As temperatures drop in the winter, northerners might be tempted to swap their warm layers for short sleeves and hot cocoa for fruity drinks. If you classify yourself as a “snowbird,” someone who prefers to seek out warmer climates during winter months, there are some U.S. cities that might be better suited to host your escape than others.
“Many small towns, as well as a considerable portion of the broader hospitality and tourism industry, rely heavily on the seasonal influx of travelers,” says Rodney D. Farrington, associate professor of hospitality management at Lewis-Clark State College. “Snowbirds contribute to the economic health of these regions by driving demand for local services and businesses during their stay.”
The research team at This Old House analyzed data from Yelp, Redfin, and more to find the best U.S. cities for snowbirds. We identified locales in states including Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina that combine warmer temperatures with plenty of activities. If you’re considering a trip or a move to one of these cities, consider features like average winter temps, amenities, and entertainment options before deciding on the best location for you and hiring a moving company.
Key Findings
- Scottsdale, Arizona, offers the best conditions for snowbirds, including good weather and plenty of restaurants.
- The warmest cities are located in Florida, such as Orlando, which has an average winter temperature of 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit and ranks No. 4 overall in our list of best cities for snowbirds.
- For snowbirds on a budget, Birmingham, Alabama, has affordable prices with access to amenities.
What Are the Best Cities for Snowbirds?
To identify the best cities for those seeking warmer winter destinations, we looked for locales that offer both hotter temps and plenty of amenities per capita. We used Yelp to find the number of restaurants, pickleball courts, golf courses, senior centers, community centers, and antique stores in each city to make sure that each destination has something for everyone.
In addition to warmer winter temperatures, we considered proximity to major airports for convenient travel options.
5. Columbia, South Carolina
South Carolina’s capital city, Columbia, came in fifth place on our list, thanks to its warm temperatures and plentiful recreation options. The city boasts seven restaurants per 1,000 people, the fifth highest in our study. The town is warm for ten months of the year, and winter temps are mild at an average of 53.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Columbia is also an affordable location for a yearly escape. The cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, so it can be a good option for snowbirds on a budget.
4. Orlando, Florida
The central Florida city of Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The city has no shortage of activities for all kinds of travelers, though, thanks to a bustling boardwalk, nature parks, museums, and more. In addition to offering lots of entertainment options, Orlando has plenty of amenities, including 6.9 restaurants per 1,000 residents.
Orlando is the warmest of the top five cities for snowbirds. During the winter of 2023 to 2024, the city averaged 66.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Birmingham, Alabama
If you’re a snowbird looking for a warmer city with affordable options for putting down roots, Birmingham, Alabama, could be a great choice. In addition to a cost of living 9% lower than the national average, Birmingham features affordable housing for both renters and buyers. The typical rent in the city is $1,264, and the typical home value is $125,889.
The city’s affordability doesn’t mean it has any shortage of activities for visitors and residents. Birmingham is home to botanical gardens, parks, and museums for plenty of entertainment options.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Situated on the South Carolina coast, Charleston is a popular tourist destination for snowbirds and other travelers. This iconic southern city is filled with history and a thriving food scene, offering plenty of activities for visitors.
The town boasts six restaurants per 1,000 people. Those seeking retail therapy during their winter escape will be glad to learn Charleston has 0.5 antique stores per 1,000 people.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
Our top city for snowbirds is Scottsdale, Arizona, thanks to its winning combination of warm temperatures and amenities. The city has an average winter temperature of 60.1 degrees—a welcome escape from snowy climates.
Scottsdale also has the highest number of restaurants per 1,000 residents of all the cities in our study at 9.82), as well as the highest number of community centers per 1,000 residents (0.21). If you’re looking for shopping options during your winter vacation, Scottsdale boasts a high number of antique stores at about 0.6 per 1,000 residents—the third most in our study.
“Each of these states has low state taxes and property taxes, which is probably attractive to retirees on fixed incomes,” says Jamie Mitchem, Ph.D., professor of geography at the University of North Georgia. “People are less likely to be cooped up inside during the winter and get more hours of sunlight during the winter in southern states, which allows snowbirds to stay more active and hopefully healthy.”
Why are South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona popular with snowbirds?
Another key factor is their ability to accommodate larger numbers of people due to their size and demographics. Similarly, destinations like Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona benefit from their larger capacities and established reputations, making them more attractive to travelers.”
From Snow to Sun: How To Prep Like a Pro
If you’re ready to set up a home base for your winter escape, these top cities for snowbirds can be a great option. In addition to plenty of entertaining ways to spend the winter months, many of these places offer affordable living costs and home values, making them great choices for second homes.
Before you start planning your cross-country move, follow these tips to simplify your relocation:
- Set up local services in advance: Whether you’re planning a permanent migration or setting up a vacation home, it’s important to set up your utility services—like internet and electricity—before you arrive. That way, you can show up ready to enjoy your winter escape without having to manage logistics.
- Research snowbird services: Many popular destinations for snowbirds offer services tailored to seasonal residents, including health care options and local transportation. Research options in your new town, and have a plan for how you will get around and manage necessities. Farrington says, “Look into the best and safest routes to get to your destination. Investigate where you’ll be staying to ensure it meets your needs. Research local food options, particularly if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Make sure all of your questions are answered before you travel.”
- Leverage senior discounts and community centers: Snowbirds who are senior citizens can often enjoy discounts on essentials and access low-cost activities at local community centers, so research options in your town. Plus, these hubs can be great places to meet like-minded people and start to build communities in your new home.
Additionally, Jon Meyer, Ph.D., assistant state climatologist at Utah Climate Center, advises, “Use mass transportation when possible and combine exercise with errands by walking or riding a bicycle to nearby stores or experiences, while also cutting back on the number of trips made in personal vehicles each day. Combine errands so everything is complete in one trip versus multiple trips. Pay attention to local resource conservation messaging to ensure your seasonal footprint has as little effect on the host community after you’ve returned home.”
What should people consider when traveling between cold and warm climates?
“When it comes to moving back and forth between generally colder and warmer locations (e.g. Snowbirds), this travel is seemingly most often done during the shoulder seasons (aka, fall and spring). These are times of the year when thermal conditions tend to be moderate, thus encountering stressful thermal conditions is less likely.”
Full Data
Methodology
The research team at This Old House ranked 150 of the most populous cities from warm-weather states to determine the best cities for snowbirds. Here are the metrics included:
- Typical home values from Zillow.
- Typical rent from Zillow.
- Regional price parity from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
- Average winter temperature at the county level from October 2023 to February 2024 from the National Centers for Environmental Information.
- The number of restaurants, pickleball courts, golf courses, senior centers, vacation rentals, community centers, and antique stores per 1,000 residents from Yelp.
- The number of primary care providers per 1,000 residents from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- The presence of a public airport for commercial travel from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Questions about our study? Please contact the author here.
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