Will snowbirds return?

[Gpsma]

Many flew up North when covid started. Some stayed here.

One month until September when the early birds will flock back.

So whats your guess on a percentage of birds that will come back? My guess is less than 50 percent. Renters..maybe even less than that.

[billethkid]

With no more risk than they have where they live they will most likely want to get back to TV lifestyle. Even with the current limitations, it beats most other places.

How far to drive and where to stay along the way will be big factors being considered.

As long as we are just guessing....I say most will come back.

[alwann]

Many flew up North when covid started. Some stayed here.

One month until September when the early birds will flock back.

So whats your guess on a percentage of birds that will come back? My guess is less than 50 percent. Renters..maybe even less than that.

My crystal ball says a significant drop in seasonal rentals and an uptick in resales in proprieties owned by seasonal owners who've had it.

[rjn5656]

They will be back. Nicer here than up north.

[davem4616]

I would guess that the great majority of seasonal homeowners will be back...the renters are a different case

when we were "snow bunnies" (hopping back and forth every 3 -4 weeks) I'd always ask myself...'what the heck am I doing up north dealing this cold and snow when I have a second home in FL?"

[njbchbum]

These snowbirds will be back! Much prefer to self-quarantine where it is warmer, sunnier and greener! Can go to the same grocer. pharmacy, doctor there as here! So why not return? :)

[Madelaine Amee]

Our seasonal resident friends are coming back earlier. Too hot up there, no AC, never needed it before! Bored up there. No one traveling on vacations up there this year and nothing to do. Rather come back and shelter in place here.

[Timothyimitchell]

The landlord investors will know soon. Any insight?

[Number 10 GI]

Let's think about it. Knee deep in snow and -10 on the thermometer or mid 70's and sunshine. Hmmmmmm.

[Stu from NYC]

Might come back a bit later but warmer here than up north,

[thelegges]

If you go to rental sights most high Season is rented. With new rentals entering every week, as it has always been, there will be some last minute deals. Rates seem to either stayed the same, or a slight up tick.

Why sit in your home up north to only look out your window, when you can go anywhere in Florida and be outside.

One of us stays year round, other half will come down 4 months this winter for the second year in a row.

[manaboutown]

Most are weather refugees so if possible they will likely return, especially the homeowners. The renters may be another matter, especially with most of the usual activities other than golf and other outdoor sport and exercise venues canceled or greatly reduced.

[EdFNJ]

If you go to rental sights most high Season is rented.
RE: renters. Exactly. Most probably rented for this coming season a year or even 2 before the pandemic. My guess is you won't see any (minor) effects for another year and many will wait until the last minute to rent because future (1-2yr out) rentals might be more available. Kind of like covid deaths lag weeks behind the increases in infection so will rentals. Of course there will be (attempted) cancellations but IMO not too many.

[Fredman]

I will be back.

[Stu from NYC]

Since many left only a month or two ago thinking they will not be back to later say November for many of them.

[UpNorth]

They will be back. Nicer here than up north.

Only in the Wintertime. Much, much nicer up North in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

[oldtimes]

Our international friends may not be able if the borders are still closed.

[Rwirish]

More will stay north with Florida being the Covid-19 epicenter.

[Dahabs]

Our international friends may not be able if the borders are still closed.

Emergency medical insurance is also a huge consideration for international travelers. With Covid 19 now considered a "known event", most insurers will not cover the disease.

[Dahabs]

RE: renters. Exactly. Most probably rented for this coming season a year or even 2 before the pandemic. My guess is you won't see any (minor) effects for another year and many will wait until the last minute to rent because future (1-2yr out) rentals might be more available. Kind of like covid deaths lag weeks behind the increases in infection so will rentals. Of course there will be (attempted) cancellations but IMO not too many.

Stay tuned ...

[905home]

I am a Canadian snowbird. We have always traveled by car (1200 miles). Airplane travel is now allowed. But we always bring a carload of stuff. As the border is closed, driving to The Villages is impossible.

The Canadian Government has issued a ‘level 3' travel advisory. What does this mean? We always buy private medical insurance when traveling in the U.S. Our ‘free’ medical coverage is for Canada only.

The ‘level 3' advisory makes it OK for all travel medical insurance providers to NOT COVER any expenses if Covid-19 is contracted.

About 6 years ago my wife spent a total of 12 hours in the emergency dept. of the Villages Hospital. The insurance we had at that time was pay out of your own pocket and then send in the bills to the insurance company. After 6 months we got paid the $8,000 (U.S. $) we handed over to at least 15 different companies, doctors and the TV hospital.

