico. Every winter get away spot that offers glitz and glamour
“on the strip” seems to offer also a chance to tap into real
communities and the opportunity for accommodation bargains as well as
local color and a less resort/more “down home” experience just a
block or two off the interstates. .
Cleveland
Magazine did an informative and relevant series about snow birding in
2007 in which they caution first-timers . “Novices should take it
slow: Rent first, or stay with friends.” It can be helpful to
explore residential options in steps.” “Many start with visiting
friends, later become snowbirds, rent for a while and then purchase a
condo or home.” If you’re looking for a one- to three-month
rental in the formal market, “contact a real estate agent in your
target location six months prior to your planned departure date to
find the best selection,” advises Leslene Sharpe of Keller Williams
Realty of the Palm Beaches, Florida. Experienced snowbirds also
remind “newbies” that “last minute” off the grid deals might
be available at some RV or condo sites when some snowbird owners
decide not to use their unit that winter and will lease it out.
Calling around to locations found on an Internet search of local
venues and asking can bring out the bargains. Also placing ads in the
newspaper and other outlets at home that read something to the effect
of “Local couple wish to rent your unused snowbird housing this
winter...” have garnered productive results.
Warm
sunshine, sandy beaches and calm waters all abound in the lands of
the snowbirds...usually available at no charge. Joining in for the
season doesn't have to break the bank. Read more at:
http://camping.com/community/camp-styles/
and
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