When winter rolls around and the temperature starts to drop, the time comes once again for the annual migration southward. Snowbirding is a long held tradition among Northerners who can’t, or don't want, to handle the ferocity of winter. While most snowbirds are retirees who can afford to split time between north and south, there has been an increase in younger snowbirds in recent years. With winter right around the corner, now’s the best time to highlight our top snowbirding locations.
Essentials of Snowbirding in Florida
Before we dive right into our top snowbirding locations, we should discuss the must-have elements of a good snowbirding spot. First and foremost, the weather needs to be warm year round. If you have to worry about snow and ice, what’s the point of snowbirding? Florida is the most popular state for snowbirds for exactly this reason.
You’ll also need places to stay, such as rental communities or RV resorts, that fit with your personal lifestyle. For the extroverts out there, you’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of access to community activities near the place you’re staying. When you’ve settled on the way you want to stay, you can begin looking for the ideal locations for your snowbird adventure.
Bradenton, FL
On the Manatee River as it flows into Tampa Bay, Bradenton is one of Florida’s Gulf Coast communities. Bradenton has several rental communities and RV parks that give options of how you stay as well as having many different options for things to do. The South Florida Museum is a one stop destination for many different educational opportunities. In recent years, downtown Bradenton has become an art district with sites like the Village of the Arts. You can also easily visit the city of Tampa if you’re looking for big city thrills. For an excellent coastal city, Bradenton is a great place to stay for the winter.
Cortez, FL
Cortez is a village by Bradenton in prime position for beach access and fishing. Gulf Coast beaches are just a few minutes drive away from Cortez, and the marinas and fishing charters mean that you can easily find some great spots to cast a line. The Florida Maritime Museum is also in Cortez if you would like to learn more about maritime history. You can find great locations to stay right on the water or further inland.
Seffner, FL
Seffner is a quiet suburb of Tampa on the route to Plant City. It offers several rental options both in the village and in neighboring Mango. It borders Lake Weeks and Lake Hooker, with Lake Weeks in particular being well-known for its fishing and its Spanish Moss. While Seffner isn’t coastal, it is close to Tampa, so you’ll still have easy access to the beach and ocean. You can also find six public parks and a local animal conservation center. Seffner is an excellent choice for fishermen as well as snowbirds looking to be near a big city without being in the middle of things.
Tamarac, FL
Tamarac is located in the Miami metropolitan area near Fort Lauderdale. It features several RV parks as well as rental options for snowbirds. If you love golf, Tamarac is a great place to winter with multiple courses within the limits of the suburb. You can also easily access the rest of the Miami area and visit the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. For soccer fans, DRC PNK Stadium, home of Inter Miami CF, is also nearby down Commercial Boulevard. If you’re looking for a place to spend the winter near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac is an ideal choice.
Largo, FL
Largo is another city in the Tampa Bay area with a wide range of various housing options. With RV parks and multiple housing communities in the area, you can find a location that fits your specific needs for proximity or amenities. Largo has been named the Arbor Day Tree city 32 times as of writing due to its sheer amount of urban vegetation. With golf courses, beaches, botanical gardens, and more, Largo is an excellent location to hole up for the winter.
Snowbird Storage with Safeguard Self Storage
Bringing your belongings back and forth from north to south every year comes with the territory of being a snowbird. What if you could lessen the load by leaving behind some of the items you only use at your winter home? Safeguard Self Storage offers storage solutions in each of the best snowbird locations in Florida. When you pack up to return home, leave some of your belongings with us and save yourself the hassle of bringing them back every spring. We provide a wide selection of storage unit sizes and types, allowing you to find the right unit for you. Find a Safeguard storage facility near you today!