Can you imagine what the cost of hospitalization would be if one of us were in an ICU for a month? Probably in the millions.
We can't afford that.

So ... until the travel advisory is downgraded from a ‘level 3', my wife and I WILL NOT be returning to The Villages. And we have been snowbirds for over 11 years. I hope all Canadians know this predicament we are in. The exclusion is usually buried in the insurance policy in 4 pt. font.

[La lamy]

If the border reopens I will definitely be back. My medical insurance company said they are going ahead with the usual coverage including Covid, so that's great. My best friend has chosen not to come back this winter. After having fought cancer, she's too scared her immune system wouldn't be able to fight Covid. :pray:

[Clarinet]

We would normally be planning our 18th annual return in October. However, we are now in what is considered the safest state in the country and even though I hate to sit around in the freezing cold and be bored I feel staying alive is more important. When, and if, the governor and several others wake up to the fact that there is actually a problem that needs to be dealt with we will remain here until we feel it will be safe. The current 2nd or third place in covid cases each day is not necessary. If there had been some leadership in the beginning, both from the white house and from the governor's office this record-breaking condition would not have happened. Let's hope for a successful vaccine soon.

[oemsp1]

Many flew up North when covid started. Some stayed here.

One month until September when the early birds will flock back.

So whats your guess on a percentage of birds that will come back? My guess is less than 50 percent. Renters..maybe even less than that.

Agree.

[GaryKoca]

We will probably skip our six-week return in October and return around January 1 instead.

[MandoMan]

With no more risk than they have where they live they will most likely want to get back to TV lifestyle. Even with the current limitations, it beats most other places.

How far to drive and where to stay along the way will be big factors being considered.

As long as we are just guessing....I say most will come back.

What lifestyle is that? No clubs meeting. No concerts or movie theaters or plays. Limited socially distanced dinner parties. Outdoor dining in restaurants while it is 95° and humid on October. Far more virus than back home. No safe flying. Questionably safe motels on the road. Why bother before the snowflakes fall, which may be late November, unless you play outside a lot?

[Ken D.]

I know we'll be returning in mid-September, no concerns here.

[Villages Kahuna]

Given the exploding COVID here in Florida and the obvious need to shelter in place here to protect yourself, they’d be nuts not to just stay up north for awhile.

[Rango]

Given the exploding COVID here in Florida and the obvious need to shelter in place here to protect yourself, they’d be nuts not to just stay up north for awhile.

:bigbow:

[toeser]

Many flew up North when covid started. Some stayed here.

One month until September when the early birds will flock back.

So whats your guess on a percentage of birds that will come back? My guess is less than 50 percent. Renters..maybe even less than that.

This one won't come back until things cool down. Much less of an outbreak where we are now.

[Mumbles]

Many flew up North when covid started. Some stayed here.

One month until September when the early birds will flock back.

So whats your guess on a percentage of birds that will come back? My guess is less than 50 percent. Renters..maybe even less than that.

If it were I, I'd be staying up there until a vaccine comes out. I'm originally from New Hampshire where, like a couple other states in New England, they are Covid-fearing people who follow the rules--NOT BLINDLY--but because it makes great Yankee Sense.
Mumbles

[Suzieque]

They will be back. Nicer here than up north.

Nope, not next year.

[JayLeininger]

What is the view on Canadian snowbirds and their inability to get US health insurance.

[SIRE1]

We've decided to wait until the first of January to come back. I figure that it is a lot easier to "shelter in place" where it is warm than to "shelter in place" when it is freezing and you have to be outside shoveling the snow. At least in The Villages with nothing much open, we can jump in the golf cart and go riding around in the sunshine and warmth. So no return in October this year but like the song says . . . I'll be "shoveling sunshine" this winter.

[Stu from NYC]

Interesting thread and opinions and hardly any politics

[merrymini]

Own a house and will come and go as I please. People act like there is a place with no china flu. Lock yourself in a closet if you choose to but reasonable people will take reasonable precautions. Volunteer to be a guinea pig for the vaccine trials. If you do not die, I might consider it.

[Joaniemac]

Received a brochure from Medipac. They are saying they are one of the few insurance companies covering Canadian snowbirds for covid. You may want to give them a call. But that’s only for air travel right now.

[Bob3302]

Why would we come back to the epicenter???? In this county in Wisconsin we have had 1 death and average 6 new cases a day. Pretty scary looking at the counties in around the Villages.

BTW we have great access to great medical facilities like Mayo.

[Stu from NYC]

Why would we come back to the epicenter???? In this county in Wisconsin we have had 1 death and average 6 new cases a day. Pretty scary looking at the counties in around the Villages.

