Best Cities for Snowbirds (2025 Study)
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.”
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.”
Expert Insights and Tips
How is climate change influencing certain cities becoming warmer or colder than previously?
The globe is warming most everywhere, though some regions more so than others. Here, I am leaving urban warming out of the equation, warming caused by the expansion of cities that most often results in more heat being retained within them than in surrounding suburban to rural locations. Rather, I’m speaking of the broad regional to global warming that is being experienced. This is most pronounced at higher latitudes, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, the warming is occurring more at night than in the daytime, as a more greenhouse gas-filled atmosphere, especially increases in water vapor, has a greater impact on nighttime themal conditions than during daylight hours when solar heating dominates.
Cities in South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona were some of the top places that ended up in our rankings for snowbirds. Are there any specific callouts that you’d like to add on why these may have ranked more than others?
When it comes to these three states, their one commonality is general warmth compared to U.S. locations further north. More so year-round in Florida. South Carolina has cooler winters than Florida and a shorter warm season. This may be attractive to some who aren’t interested in the rather persistent and lengthy “summer” heat of Florida. As for Arizona, I think one major factor that attracts people is sunshine. Cloud cover is sparse year-round outside of the cooler Arizona mountains. A major negative to many, the excessive summer heat, is often countered by residents who may say that while their outdoor activities are limited by the torrid summer conditions, this is the case for many months in the cold climes further north. Guess they opt for air conditioning versus furnaces.
For people traveling from colder to warmer climates and then back to cold, is there anything they should consider? (ex., how the climate may affect their bodies, adjustment periods, etc.?)
Working with some MD epidemiologists, I’ve become more familiar with acclimatization. In other words, those frequently exposed to certain climate conditions (e.g., cold or warmth) are better able to adapt to it. This may be associated with some physiological adaptation, but I also wonder if it isn’t in part due to those individuals being properly clothed and also knowledgeable of the dangers of excessive heat or cold, thus they know how to avoid it. Still, studies have shown that, for instance, early season heatwaves generate more health problems than ones later in the season. Finally, 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.
David A. Robinson is a distinguished professor of geography at Rutgers University and the New Jersey State Climatologist. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He has been at Rutgers since 1988 and NJ State Climatologist since 1991. He does frequent research and speaking on issues pertaining to New Jersey’s weather and climate. He is a contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and to U.S. National Climate Assessments through his research involving global snow cover. Dave has been a member of the National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, is past president of the American Association of State Climatologists, has received the Lifetime Achievement award of the American Association of Geographers, and is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society.
How do snowbirds affect energy use and the environment in the cities they visit?
Snowbirds increase the demand for energy in a region. They would utilize home heating even in Florida, Arizona, the Carolinas, or wherever they live during winter evenings. They would also drive and contribute to air pollution, noise, and traffic. While providing revenue during the winter to locations that might typically be busier during summer seasons (e.g., Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Daytona), they also have an environmental impact with energy use, transportation, food demand, and potentially pollution.
How is climate change influencing certain cities becoming warmer or colder than previously?
Many of the cities and states snowbirds might be attracted to are becoming warmer. For example, on average, Florida has warmed 1.46 degrees Fahrenheit/century in recent decades, South Carolina has been warming at 3.44 degrees Fahrenheit per century in recent decades, and Arizona at 4.79 degrees Fahrenheit/century. This increased heat means heat illnesses may become more common later in the summer and fall and earlier in the spring and summer. People with medical concerns, taking certain medications, or with limited mobility are more susceptible to heat illness, which is one of the deadliest natural hazards each year. The longer growing season means pollen might occur longer and at higher quantities, making allergies and respiratory issues more common. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other dangerous pests are more likely to be active for more of the year as regions warm. The health consequences from warming temperatures and changing climate are very serious.
Cities in South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona were some of the top places that ended up in our rankings for snowbirds. Are there any specific callouts that you’d like to add on why these may have ranked more than others?
