How long have you been a snowbird?

[Michread]

How long have you been a snowbird? When will\did you stop? Why?

[manaboutown]

I have been a "splitter" going between two homes since 1990; added a third in 2017. Don't know if I could stand to not "get out of Dodge" when I want to. One home is (here) my primary residence; the second one essentially for business use as I own commercial properties in that area. The third and most recent is in Northern Idaho where my grandchildren have lived since 2017; I like to go see them, especially in the summer. I keep clothes, toiletries, food and a vehicle at each house so I can jump on a plane and go. Works for me and I am now 79.

Online Exclusive: Meet the Splitters (https://www.nar.realtor/rmomag.nsf/pages/Feat1200604)

[asianthree]

Snowbird from 2007 to 2017, we used TV home for vaca, and some winter getaway, while working.
Other half retired, in 2017. I am a traveler, so I can be away from 6 -12 weeks, taking 12 weeks off in between destinations.
We have a home in TV, one up north, and the lake house, that we still summer at. Not a fan of southern summers, just hop a plane go wherever the weather is better. At this time we have no plans to sell our other homes, even in this crazy buying frenzy. I like change of seasons, Fall colors, and yes SNOW

[Becca9800]

I have been a "splitter" going between two homes since 1990; added a third in 2017. Don't know if I could stand to not "get out of Dodge" when I want to. One home is (here) my primary residence; the second one essentially for business use as I own commercial properties in that area. The third and most recent is in Northern Idaho where my grandchildren have lived since 2017; I like to go see them, especially in the summer. I keep clothes, toiletries, food and a vehicle at each house so I can jump on a plane and go. Works for me and I am now 79.

Online Exclusive: Meet the Splitters (https://www.nar.realtor/rmomag.nsf/pages/Feat1200604)

Good for you! I'm envious, particularly that you're 79 and on a social media platform. I hope to be so fortunate.

[Becca9800]

How long have you been a snowbird? When will\did you stop? Why?

After 10 unsuccessful years trying to convince DH that we needed a winter home, I bought a house in TV with only MY money. Guess what....DH is a bigger TV proponent than I am now, he absolutely loves his new digs, much more than me. We (I) bought in 8/2020 w the plan that I would keep working until 12/21. That didn't work out as planned, I abruptly retired 12/20, TV was calling me loudly and my job was stressing me to the nth. God, please let my impulsiveness not leave us destitute.

[Laker14]

3 years....rented the first three years, increasing our time in TV from 3 months, to 4, to 5, and in the third year we bought a place in Poinciana.

We have no plans to stop the migratory behavior as we enjoy our time up north. DW and I are not in total agreement as to exactly when we'll leave and return, but it'll be close to 6 months in each location, with us spending just a hair longer in TV in order to maintain our Florida resident status for tax purposes.

[davem4616]

we were 'snow bunnies' (kept flying back and forth) from 1995 to 2008. Became 'snow birds' in 2009 thru 2014 and full timers in 2015.

The 'snow bunny' years were the great escape years...we flew back and forth with only carry-on luggage every third week in the winter months...the stewardesses actually began recognizing us the frequent flyers that always took the same flight on the same airline and sat in the same seats(isn't that scary). The 'snow bird' years were different...we looked forward to coming down to Florida for the season (and we could both either work remotely, or fly to where we needed to be) and we also looked forward to going back north in the spring. Soon the 'charm' of everything that goes along with opening and closing two homes got the best of us and we decided to simplify our lives and we chose the one location that didn't involve shoveling snow. For a couple of years we didn't change doctors and we flew north for that. Finally we jumped in with both feet and centered everything in FL. Sometimes it just comes down to letting go of that which you no longer choose to tolerate.

[MrFlorida]

Never, retired up north and moved here. Couldn't take the cold winters .

[NotGolfer]

We "snow-birded" it the first year then decided it was too difficult to maintain a house on the frozen tundra plus here. Record snow-falls, freezing temps and worry about something (ie. heat/electricity) might fail up there. Even though we had someone watching it for us. Also the financial upkeep didn't make sense neither. We went back in the late Spring---got things tied up, purged a lot of junk and moved here permanently. We'll be here 12 yrs this fall. No regrets!

[stevecmo]

Hmmm........two months next week. :)

[Calisport]

I just started. I have a house in Laguna Woods, CA and decided what the hell and get a fall, winter, spring house in TV. Haven't moved there yet but I am a total activity person so I think I will like it. California is actually too cold in the winter so I think I barely qualify as a snowbird.

[Michread]

Thank you all.