BTW we have great access to great medical facilities like Mayo.

Would you feel the same when temp is down to zero and two feet of new snow has fallen?

Stay safe

[manaboutown]

If I lived up north, did not own a home in TV but was a seasonal renter and wanted to be in a warmer climate this winter I would look for a destination where the Wuhan virus was somewhat under control, not where it was rampant. It is too early to determine what the virus situation will be months from now in TV IMHO.

[Two Bills]

We have rented for the winter season in TV for over 20 years now, but I think this may be the first year we stay home here in UK.
Not that it is any safer than Florida.
Our Covid record in Britain is a disaster, but mainly because at moment our medical insurance will not cover Covid in Florida, and to be honest, if I catch it, I would rather be at home as well.
I have been putting of having a knee replacement, so will get it done, and get over the physio during this winter.
Surgeon promised it will knock ten shots off my handicap as well, so may be able to take a few quid off the lads next spring!!:icon_wink:

[La lamy]

What is the view on Canadian snowbirds and their inability to get US health insurance.

Medipac which is endorsed by the Canadian Snowbird Association is going ahead with its coverage as usual. At least that's what they told me via mail package 2 weeks ago.

[Chi-Town]

One hard freeze and a few inches of snow. The southern migration will begin.

[petiteone]

I’m trying to figure out when I will be able to return. I normally return in October then fly back north for the Christmas holidays, the return in January. Problem is lack of airport shuttle service (I keep a car in FL) and quarantine in NY. I bet it will be at least January before I return this year.

[Shell1234]

Won’t rent unless amenities are open especially town square in evening

[Rosebud1949]

Sadly many will come back and bring the virus with them. I do NOT see them in quaranteen for 2 weeks.. No one is doing it now and we have a PANDEMIC. We need a mask mandate... The Sun sentinel today is right....

[Two Bills]

Sadly many will come back and bring the virus with them. I do NOT see them in quaranteen for 2 weeks.. No one is doing it now and we have a PANDEMIC. We need a mask mandate... The Sun sentinel today is right....

I think at the moment, most places want Floridians in quarantine!

[tophcfa]

We'll be back : ) Driving, not flying.

[Stu from NYC]

We'll be back : ) Driving, not flying.

Until hotels are considered safe suspect lot of people will be staying put.

Would love to do a road trip now but too old to sleep in car.

[dshoberg]

Why would we come back to the epicenter???? In this county in Wisconsin we have had 1 death and average 6 new cases a day. Pretty scary looking at the counties in around the Villages.

BTW we have great access to great medical facilities like Mayo.

150 new Covid cases in Cumberland, WI in the past 2 weeks...Barron County
We will be back in September!

[crazydeb10@yahoo.ca]

I think many snowbirds will return. However Canadians will only return if the borders open up and if they can get health insurance. Personally I am waiting for a vaccine that works.

[Jim1mack]

Snow and cold will bring them all back.

[tophcfa]

Until hotels are considered safe suspect lot of people will be staying put.

Would love to do a road trip now but too old to sleep in car.

Problem solved, we pull a hotel behind our vehicle. Can park overnight for free at any Cracker Barrel. And it fits easily into our garage when we get to the Villages.

[EdFNJ]

I’m trying to figure out when I will be able to return. I normally return in October then fly back north for the Christmas holidays, the return in January. Problem is lack of airport shuttle service (I keep a car in FL) and quarantine in NY. Worst case you can rent an ENTERPRISE car at MCO for before any discounts under $80 including taxes and leave it right here at Lake Sumter Landing office when you get back. Not much more than a private shuttle and you have control of your ride. We've done that a couple times on trips up north. We always manage to get a deal that ends up under $50 all included for a mid-sized car and often they give you a full size or specialty because they need to get it down here.. Can't help with quarantine. :)

[EdFNJ]

Until hotels are considered safe suspect lot of people will be staying put.

