Snowbird Destinations and Storage Solutions: Top 5 Places to Nest for the Season and Storage Tips for Seasonal Living

When you’re thinking of retiring somewhere warm, it’s no surprise that a popular snowbird destination might catch your eye. After all, trading icy sidewalks for sunny afternoons is a pretty appealing retirement perk. But the snowbird lifestyle offers more than just better weather. Many seasonal residents enjoy the flexibility of splitting their time between two homes, exploring different parts of the country, and even generating rental income from their primary residence while safely storing valuables during their time away.

If you're considering joining the growing number of retirees heading to popular snowbird destinations each year, you'll want a plan for moving and storage that makes seasonal living simple. In this guide, we'll cover how to move between two states efficiently, compare affordable transportation and storage options, and share practical tips for making your snowbird lifestyle as stress-free as possible.

Best Snowbird Destinations in the U.S.

Wondering what the best places to snowbird are? From laid-back beach towns to vibrant cities, there’s a destination to match just about every lifestyle.

1. Florida

• Average home value: $376,500
• Average rent (all sizes): $1,975
• Average winter temperature: 65 to 75°F
• State income tax? No

• Best for: Beach access, warm winters, established snowbird communities

If you’re looking for Florida snowbird destinations, you can’t go wrong with popular cities like Naples, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota. They all offer retirees beautiful coastal living opportunities, as well as access to first-class dining and cultural activities like museums, art galleries, and professional sports teams. Beachfront living can come with a higher price, but it is definitely worth it for the right budget.

Is Naples or Sarasota better for snowbirds? Naples offers a quieter lifestyle, while Sarasota gives snowbirds opportunities for a busier social calendar.

2. Arizona

• Average home value: $423,800
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average winter temperature: 65 to 72°F
• State income tax? Yes
• Best for: Budget-conscious snowbirds, dry heat, outdoor activities

What is the best state to be a snowbird in? Consider the dry heat of cities in Arizona like Scottsdale, Glendale, or Tucson. Arizona is quickly becoming a sought-after alternative destination to Florida for snowbirds thanks to its slightly lower cost of living and desert heat with low humidity — not to mention the sunny weather, stunning landscape, and abundance of retirement communities for the 55+ crowd.

Sun City in Glendale is one of the premier snowbird destinations for anyone retiring in Arizona. It offers residents extensive recreational opportunities, along with proximity to entertainment and dining in Phoenix.

Texas is a favorite among cheap snowbird destinations, thanks in part to no state income tax.

3. Texas

• Average home value: $302,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average winter temperature: 60 to 70°F
• State income tax? No
• Best for: Budget-conscious snowbirds, RV-friendly parks, beach access

If it’s cheap snowbird destinations you’re after, consider a seasonal move to Texas to areas like the Rio Grande Valley or South Padre Island. Winter temperature highs in this part of Texas rest comfortably in the 60s and 70s, ensuring that snowbirds can enjoy all the fun of beaches, parks, golfing, and boating throughout the season.

Texas offers snowbirds a lower cost of living than states like Florida or California. Plus, retiring in Texas comes with the bonus of no state income tax.

4. South Carolina

• Average home value: $305,200
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,625
• Average winter temperature: 50 to 62°F
• State income tax? Yes
• Best for: Beach access, “cold-ish” winters, established snowbird communities

Where can snowbirds go instead of Florida? How about South Carolina and the beautiful Hilton Head Island, or a coastal town like Myrtle Beach? Hilton Head offers retirees an upscale, relaxed lifestyle, while Myrtle Beach is perfect for snowbirds who love to golf and want to be close to bustling nightlife and entertainment options. Both locations offer stunning beach access, as well as plenty of chances to stay active.

5. New Mexico

• Average home value: $317,500
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average winter temperature: 50 to 60°F
• State income tax? Yes
• Best for: Off the beaten path, low cost of living, dry climate, arts scene

One of the best affordable snowbird destinations is New Mexico, which, like Arizona, has a dry heat compared to the humidity of Florida or South Carolina. Cities like Las Cruces are popular with snowbirds, especially if you plan on coming in an RV. New Mexico has a lower cost of living than Arizona and boasts mild winter weather and scenic outdoor excursions to places like White Sands National Park. 

How Much Does the Snowbird Lifestyle Actually Cost?

So, how much money do you need to be a snowbird? This number will vary by state, but in popular destinations like Florida, this can range between $2,500 and $5,500 per month. If you move somewhere coastal, though, that number might go up even more. Your actual cost, however, will vary depending on a few different factors:

• The state you choose to live in
• The type of housing (rental, second home, RV)
• Transportation
• Storage for items left at home
• Whether you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle or want to keep busy

Where Is the Cheapest Place To Be a Snowbird?

• Myrtle Beach, SC, has mild winters, lots of rental availability, and some of the most affordable off-season housing.
• Yuma, AZ, is a destination for snowbirds interested in saving money with the RV lifestyle.
• Rio Grande Valley, TX, is a cheaper snowbird destination that offers lots of Southern coastal living options. Plus, no state income tax!

Tips for Planning Your Seasonal Move to a Snowbird Destination

There are plenty of cities across the country that would make a wonderful snowbird destination, whether you want warm coastal living or would prefer the dry heat of a desert home. No matter where you choose, there are some essential snowbird moving tips you should keep in mind.

• It’s recommended that you visit the area you intend to live in before committing. Research what the housing or rental market looks like to determine which option is best for you.
• Now that your time will be split between two states, be sure you understand how your state residency and tax situation will work.
• Set a seasonal budget and stick to it.
• Find a storage solution that will help you avoid hauling belongings between two homes.

Snowbird Destinations — FAQs

Q: Can you be a snowbird without owning a second home?
A: Yes, you can rent a secondary home or opt for an RV for easy travel access!

Q: What is the difference between a snowbird and a full-time retiree?
A: Snowbirds move between two homes (or use their RV) seasonally during the winter months, while a full-time retiree lives in one location permanently.

Q: Do snowbirds have to pay taxes in two states?
A: If you earn money in your snowbird destination, you may need to file taxes on that income as a non-resident. The tax situation of the snowbird lifestyle can get complex, so it’s wise to understand your unique situation before committing to a lease or purchase — even if that means speaking with an accountant beforehand.

Q: When do most snowbirds head south?
A: Typically between October and December, you’ll find the greatest influx of snowbirds. They start to head home between March and April.

Q: What should I do with my belongings when I'm a snowbird?
A: Consider renting a storage unit or portable storage container to keep belongings safe from temperature changes while you’re away. With a container, you can keep it on your property or have it delivered before you return home for easy access once you arrive.

PODS makes moving to any of these snowbird destinations flexible with a portable container delivered right to your driveway.

How PODS Helps With Moving to a Snowbird Destination

Make your move to one of the best snowbird destinations with a portable moving container from PODS. Have the container delivered right to your driveway and load it on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your favorite snowbird destination, or keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready to unload — or until you head back home in the spring.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. 

_{*This content was refreshed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. It was then fact-checked, proofread, and edited by the real-life intelligence of the PODS Blog team. PODS however does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this publication and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}