Have you dreamed about living in the perfect climate all year long? Maybe you love mountains and the beach or desert and want the best of everything? Snowbirds make this happen by picking and choosing the seasons to always be in the optimal climate. It’s a lifestyle that makes it possible to avoid the worst weather extremes in places that have exceptional seasonal conditions.
Most snowbirds live in the northern regions during the idyllic summer and fall months before moving south for the pleasant winter and spring. Of course, you could do the opposite if heat and cold are preferable but for most of us, it's about year round warmth without being too cold or hot. Personally, I live in Montana most of the year but also migrate to the desert southwest for a portion of winter and into Mexico as well. It’s a great way for RVers and vanlifers to maximize recreational opportunities while enjoying every month of the year.
What Makes Snowbirding Possible?
Traditionally, snowbird communities were largely composed of retired RVers. Many are full-times but there are plenty of homeowners in the mix as well. For example, you can own a home in the north, winterize everything in the fall and drive your RV south for the winter months. Or do the same thing in reverse.
Today, there are more and more snowbirds and full-time RVers and vanlifers in general. Remote work opportunities means there is no waiting for retirement to hit the road. Modern RV parks have fast internet for remote workers and many even opt for their own satellite or cellular connections for work. This means there are more opportunities than ever to live the year-round summer lifestyle.
Climate Considerations for Seasonal Living
For aspiring snowbirds, choosing destinations is the first step in the process. Much of the destination selection is based on climate, recreational opportunities and community. Climate is the biggest driver however and many folks base their locations on the weather. I recommend spending a season exploring different destinations and traveling until you land on the perfect locations. You might even discover that staying mobile is the preferred method of traveling for half or even the entire year.
For most of us, it’s about chasing the warm weather. I still enjoy some seasonality however and tend to spend fall in Montana. Late spring is nice when the wildflowers begin blooming and some years I will make it back north for this time period. It all really depends on my plans and the year-to-year weather trends. Having some flexibility in the shoulder seasons is a really nice thing to have.
In the southern climates, arriving too early and leaving too late means the heat and humidity will intensify. Like the north, there tends to be a little shoulder season as well. The desert southwest is really nice in the shoulder seasons as the nights remain cool. The proper south can also remain very comfortable before the waves of humidity and temperatures reach less comfortable levels in the heights of summer.
Budget Assessments
Seasonal destinations and planning often revolve around budgets. Luckily, there are opportunities for just about everyone. On the high end, you might choose a luxury RV resort on Hilton Head island where world class golfing is just out the door. On the low end, you might boondock part-time and rotate through modest priced RV parks in Arizona and New Mexico with national parks, public lands and unique archaeological sites out the back door. There are similar options in the northern states and Canada as well.
Take a hard look at your budget and start shopping around to find campgrounds in desired regions. Also consider fuel and cost of living expenses when determining the best seasonal destinations. There are a ton of options out there. Many snowbirds find “their place” and return each year. For the restless RVers, rotating through new destinations each season is a great option to consider. If it falls within your budget comfort level, go for it!
Choosing the Right Communities
While planning destinations, we often look at the landscapes, weather and recreation but fail to give the communities thorough considerations. If you don’t want to interact with the community and be involved in organizations and events, this isn’t a huge deal. For many Rvers who spend every year in the same communities with a desire for involvement, it’s very important. Look at the volunteer organizations, holiday events, festivals and the general community calendar to get a feel for things.
Big cities will have plenty of opportunity but every smaller community is different. It helps to visit during a time when the local calendar is full. Hit the events, network with locals and get a feel for the place before committing to long-term returns. When you find the right fit, it makes a big difference in your longevity and general happiness with the place. One great thing about Rving is that you can always pivot to a new community in the future too.
A Few Destinations to Begin Your Search
Here are a few regions and options to get started on your search for the best destinations in the USA. There are so many, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Do some exploring and find your perfect place in the world.
Summer Destinations
Rocky Mountains
This region is a favorite and for good reason. From northern New Mexico through Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, you will find incredible mountain climates with a ton of public land, wildlife and room for adventure. Park near a national park, find a quaint small town to enjoy and take advantage of some of the most exciting places in the west.
Kenai Peninsula
The drive between the lower 48 and Alaska is significant but not untenable. Some RVers even store a rig here in the off-season and fly into Anchorage to avoid the long haul. The peninsula is absolutely magical with Fjords, mountains, big rivers, salmon runs, brown bears and wildlife galore. It’s the perfect summer destination and a great place to avoid in winter unless you love skiing and dog sledding.
Great Lakes Region
White sandy beaches, dense forests and some of the wildest landscapes around are found in the massive great lakes region. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a favorite but the seemingly endless shorelines are dotted by villages, towns and cities that all make the great lakes region unique. Even if you don’t settle in here, it’s worth spending a season or two exploring the area.
Sierra Nevada Mountains
Go rock climbing in Bishop, backcountry exploring in Bridgeport or setup camp on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The Sierra Nevada mountains have the Pacific Crest trail, wilderness areas, lakes, forests and wonderful towns to set up camp. You can push farther north into California and explore the Redwoods and coastline too.
Maine
Outdoor lovers are attracted to Maine for the abundance of places and landscapes to explore. Go fishing for brook trout, hike mountains, paddle a river or eat lobsters on the coast. They have a collision of ecosystems that offer everything from peak bagging to whitewater. Summer in Maine is made for adventure.
Vermont
Peaceful countryside, mountain trails and rolling hills of farmland and forests make Vermont unique. It has the perfect blend of picturesque countryside and outdoor adventure in the Appalachian mountains. The trail systems are hard to beat for both bikers and hikers. The fishing is also excellent and the general culture is something that will have you wanting to return every year.
Oregon Coast
The rugged coastline in Oregon has great RV parks and resorts, many having beach access nearby. The coast is a favorite for anglers wanting to cast a line in the coastal rivers and saltwater bays. It has mountains, beaches and just about everything you could want in the summer months. It’s nice in the shoulder seasons and even in winter when it’s not pouring rain.
Winter Destinations
Desert Southwest
It’s hard to go wrong in southern Utah, New Mexico or the vast Grand Canyon country of Arizona It’s a popular region for snowbirds and for good reason. You can find golf courses, expansive RV resorts, public lands to explore and a winter climate that is generally pleasant and welcoming. It’s also a convenient drive for folks spending summers in the Rocky Mountain region.
Florida
You can’t go wrong with Florida in the winters. It has the right climate, a ton of boating, communities catering to snowbirds and everything from rural towns in the north to the beautiful Florida Keys. Spend a season bouncing around the different regions in Florida and you just might make it a seasonal habit.
Southern Atlantic
You can escape the colder Atlantic weather systems of the north by dropping into the Carolinas and Georgia. The inland regions of these states offer mountains and lowland areas where the climate isn’t extreme (the mountains can be cold however). The coastal region is fantastic for golfing, fishing and recreation as well. It’s an easy road trip from the northeast and there are a ton of great RV communities to explore.
Gulf Coast
Hit the far south for warm beaches and winter sunshine. Louisiana and Texas are hotspots in the winter when the humidity subsides and is replaced by a mild climate. The water based recreational opportunities are endless and there are some fantastic communities to set up a basecamp. Take some time to explore the barrier islands, inviting cities like Galvastan and the great food and culture in this area.
How will you set up for seasonal travel in the future? The options for summer and winter living are overwhelming at first. Hit the road and do some exploring. When you find the right fit for longer term returns, you’ll know. Enjoy the snowbird life!