Would love to do a road trip now but too old to sleep in car. Not sure why people are afraid of hotels (if you choose a major brand). Bring a box of Clorox wipes and if one is really worried bring your own sheets but the hotels are no worse than supermarkets, having 5 friends over, going to a restaurant and a dozen other things we do around here anyway. We did a quick RT drive to NJ recently and stayed at Marriotts (they are def cheap these days) and they really are no problem. No more of a chance of catching anything (other than what you could catch even before the pandemic :) )

Of course if one stays at The Sleazy Inn for $19 that's another story. :D

[tophcfa]

Not sure why people are afraid of hotels (if you choose a major brand). Bring a box of Clorox wipes and if one is really worried bring your own sheets but the hotels are no worse than supermarkets, having 5 friends over, going to a restaurant and a dozen other things we do around here anyway. We did a quick RT drive to NJ recently and stayed at Marriotts (they are def cheap these days) and they really are no problem. No more of a chance of catching anything (other than what you could catch even before the pandemic :) )

Of course if one stays at The Sleazy Inn for $19 that's another story. :D

I hear what you are saying, the only problem with that is that is if you travel with your dog your hotel options are much more limited and not as likely to be as safe. We would gladly pay the premium to stay at a Marriott, if only they would let our little friend stay with us : ( But take a look at post #55, our dog is more than welcome to stay in that beautiful room.

[Stu from NYC]

Problem solved, we pull a hotel behind our vehicle. Can park overnight for free at any Cracker Barrel. And it fits easily into our garage when we get to the Villages.

If it has bathroom and shower will take two, does it come in orange?

[tophcfa]

If it has bathroom and shower will take two, does it come in orange?

Bare basics to do your business, no shower. But it is safe and only for a night or two, no problem. It does have A/C, a very comfortable queen beed, LED lights and a small TV/DVR. Would not want to live in it, but it's fun for a night or two. I don't think our particular model comes in orange, but it could easily be painted.

[Bob3302]

would you feel the same when temp is down to zero and two feet of new snow has fallen?

Stay safe absolutely

[Aloha1]

TV is NOT the epicenter of the virus in Florida. If anything, it's safer than many communities in other States. We go to the same stores each week and see the same workers we have seen since March. If this were such a hot spot wouldn't you expect to see people dropping like flies? Not happening.

A little perspective, Florida has 22 million people. As of today there are 500,000 confirmed positive cases of Covid 19. Do the math, that is only 2.27% of the entire Florida population. And most cases are in the Miami-Dade area, not the tri county area here. Remember also, a positive test result does not equal a death sentence in the vast majority of cases. Those with compromised immune systems should certainly take precautions and be cautious but please stop with the broad brush.

I expect by mid September, a vaccine will be ready, borders will open, and snowbirds will return.

[Stu from NYC]

TV is NOT the epicenter of the virus in Florida. If anything, it's safer than many communities in other States. We go to the same stores each week and see the same workers we have seen since March. If this were such a hot spot wouldn't you expect to see people dropping like flies? Not happening.

A little perspective, Florida has 22 million people. As of today there are 500,000 confirmed positive cases of Covid 19. Do the math, that is only 2.27% of the entire Florida population. And most cases are in the Miami-Dade area, not the tri county area here. Remember also, a positive test result does not equal a death sentence in the vast majority of cases. Those with compromised immune systems should certainly take precautions and be cautious but please stop with the broad brush.

I expect by mid September, a vaccine will be ready, borders will open, and snowbirds will return.

Agree with most of what you wrote but do not think we will have a virus by mid September.

As I understood it two 30,000 double blind tests have just started will run for about 90 days before they understand the results.

Figuring at best very end of the year but of course first responders, ,medical workers and other essential people will come to the head of the line before us old folks.

Hoping early next year but we shall see.

[Flamesfan]

I think many snowbirds will return. However Canadians will only return if the borders open up and if they can get health insurance. Personally I am waiting for a vaccine that works.

Not a well known fact, even though the land border is closed, Canadians can still fly into the States. Agreed this will limit how many Canadians, which I would suggest is a small percentage of returning snowbirds, will be back if the border remains closed. Some Canadian travel insurance companies are now offering policies that cover COVID-19.

[Aloha1]

Agree with most of what you wrote but do not think we will have a virus by mid September.

As I understood it two 30,000 double blind tests have just started will run for about 90 days before they understand the results.

Figuring at best very end of the year but of course first responders, ,medical workers and other essential people will come to the head of the line before us old folks.

Hoping early next year but we shall see.

Actually there are around 24 vaccine tests currently in progress. The top 4 are already producing a stockpile of shots for immediate distribution upon FDA approval. Moderna, Astrazenica, etc., have extremely good results so far. Moderna has said they expect to begin inoculations in October. Aside from that, the development of theraputics has significantly ramped. Doctors now say they have reduced the death rate by 80-85%.

This is not the old staid months upon months and interminable reviews process which only the US has been mired in. The process has been set free by this Administration and expect to be wowed.