I think there are many reasons these states might top the list. Each of these states has low state taxes and property taxes, which is probably attractive to retirees on fixed incomes. The weather is generally relatively warm during the winter in central and southern Arizona, South Carolina, and Florida during the winter. Snowfall is very rare so the challenges of shoveling snow, driving on ice, or paying someone to clean the driveway are not an issue in these SunBelt states. The Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida have gorgeous beaches for walking and enjoying. Increasingly, over 55-year-old communities are being developed throughout the region with small yards, one-level homes, HOAs that care for common areas, recreational amenities, social activities, and even some forms of assisted living in some communities. My hypothesis is that many people are looking for attractive, fun communities with amenities and a gentle climate to enjoy their retirement in an affordable way to maximize their twilight years. 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. There are risks to be considered, though, such as hurricanes in late summer and fall in the Carolinas and Florida and extreme heat and lack of water in Arizona. In rural areas, lack of access to medical facilities would be a concern.
Do you have any eco-friendly tips for people to remember while traveling?
Consider public transportation options where they might be available. Electric or hybrid vehicles reduce emissions and noise. Recycling and reusing materials limits waste and pollution. Moving back and forth and maintaining two homes might be unnecessary if snowbirds can bear the heat in the SunBelt states during summer and remain there year-round or endure the cold during winter in northern states (which might be becoming less harsh over time) and remain there year-round. Using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances and living in structures with good windows, quality insulation, and weatherstripping would enhance energy efficiency. Mobile homes tend to be poorly insulated. Using xerophytic landscaping in desert climates instead of trying to maintain lawns could consume less water and energy in places like Arizona or Las Vegas.
Jamie Mitchem’s research interests include hazards geography, disasters, GIS, meteorology, climatology, climate change, emergency management, social vulnerability, risk communication, and tornadoes. His interests focus on the complex interactions between society and nature. He has recently worked on a UNG Presidential Innovation Award analyzing UNG students’ attitudes about climate change. Mitchem has been elected as Chari of Faculty Senate for 2019–2020. He is currently working on an EPA grant, Educating Georgia Citizens on Native Forest Ecosystems and Sustainable Practices, with Allison Bailey, and he has previous grants from NASA, the U.S. Department of Justice, EPA, FEMA, and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. He also is collaborating with Emory University, UGA, and Georgia Tech as part of the Georgia Climate Project.
Associate Professor Hospitality Management and Director of Hospitality Programs
Lewis-Clark State College
How do snowbirds affect tourism and local businesses in the cities they visit?
Seasonality plays a significant role in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. Snowbirds—along with other seasonal travelers—greatly impact tourism and local businesses in the cities they visit. These individuals seek out specific experiences, whether it’s snow, sun, or even the vibrant fall colors in New England.
Many small towns, as well as a considerable portion of the broader hospitality and tourism industry, rely heavily on the seasonal influx of travelers. Snowbirds, in particular, contribute to the economic health of these regions by driving demand for local services and businesses during their stay. Their presence supports everything from lodging and dining to attractions and recreational activities, making them a vital part of these communities’ seasonal economy.
Many small towns, as well as a considerable portion of the broader hospitality and tourism industry, rely heavily on the seasonal influx of travelers. Snowbirds, in particular, contribute to the economic health of these regions by driving demand for local services and businesses during their stay. Their presence supports everything from lodging and dining to attractions and recreational activities, making them a vital part of these communities’ seasonal economy.
What role do events, attractions, and hospitality play in making a city popular with snowbirds?
Events, attractions, and hospitality play a crucial role in making a city popular with snowbirds, and I can share some great examples to illustrate this. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Greenville, South Carolina, and their vibrant main street, rich food culture, baseball, and other attractions create a magnetic appeal for visitors during specific times of the year.
In my hospitality marketing class, we often discuss destination marketing and the work of destination marketing organizations (DMOs), such as chambers of commerce, visitors’ bureaus, and downtown associations. These organizations craft events and experiences to draw people to their areas. For instance, Leavenworth, Washington, is a town near where I live that’s modeled after a Bavarian village. It resembles the Swiss Alps, and while it offers fishing, hiking, and trails in the summer, it transforms into a magical Christmas village in the winter. This seasonal shift attracts visitors from around the globe.
