How to be a Seasonal Snowbird in Retirement

Do you think of warmer weather when the cold snow rolls in your neighborhood? Consider becoming a snowbird! Spend part of your time in retirement in tropical climates and enjoy the many benefits of the snowbird lifestyle with these helpful tips.

The Benefits of a Snowbird Lifestyle in Retirement

A snowbird is someone who lives in the northern parts and migrates somewhere in the south during winter, such as Mexico or the Gulf Coast of Florida. Conversely, some people operate as a sunbird, where they live in the southern parts and migrate somewhere in the north during summer, such as the mountains of Montana or the coast of Maine. If becoming a snowbird during retirement appeals to you, make sure to start saving for it now to enjoy the many benefits:

• Building equity, diversifying your investments, and owning an asset you can pass down if you want to include it in your will and help build generational wealth.
• Escape from the high maintenance and harsh temperatures of winter.
• Experiencing different cultures, environments, and people.
• Greater possibilities to go outside to enjoy the weather, engage in creative activities, and stay physically active.
• Opportunities to fight social isolation by engaging with the community and making friends.
• Potential for guaranteed lodging anytime, rental income, and lower living costs.

Consider Location and Lifestyle

If you’re considering becoming a snowbird, you’ll need to choose wisely where your second home will be before you can establish the logistics to make your dream a reality. Consider the following about location and lifestyle when narrowing down your options:

• The type of climate you enjoy, such as warm and sunny as opposed to scorching hot. This leads to another thought about how close you may want to live near water and have access to it.
• What the housing budget would look like compared and in addition to your current housing budget.
• The walkability, drivability, and transportation options available, as well as accessibility to entertainment, food, and shopping opportunities. You’ll want to consider your unique lifestyle, preferences, interests, and level of outgoingness.
• The pet-friendliness, spaciousness, and capabilities of the housing option, such as if there is good internet access and room for hobbies or work if you continue to have a job during retirement. And if it’s not spacious enough, check that it has the potential to be made into a dual-purpose space to meet your priorities.
• The things you are or are not willing to compromise on, such as amenities, traffic levels, and proximity to the airport, grocery store, pharmacy, and hospital. Remember that this isn’t just a getaway trip or vacation; you’ll be living here for weeks or months at a time and will continue to live an everyday lifestyle here.

Research Taxes, Insurance, and Residential Challenges

You can have multiple residences but only one official domicile, so you’ll want to establish which home will be your primary residence as it affects how you pay income and federal taxes. Research each state’s estate, property, and residence tax so it helps you make your decision and you’re not surprised come tax season. You’ll also want to investigate each state’s rules and additional factors, such as:

• Bank and car registrations
• U.S. Postal Service address
• Visas and travel insurance
• Voter’s card address
• How long you need to spend in the state before becoming a resident
• How you’re covered under Medicare or Medicaid in the state

Safety, Security, and Maintaining Your Homes

If you don’t have the benefit of living in a Life Plan Community where your home will be taken care of during your migration south, be sure to follow this checklist to cover your bases:

• Change your address with the post office or any subscription service you have for when you switch residences.
• Close your fireplace to prevent heat loss and chimney buildup.
• Establish how you’ll store and transport your seasonal gear.
• Get your heating system, roof, and trees inspected.
• Install a home security system.
• Leave all appliance and interior doors open to prevent mold and allow heat to reach all areas of your home.
• Make arrangements for landscaping, mail pickup, snow removal, and watering plants.
• Move outdoor belongings inside for safekeeping.
• Prevent pests by closing up holes along your house, setting traps, and putting away anything that can be used as nesting materials, like food, clothes, and old newspapers.
• Seal air leaks with door stoppers, window insulation caulk, and locking up your windows.
• Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to prevent delicate items like wood furniture from freezing.
• Shut the water off to prevent your pipes from freezing.
• Unplug all appliances to save on electric and utility bills.
• Weigh your belongings before taking your flight if you’re traveling that way.

To Buy, or Not To Buy

When you buy your second residence, you’re taking on another property with all the responsibilities that come with it, such as maintenance, repairs, and paying for an additional home while only enjoying it only part-time. Not to mention the second set of appliances, furniture, and toiletries you’ll need to acquire for this second home. However, it’s possible to rent out this property while you don’t live there, build equity, diversify investments, and pass it down as an asset. You also won’t have to worry about finding availability when it’s time for you to migrate for the winter.

When you rent your second residence, you’ll have the freedom or hassle (depending on how you view it) of choosing a different place to live every year with little responsibility. However, you’ll have less freedom on how and when you can use the property.

There are pros and cons to both based on your preferences, priorities, and capabilities, so be sure to evaluate your budgeting skills and how your finances will increase. Consider making the first year a trial run for the snowbird experience by renting for a shorter period of time, such as one month in an RV or vacation house, to help you identify what feels right.

Are you getting excited thinking about how you’ll spend your time in retirement? Explore all the things you could do in our ebook, Lifestyle Opportunities in Senior Living Communities!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.