[Barborv]

I would like to think they would. I was just down in TV for a few weeks from NY and I got dressed every day, went for golf cart rides, car rides seeing all the new stuff being built and even purchased bicycles , that we went out almost every evening , riding around if not walking. Went to the pool a lot also. Came back home 2 weeks ago, and other than the supermarket or doctors appts. I haven't bothered getting dressed, sit at my computer and watch television and chores! I have no desire to walk around my neighborhood let alone bike ride! Never have.
So I do hope the winter renters still want to rent for I have a renter coming for the 3 months of winter. Have this year and next and then I become permanent. Looking forward to the income. I just hope and pray that this virus will be behind us sooner than later and we can once again enjoy going to restaurants, being with friends without worrying about distancing, enjoying all the things we enjoy .

[Stu from NYC]

Actually there are around 24 vaccine tests currently in progress. The top 4 are already producing a stockpile of shots for immediate distribution upon FDA approval. Moderna, Astrazenica, etc., have extremely good results so far. Moderna has said they expect to begin inoculations in October. Aside from that, the development of theraputics has significantly ramped. Doctors now say they have reduced the death rate by 80-85%.

This is not the old staid months upon months and interminable reviews process which only the US has been mired in. The process has been set free by this Administration and expect to be wowed.

Sure hope you are correct and the vaccines are shown to be effective and quickly available.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

One virologist type doctor said during an interview on television that a virus like this usually runs 2-3 years historically, but with modern medicine today, he is hoping another 18-24 months and then life will be able to return to more normal. Lets hope that is a great outcome. Sweden does have a return to normal, but Sweden is far smaller and far less dense, as is new zealand, so getting R0 down below 1 is far easier than the US. The interview was on bloomberg before 7 AM, and i was having coffee in the morning so I don't remember the doctor's name.

sportsguy

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Let's think about it. Knee deep in snow and -10 on the thermometer or mid 70's and sunshine. Hmmmmmm.

Not all snowbirds are *literally* snowbound in the winter. Some come from mid-country lowlands, where there isn't a LOT of snow, for most of the year, and temps rarely get below 20. Some come from other continents, and fly overseas to return to the Villages in the winter, and their homes have moderate climates almost all year 'round.

Part of the problem is that snowbirds travelling by air are most likely to land in Orlando, which is being hit fairly hard by the virus. Flights are more limited now as well, and we don't know what air travel will look like in a month when the snowbirds are due to return.

For those who drive to Florida, I think it might be business as usual for most of them.
Even though the Villages hasn't been hit with all that much virus activity, the state of Florida IS the epicenter of the virus and has been for weeks now. If that doesn't improve within the next couple of weeks, I'll be curious to see how many snowbirds are willing to come back this season.

[themartianchick]

My husband and I became snowbirds when he retired 5 years ago. I was an independent contractor and could work from anywhere. We own our condo and tended to spend at least 2 months each winter in it. Last year, we were unable to spend any time there due to caring for my mom. This year we only spent a couple of days for the same reason and the added fact that I decided to go back to work. This upcoming winter, I could probably carve out a couple of weeks to visit our condo. (We really miss it!) However, the threat of COVID-19 makes us unwilling to travel to Florida now. Florida's unwillingness to take strong measures to combat the virus make us unwilling to risk our lives. We know that we could shelter in place in FL, as we have in NY. However, we don't really see the advantage to doing so. If there is snow shoveling to be done, we can either do it ourselves of hire someone else to take care of it. Our area of NY gets a lot of it!

In NY, people seem to take the precautions more seriously and it shows in our current COVID #s. My county is below 1% for new cases. Don't get me wrong...we aren't perfect but we don't see the same level of resistance to masking as we hear about in the south. We won't be coming back to Florida until the state gets a handle on controlling the virus. We personally know of people who have gotten the virus in NY and died. We know of two who have had extremely rough bouts with COVID. One had lesions in her throat due to being intubated. She is in her mid-50s with no underlying health conditions.She now has serious scarring of the lungs, too.The other is a man in his early 50s who likely had the virus (thought it was flu) earlier than was believed possible. He tested positive for the antibodies and is still having issues with walking and digestion. He's lost nearly 40 pounds and he really didn't have any weight to lose.

There is no reason to believe that herd immunity is even possible at this point because most people's antibodies to COVID drop within a few months after contracting the disease. In other words, they can become infected a second time and have different organs attacked by the virus. We also know that the experiences of New Yorkers and those from other states that were hit early in the Covid-crisis are the reason that the number of deaths in Florida and other late-blooming states are not higher. Doctors have learned about the virus by studying the situation in NY and Washington State. That information is helping to inform new treatments and keep folks alive in Florida today.

