The number of out-of-state license plates on the roads right now should be your first clue.
Florida is the #1 destination for snowbirdstaking eight of the top 10 slot machines and 42 of the top 100, according to a study published by StorageCafé.
THE the most popular city in the United States was Venice on the west coast of Florida.
Cities in Texas and Arizona were the only other places to make the top 10.
Here’s what the study found.
What are the top 10 destinations for snowbirds in the United States?
Florida has captured eight of the top snowbird destinations in the United States.
- Venice
- Véro Beach
- Fort Pierce
- Naples
- Lake Wales
- Mission, Texas
- Apache Junction, Arizona
- Tarpon Springs
- Fort Myers
- Clermont
Here’s what the study had to say about Florida’s top cities for snowbirds
No. 1, Venice: Venice enjoys a mild climate throughout the winter season and excels in several other categories, including the share of seasonal use housing (87%), golf courses (it is fifth best among the cities analyzed for golfers), as well as its health sector. Although the local community still welcomes baby boomers, the area has become increasingly attractive to young people. Read more here.
Venice #1 for snowbirds:The best American destination for snowbirds? This Sarasota County city took the crown, study finds
No. 2, Vero Beach: Vero Beach has something to offer everyone, from baby boomers who can enjoy quiet beaches just steps from their homes to remote workers looking for a leisurely change of pace. Nearly two-thirds of local housing vacancies are made up of homes intended for seasonal use, and most other housing options in Vero Beach are more economical than comparable locations across the country. The golf culture is also particularly strong in Vero Beach, with the city ranking second among all cities analyzed for access to golf courses. Despite its small-town status, Vero Beach packs a punch when it comes to shopping and dining. Read more here.
No. 3, Fort Pierce: Because of its unique setting, with access to both fresh water and the ocean, Fort Pierce is an ideal destination for fishing and bird watching enthusiasts. The city also has an impressive 1,000 square feet of park space per resident. Fort Pierce is also quite affordable: the median rent is 25% cheaper than the state median price, while median home prices, at $147,000, are lower than every other Florida city in our top 10. Read more here.
No. 4, Naples: This small Florida city has the highest share of vacant homes designated for seasonal use (89%) of all those analyzed, and it also ranks first for golf courses. There are excellent opportunities for high-end shopping as well as enjoying culture at local museums, art galleries and performance venues. The city primarily caters to people who appreciate the finer things in life and have budgets to match. The median rent in Naples is 6% higher than the state median rent, while the median home price is north of $1 million. Read more here.
No. 5, Lake Wales: Lake Wales is one of two Florida cities in the top 10 that doesn’t offer a beach lifestyle. There are still opportunities for fishing, swimming and water sports. Lake Wales is also home to Bok Tower Gardens, a huge garden and bird sanctuary listed as a National Historic Landmark. Read more here.
No. 8, Tarpon Springs: Tarpon Springs is best known for its Greek heritage and cuisine, as well as its white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. Approximately 63% of vacant housing is for seasonal use and the local rental market is generally affordable. Tampa and St. Petersburg are easily accessible. Read more here.
No. 9, Fort Myers: Fort Myers is Florida’s largest city in the top 10, offering not only beach life but also a bit of urban excitement. The city has 15 motorhome areas. The city’s historic downtown, Edison and Ford Winter Estates and a thriving arts scene offer plenty of entertainment and cultural enrichment. Read more here.
No. 10, Clermont: Located near Orlando, Clermont is surrounded by pristine lakes and rolling hills, offering picturesque landscapes and plenty of fishing, boating and outdoor opportunities. Nearly three-quarters of the vacant housing stock is intended for seasonal use. The community also offers lifestyle amenities such as golf courses and numerous shops and restaurants. Read more here.
What are the most affordable places for snowbirds in Florida?
The most affordable cities in Florida for snowbirds include Bartow, Lake Wales and Leesburg, according to StorageCafe.
Average monthly rents are less than $1,000.
What are snowbirds looking for?
Snowbirds are looking for the perfect blend of amenities, mild climate and affordability, according to StorageCafe.
The study analyzed and ranked 215 cities across the United States in terms of:
- An environment suitable for Snowbirds (average temperatures, precipitation and air quality from October to March)
- Beaches found within 10 miles of each location
- Park space per capita
- Golf courses per capita
- Availability of rentals and accommodation allocated for seasonal use
- The cost of renting an apartment and the cost of buying a house
- Availability of motorhome areas
- Number of restaurants
- Self storage prices
- Local Internet Speed
- Security
- Healthcare-related factors (Medicare pricing for new patients and availability of hospitals, other medical organizations and healthcare professionals)
COVID-19 has a lasting effect on work from home.
Five Florida cities made the Top 50 for people who still work from home at least some of the time, according to a report from To rent out.
In 2022, 15% of Americans worked remotely, meaning more than 24 million people can be flexible about where they live, according to StorageCafe.
Orlando #2 in the United States for working from home:Can you guess which city in Florida is the second city in the United States for people who work from home?
Which states are top destinations for snowbirds?
Seven states stand out among the top 100 snowbird destinations:
- Florida: 42 cities make up the top 100 cities
- Texas: 27 cities make up the top 100 cities
- California: 18 cities make up the top 100 cities
- Louisiana: 5 cities make up the top 100 cities
- Arizona: 4 cities make up the top 100 cities
- Nevada: 3 cities make up the top 100 cities
- Alabama: 1 city is part of the top 100 cities
What is a snowbird?
The term “snowbirds” generally refers to people who move to southern areas during the winter months.
Their arrival in Florida depends on several factors, but generally the season runs from November to April.