When we think of destination marketing, we often imagine grand occasions like destination weddings or anniversaries, but it’s equally important to consider how a community actively promotes itself to appeal to travelers. Smaller cities and towns, in particular, often focus on what makes their community special—whether it’s festivals, food culture, outdoor activities, or natural beauty. They ask themselves, ‘What makes our town unique, and how can we get people excited to visit?’
These efforts can be especially successful when a city has two strong seasons, like a pleasant summer and a picturesque winter, which allows them to meet the varying needs of seasonal travelers. Or, if they’re located along the coast, it might be about leveraging assets like clam chowder festivals, fishing experiences, or kite-flying events. Ultimately, cities that effectively market themselves to snowbirds and seasonal visitors recognize the importance of celebrating what makes them distinct and using that uniqueness to drive tourism and hospitality.
In my hospitality marketing class, we often discuss destination marketing and the work of destination marketing organizations (DMOs), such as chambers of commerce, visitors’ bureaus, and downtown associations. These organizations craft events and experiences to draw people to their areas. For instance, Leavenworth, Washington, is a town near where I live that’s modeled after a Bavarian village. It resembles the Swiss Alps, and while it offers fishing, hiking, and trails in the summer, it transforms into a magical Christmas village in the winter. This seasonal shift attracts visitors from around the globe.
When we think of destination marketing, we often imagine grand occasions like destination weddings or anniversaries, but it’s equally important to consider how a community actively promotes itself to appeal to travelers. Smaller cities and towns, in particular, often focus on what makes their community special—whether it’s festivals, food culture, outdoor activities, or natural beauty. They ask themselves, ‘What makes our town unique, and how can we get people excited to visit?’
These efforts can be especially successful when a city has two strong seasons, like a pleasant summer and a picturesque winter, which allows them to meet the varying needs of seasonal travelers. Or, if they’re located along the coast, it might be about leveraging assets like clam chowder festivals, fishing experiences, or kite-flying events. Ultimately, cities that effectively market themselves to snowbirds and seasonal visitors recognize the importance of celebrating what makes them distinct and using that uniqueness to drive tourism and hospitality.
Cities in South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona were some of the top places that ended up in our rankings for snowbirds. Are there any specific callouts that you’d like to add on why these may have ranked more than others?
I have to agree with you, and I have some thoughts on why cities in South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona consistently rank highly for snowbirds. These destinations were really the pioneers in defining what it means to be a snowbird or seasonal traveler. Because they’ve been catering to this demographic for such a long time, they’ve had the opportunity to develop robust marketing infrastructure and well-established destination experiences.
Another key factor is their ability to accommodate larger numbers of people due to their size and demographics. Let me illustrate this with an example from my own experience. When I ran a small restaurant that could only seat 20 people a night, it took a while for my reputation to grow to the level I wanted. Now, imagine I had a restaurant that could serve 400 people a night—more guests would mean more word-of-mouth and greater visibility. Similarly, destinations like Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona benefit from their larger capacities and established reputations, making them more attractive to travelers.
These areas are especially appealing to retirees and those with disposable incomes who are looking for amenities that enhance their experience. For example, an RV park with a pool, a country club, or a clubhouse can be a significant draw for this demographic.
That said, the hospitality industry has evolved a great deal since COVID, and we’re seeing smaller destinations gaining similar reputations. In fact, many smaller communities are now struggling to keep up with demand and running out of space to accommodate the influx of travelers. It’s fascinating to see how these trends are shifting.
Another key factor is their ability to accommodate larger numbers of people due to their size and demographics. Let me illustrate this with an example from my own experience. When I ran a small restaurant that could only seat 20 people a night, it took a while for my reputation to grow to the level I wanted. Now, imagine I had a restaurant that could serve 400 people a night—more guests would mean more word-of-mouth and greater visibility. Similarly, destinations like Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona benefit from their larger capacities and established reputations, making them more attractive to travelers.
These areas are especially appealing to retirees and those with disposable incomes who are looking for amenities that enhance their experience. For example, an RV park with a pool, a country club, or a clubhouse can be a significant draw for this demographic.