Coincidentally, my husband and I were planning to buy a house in Canada to serve as our main summer residence. That plan has been placed on hold because we cannot cross the border due to COVID. However, most Canadians that we've spoken to are absolutely appalled by the way that the disease is running through the American population. They don't want the border to open anytime soon and many are re-thinking their winter homes. There are many other warm places that would welcome Canadians and their dollars during the winter months. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this triggered some shift in winter in migrations from Canada...and also from the UK. The entire world is watching the US and they are giving us a failing grade.

Personally, we aren't planning to sell or rent our Florida condo. We can afford to wait out the coronavirus. We bought before the prices fully recovered from the 2008 crash. However, we can't afford the long-term health effects that COVID can cause. For that reason, we won't return until things are reasonably safe again.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

If you think like a New Englander, the summer here is outdoors, outdoor dining, outdoor family gatherings outside, golf, walking, etc. All that comes to an end between October and November. Why the South was late in getting the virus outbreak is that the summer airconditioned indoors had not hit, as most of the virus spread in the north was during February and March, which was unusually cold and indoors. So thinking through, winter in the north will be indoors, no outdoor activities and the south will be outdoors and warm, with outdoor dining.

I would infer that those that have the ability to drive down for their winter in TV will still come. They will be able to take walks, outdoor at home dining, and some outdoor dining restaurants. . .

international may not come, but not for wanting, for borders closed or limited insurance coverage. Our property manager has said that the winter rental bookings are delayed, waiting on the outcomes of the virus status. But as more people adjust, the risk will drop in the south, and will increase in the north with heating and more indoor time and boredom.

Now i don't predict 100% of the renters, but the snow bird owners will be back, and greater than 50% of the renters will be back. This is my prediction, forecast, etc. This prediction is not a fact, facts are historical, and the future hasn't arrived yet. So there is not way to prove or disprove my prediction at this point in time. You may have a different prediction, but I am not wrong yet, so what is your prediction?

sportsguy

[Vickim]

Canadians will have no health coverage for Covid - usually they purchase separate coverage while on travel that coverage will not cover covid ! If they contract the disease outside of Canada and end up in American hospital it could cost them thousands if not millions in healthcare cost that they will be responsible for. As of now the Canadian boarder is closed to drive across but you can fly but what a risk to take.

[NancyN2324]

Canadians won’t return as they won’t be able to purchase health insurance that will cover Covid until there is a vaccine.

[LoriAnn]

I’m guessing that some will come back and others will skip this year. We left the first week of March and plan to stay up north this year where there are more hospitals and specialty care if needed. Things could change if the daily positive numbers decrease dramatically by January. I hope they do....

[LoriAnn]

My husband and I became snowbirds when he retired 5 years ago. I was an independent contractor and could work from anywhere. We own our condo and tended to spend at least 2 months each winter in it. Last year, we were unable to spend any time there due to caring for my mom. This year we only spent a couple of days for the same reason and the added fact that I decided to go back to work. This upcoming winter, I could probably carve out a couple of weeks to visit our condo. (We really miss it!) However, the threat of COVID-19 makes us unwilling to travel to Florida now. Florida's unwillingness to take strong measures to combat the virus make us unwilling to risk our lives. We know that we could shelter in place in FL, as we have in NY. However, we don't really see the advantage to doing so. If there is snow shoveling to be done, we can either do it ourselves of hire someone else to take care of it. Our area of NY gets a lot of it!

In NY, people seem to take the precautions more seriously and it shows in our current COVID #s. My county is below 1% for new cases. Don't get me wrong...we aren't perfect but we don't see the same level of resistance to masking as we hear about in the south. We won't be coming back to Florida until the state gets a handle on controlling the virus. We personally know of people who have gotten the virus in NY and died. We know of two who have had extremely rough bouts with COVID. One had lesions in her throat due to being intubated. She is in her mid-50s with no underlying health conditions.She now has serious scarring of the lungs, too.The other is a man in his early 50s who likely had the virus (thought it was flu) earlier than was believed possible. He tested positive for the antibodies and is still having issues with walking and digestion. He's lost nearly 40 pounds and he really didn't have any weight to lose.

There is no reason to believe that herd immunity is even possible at this point because most people's antibodies to COVID drop within a few months after contracting the disease. In other words, they can become infected a second time and have different organs attacked by the virus. We also know that the experiences of New Yorkers and those from other states that were hit early in the Covid-crisis are the reason that the number of deaths in Florida and other late-blooming states are not higher. Doctors have learned about the virus by studying the situation in NY and Washington State. That information is helping to inform new treatments and keep folks alive in Florida today.

Coincidentally, my husband and I were planning to buy a house in Canada to serve as our main summer residence. That plan has been placed on hold because we cannot cross the border due to COVID. However, most Canadians that we've spoken to are absolutely appalled by the way that the disease is running through the American population. They don't want the border to open anytime soon and many are re-thinking their winter homes. There are many other warm places that would welcome Canadians and their dollars during the winter months. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this triggered some shift in winter in migrations from Canada...and also from the UK. The entire world is watching the US and they are giving us a failing grade.

Personally, we aren't planning to sell or rent our Florida condo. We can afford to wait out the coronavirus. We bought before the prices fully recovered from the 2008 crash. However, we can't afford the long-term health effects that COVID can cause. For that reason, we won't return until things are reasonably safe again.
New York has done a phenomenal Job. My son is in graduate school in Rochester and refuses to come home to Indiana for a visit because of the almost fanatical resistance to masks and social distancing. As a result, Indiana daily positive numbers have started to dramatically increase. New York was willing to do the hard work and is now reaping the rewards. Everyone can learn from that.

[Bob3302]

I’m guessing that some will come back and others will skip this year. We left the first week of March and plan to stay up north this year where there are more hospitals and specialty care if needed. Things could change if the daily positive numbers decrease dramatically by January. I hope they do....

This is our plan too.

[Packer Fan]

The landlord investors will know soon. Any insight?

If anything rentals have been stronger. Even rerented the summer in both houses after 2 renters backed out. Nothing has really changed - the weather is still much better in Florida and that is why they come.

[Packer Fan]

Why would we come back to the epicenter???? In this county in Wisconsin we have had 1 death and average 6 new cases a day. Pretty scary looking at the counties in around the Villages.

BTW we have great access to great medical facilities like Mayo.

There are not many cases in TV - it is mostly Orlando and Miami area. I have a LOT of friends and relatives who have had it in Wisconsin(where I live now). Now you have to wear a mask here. I WISH I could go to Florida (oops, I am for 2 weeks on the 9th YEAH!). Can't wait.

[Packer Fan]

My husband and I became snowbirds when he retired 5 years ago. I was an independent contractor and could work from anywhere. We own our condo and tended to spend at least 2 months each winter in it. Last year, we were unable to spend any time there due to caring for my mom. This year we only spent a couple of days for the same reason and the added fact that I decided to go back to work. This upcoming winter, I could probably carve out a couple of weeks to visit our condo. (We really miss it!) However, the threat of COVID-19 makes us unwilling to travel to Florida now. Florida's unwillingness to take strong measures to combat the virus make us unwilling to risk our lives. We know that we could shelter in place in FL, as we have in NY. However, we don't really see the advantage to doing so. If there is snow shoveling to be done, we can either do it ourselves of hire someone else to take care of it. Our area of NY gets a lot of it!

In NY, people seem to take the precautions more seriously and it shows in our current COVID #s. My county is below 1% for new cases. Don't get me wrong...we aren't perfect but we don't see the same level of resistance to masking as we hear about in the south. We won't be coming back to Florida until the state gets a handle on controlling the virus. We personally know of people who have gotten the virus in NY and died. We know of two who have had extremely rough bouts with COVID. One had lesions in her throat due to being intubated. She is in her mid-50s with no underlying health conditions.She now has serious scarring of the lungs, too.The other is a man in his early 50s who likely had the virus (thought it was flu) earlier than was believed possible. He tested positive for the antibodies and is still having issues with walking and digestion. He's lost nearly 40 pounds and he really didn't have any weight to lose.

There is no reason to believe that herd immunity is even possible at this point because most people's antibodies to COVID drop within a few months after contracting the disease. In other words, they can become infected a second time and have different organs attacked by the virus. We also know that the experiences of New Yorkers and those from other states that were hit early in the Covid-crisis are the reason that the number of deaths in Florida and other late-blooming states are not higher. Doctors have learned about the virus by studying the situation in NY and Washington State. That information is helping to inform new treatments and keep folks alive in Florida today.

Coincidentally, my husband and I were planning to buy a house in Canada to serve as our main summer residence. That plan has been placed on hold because we cannot cross the border due to COVID. However, most Canadians that we've spoken to are absolutely appalled by the way that the disease is running through the American population. They don't want the border to open anytime soon and many are re-thinking their winter homes. There are many other warm places that would welcome Canadians and their dollars during the winter months. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this triggered some shift in winter in migrations from Canada...and also from the UK. The entire world is watching the US and they are giving us a failing grade.

Personally, we aren't planning to sell or rent our Florida condo. We can afford to wait out the coronavirus. We bought before the prices fully recovered from the 2008 crash. However, we can't afford the long-term health effects that COVID can cause. For that reason, we won't return until things are reasonably safe again.