That said, the hospitality industry has evolved a great deal since COVID, and we’re seeing smaller destinations gaining similar reputations. In fact, many smaller communities are now struggling to keep up with demand and running out of space to accommodate the influx of travelers. It’s fascinating to see how these trends are shifting.
Are there challenges cities face when seasonal residents arrive, and how do they handle them?
When considering the challenges cities face with seasonal residents, I think it’s important to distinguish between infrastructure and how industries set up their businesses. For example, I live in northern Idaho, which is home to a unique environment. At around 700 feet above sea level, we’re the only seaport in the Northwest where cruise ships can dock after traveling inland from the coast. This makes our region a year-round destination, though primarily active in the summer when the weather is more favorable. In the winter, temperatures drop to around 35 degrees, but in the summer, they can climb to 114 degrees. Because of this diversity, I know many people—friends, clients, and others—who leave Idaho during the winter to head to Arizona, where they have reservations at their favorite RV parks. These communities typically have the infrastructure in place to accommodate seasonal travelers like this.
However, there’s another side to this dynamic. Many businesses in these destinations adapt to seasonality in creative ways to ensure they’re viable year-round. For instance, when we think of snowbirds, we often picture people escaping snow for warmer climates or, conversely, leaving warmer regions to enjoy winter sports. Resorts are a great example of how businesses adjust. Take Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho—it’s a four-star resort in a ski town with a vibrant winter sports community. But in the summer, they’ve adapted by using ski lifts to carry bicycles to the top of the hill, creating bike trails to attract visitors in warmer months.
It’s fascinating to see how the hospitality and tourism industry has evolved to cater to diverse, multi-seasonal customers, ensuring they can appeal to travelers regardless of the time of year.
However, there’s another side to this dynamic. Many businesses in these destinations adapt to seasonality in creative ways to ensure they’re viable year-round. For instance, when we think of snowbirds, we often picture people escaping snow for warmer climates or, conversely, leaving warmer regions to enjoy winter sports. Resorts are a great example of how businesses adjust. Take Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho—it’s a four-star resort in a ski town with a vibrant winter sports community. But in the summer, they’ve adapted by using ski lifts to carry bicycles to the top of the hill, creating bike trails to attract visitors in warmer months.
It’s fascinating to see how the hospitality and tourism industry has evolved to cater to diverse, multi-seasonal customers, ensuring they can appeal to travelers regardless of the time of year.
What are some tips that you may have for people traveling from cold to warmer climates?
For anyone planning to travel—especially when transitioning from cold to warmer climates—my biggest recommendation is to do your research. 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.
We’re fortunate to have access to great tools, like smartphones, and support from resources such as Chambers of Commerce and local regulatory authorities, which can assist with planning. If I had to offer one piece of advice, it would be to approach your trip as if you were your own travel agent—research every component thoroughly to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
We’re fortunate to have access to great tools, like smartphones, and support from resources such as Chambers of Commerce and local regulatory authorities, which can assist with planning. If I had to offer one piece of advice, it would be to approach your trip as if you were your own travel agent—research every component thoroughly to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Professor Farrington’s career spans 42 years, primarily in the hospitality field, and has led him to his true calling—teaching. For the past 10 years, he has shared his passion and expertise in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry with students eager to learn. A significant portion of his career has been dedicated to training and teaching management and staff at all levels, helping them excel in their roles. Through career and technology education, Professor Farrington combines his technical knowledge of hospitality with practical theory, shaping graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset who strive for success. His goal is to grow and expand LC State’s Hospitality Management Program, establishing it as one of the college’s most sought-after degrees and the premier hospitality management program in the state.
How do snowbirds affect energy use and the environment in the cities they visit?
Seasonal tourism is a great concern for areas trying to find a balance between population and economic growth and long-term resource planning, such as agriculture and water resource demand as well as energy demand. Many areas in the southwest, like Arizona, are very drought-prone areas, and managing a surge of winter residents does have an impact on water use, especially when the seasonal residents are less in tune to the summer drought impacts when they have returned to their home base. I’ve spoken with city managers who shared that tourism brings in people who are much more likely to be nonchalant about water conservation and therefore are less motivated to conserve or limit their use of resources or even intentionally overuse resources as they enjoy their vacation attitude.