Not sure where you get your information about antibodies. Probably the same "experts" who said 2.1 million would die in the US from this. I just looked at the wecams for NYC and they tell a different story - along with the APPLE mobility index being up there also - I don't see a lot of masks, and there are a lot of people out. Looks sort of like the Orlando and Miami webcams.

This virus seems to take the same route when it gets a hold in an area - look at the NY case curve and the florida case curve will look the same in 2 months. They all do.. and before you criticize Florida 32,401 have died in NY. 7083 in Florida. Florida has about 3 million more people. 32 total Covid deaths in Sumter county with the oldest average age in the USA says to me they have done a much better job than NY. Those are the facts.

[Aloha1]

New York has done a phenomenal Job. My son is in graduate school in Rochester and refuses to come home to Indiana for a visit because of the almost fanatical resistance to masks and social distancing. As a result, Indiana daily positive numbers have started to dramatically increase. New York was willing to do the hard work and is now reaping the rewards. Everyone can learn from that.

That "phenomenal job" resulted in over 6,000 deaths in New York nursing homes.

Fact is there are increases happening now around the world including in countries that have been held up as paragons of virtue in how they handled the initial outbreak. Unless and until the younger generation wises up about the virus, the spikes will continue.

[Packer Fan]

The latest curves---- soon this discussion will be mute - Florida is over the hump, but of course with a MUCH lower death rate... I tend to believe it is less about the government and more about the doctors figuring out how to deal with the treatment.

:coolsmiley:

[Packer Fan]

That "phenomenal job" resulted in over 6,000 deaths in New York nursing homes.

Fact is there are increases happening now around the world including in countries that have been held up as paragons of virtue in how they handled the initial outbreak. Unless and until the younger generation wises up about the virus, the spikes will continue.


Posting this specifically to look back at in 3 years. I agree with your first statement. Your second I don't. This thing seems to burn itself out after hitting a certain amount of the population..... It will burn itself out, if it comes back it will be at a much lower level. Very little difference between locked down and not locked down - look at my post above. NY, NJ were completely locked down. Florida and AZ not. Curves look pretty similar.

[Aloha1]

Posting this specifically to look back at in 3 years. I agree with your first statement. Your second I don't. This thing seems to burn itself out after hitting a certain amount of the population..... It will burn itself out, if it comes back it will be at a much lower level. Very little difference between locked down and not locked down - look at my post above. NY, NJ were completely locked down. Florida and AZ not. Curves look pretty similar.

I don't disagree with you and that was my point about other countries, some of which locked down totally and some that didn't, now seeing the same younger generation
case spike. My guess is they will see the same pattern as here, a sharp rise in cases with no sharp rise in deaths, followed by a decline in both.

[Bob3302]

There are not many cases in TV - it is mostly Orlando and Miami area. I have a LOT of friends and relatives who have had it in Wisconsin(where I live now). Now you have to wear a mask here. I WISH I could go to Florida (oops, I am for 2 weeks on the 9th YEAH!). Can't wait.
40 deaths in Sumter County versus 1 death in Lacrosse. I am staying here to snowmobile and ice fish etc. Seems more fun than going to the squares with no music...just sayin.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Comparing the the density of New York especially the urban areas of NYCity with Florida is a non starter , before they even knew much about virus they were in deep trouble but fought back with a lot of discipline, unlike here where there is no plan . In regards to snow birds , I just got my place rented for the 3 winter months with a non returnable deposit , I’m off to Thailand for those 3 months, I’ve followed all the health rules and I’ll be 82 in December and hopefully the adventures will start again

[blueeagle65]

We have some that decided not to leave as they usually do.

[Schaumburger]

New York has done a phenomenal Job. My son is in graduate school in Rochester and refuses to come home to Indiana for a visit because of the almost fanatical resistance to masks and social distancing. As a result, Indiana daily positive numbers have started to dramatically increase. New York was willing to do the hard work and is now reaping the rewards. Everyone can learn from that.

I will agree with you about the job New York has done. My employer has a production facility 23 miles from Rochester which I am in daily contact with. From my colleagues in that plant, they report very few cases of COVID-19 in the area around Rochester.

As of yesterday, New York's 7 day rolling average positivity rate is 1%. Illinois (where I live) positivity rate is now 4.2% and that rate has been on the rise for the past few weeks. :(. Indiana's governor enacted a mask mandate a couple of weeks ago, but he has received some pushback. Indiana's 7 day positivity rate from 7/27/2020 to 8/2/2020 was 7.5%.