Obviously, everyone has an energy footprint, so areas that receive the annual snowbird migration have to be able to handle the seasonal population demands on the infrastructure. Those who choose to have two residences and enjoy the seasonal migration to warmer climates during the winter should ensure their off-season residence is winterized and energy efficient. Snowbirds must remember their energy footprint extends to their off-season residence as well. In terms of overall environmental impacts, travel is one of the largest environmental footprints we can have, so I would encourage snowbirds to pick a spot and stay there for the season to limit their overall travel. Find local experiences versus regional travelling and respect local resources as if they were permanent residents. Regional traveling should seek out shared transportation such as trains or buses or even better, a guided group tour versus solely relying on a personal vehicle. Oftentimes, snowbirds settle into locations where beaches and oceanfront experiences are found. These areas can see significant impacts from seasonal tourism as increasingly polluted beaches and waterways are reported more and more. This correlates with increasing population, as well as tourists, who often are more nonchalant about respecting locations they don’t necessarily identify as home.
Obviously, everyone has an energy footprint, so areas that receive the annual snowbird migration have to be able to handle the seasonal population demands on the infrastructure. Those who choose to have two residences and enjoy the seasonal migration to warmer climates during the winter should ensure their off-season residence is winterized and energy efficient. Snowbirds must remember their energy footprint extends to their off-season residence as well. In terms of overall environmental impacts, travel is one of the largest environmental footprints we can have, so I would encourage snowbirds to pick a spot and stay there for the season to limit their overall travel. Find local experiences versus regional travelling and respect local resources as if they were permanent residents. Regional traveling should seek out shared transportation such as trains or buses or even better, a guided group tour versus solely relying on a personal vehicle. Oftentimes, snowbirds settle into locations where beaches and oceanfront experiences are found. These areas can see significant impacts from seasonal tourism as increasingly polluted beaches and waterways are reported more and more. This correlates with increasing population, as well as tourists, who often are more nonchalant about respecting locations they don’t necessarily identify as home.
How is climate change influencing certain cities becoming warmer or colder than previously?
The warming trend is unanimous across the West while parts of the eastern U.S. have had colder winters than normal but those are typically areas where snowbirds are fleeing. The West’s warming is attributed partly due to snowpack being traded for bare ground in the fall and winter months as well as the overall mid-latitude weather pattern adjusting to the warmer planet. The northern hemisphere’s weather patterns have changed in many ways in response to global warming. The movement and strength of the jet stream has changed the frequency of winter storms moving through regions, as well as the types of airmasses being transported around those storms, and in the West, that has meant milder, warmer winters and spring seasons while the east has seen more frequent harsh winters. That doesn’t mean that cold outbreaks are no longer occurring, in fact, in some areas, the changing weather patterns have resulted in erratic arctic airmasses moving to places they historically have not influenced (think the Texas freeze events or the recent record-breaking snowfall in New Orleans). Overall, winters in the West are warmer, less snowy and less stormy. Year-to-year variability has gone up, meaning “normal” seasons are experienced less frequently and more and more seasons with extreme conditions on either side of the scales of normal. Seasonal warm locations throughout other regions of the U.S. are also experiencing warmer temperatures, but the West is where the greatest rates of warming are typically found. Cities themselves are exacerbating localized warming trends, with the urban heat island effect acting as a force multiplier for the background warming trend. That speaks to the effect that growing populations, concentrating into urban settings, have on temperature patterns.
Do you have any eco-friendly tips for people to remember while traveling?
Limiting travel over long distances is the biggest needle-move for being eco-friendly, although it’s important to know that travel is one of the largest carbon footprints we have. 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.
Jon Meyer is the assistant state climatologist at the Utah Climate Center and researcher in Utah State University’s Climate Science program. He specializes in numerical weather prediction and focuses on topics of western U.S. hydroclimate, the North American Monsoon, and winter precipitation while translating research topics into operational tools to help serve resource management and decision-making efforts.
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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