Snowbirds Need Wealth

[Michael G.]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

[tophcfa]

Not sure about more wealth, but they are certainly strapped with more responsibilities, and not just the responsibilities involved with owning and maintaining two homes. Many don’t want to own two homes, but are forced to because of unavoidable responsibilities that require them to continue to spend significant time outside of Florida. My best advise for anyone retiring is to dump any and all possible responsibilities and avoid taking on new ones like the plague. We spent our whole adult lives dealing with responsibilities, retirement is our limited remaining time to do whatever we want, whenever we f’in please : )

[retiredguy123]

Not that I care, but the OP didn't mention their carbon footprint.

[Kenswing]

You can almost set your watch by when the inane snowbird threads will start every year.

[fdpaq0580]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

A lot of snowbirds are renters.

[asianthree]

Some of us maintain more than 2 homes. Our home in TV, our home that our parents use in TV, (because they won’t give up their residence) our home up north, and the lake house, that has been in our family over 150 years.

We enjoy life no matter which home we reside in and don’t find a burden with any of our choices. Clothes we keep up north, we wouldn’t use here, as is the 4x4’s to get around.

Taxes are just a way of life. Don’t think we are any wealthier than anyone else, maybe just younger, or planned with a good financial guy. We love change of seasons, including occasional snow for skiing,:cold: and a lake you can swim in, without gators:22yikes:

[Two Bills]

A lot of snowbirds are renters.

We have been renting 3-4 months in high season for over 20 years.
Prices since our last stay in 2019/20 just before Covid restrictions, have more than doubled, and in the case of car rental quadrupled!
We have passed on staying this winter, and in all probabilities seen our last winter in Florida.
Shame, but not paying that sort of outlay, and that's before you stick air fair, food, golf, entertainment etc. on the bill.

[manaboutown]

Some of us have worked hard, lived prudently and invested wisely and own and spend time in three or even four homes. Some also own rental homes and/or other investment real estate.

[Stu from NYC]

No idea but annual expenses will be higher

[Michael G.]

We have been renting 3-4 months in high season for over 20 years.
Prices since our last stay in 2019/20 just before Covid restrictions, have more than doubled, and in the case of car rental quadrupled!
We have passed on staying this winter, and in all probabilities seen our last winter in Florida.
Shame, but not paying that sort of outlay, and that's before you stick air fair, food, golf, entertainment etc. on the bill.

Yes, there are times when you have to say enough is enough on prices.
Also, as we get up in years, we don't look forward to the commute back and forth.

[fdpaq0580]

We have been renting 3-4 months in high season for over 20 years.
Prices since our last stay in 2019/20 just before Covid restrictions, have more than doubled, and in the case of car rental quadrupled!
We have passed on staying this winter, and in all probabilities seen our last winter in Florida.
Shame, but not paying that sort of outlay, and that's before you stick air fair, food, golf, entertainment etc. on the bill.

Best of luck for you wherever you are.
Fred🙏

[rustyp]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

Capitalism incentivizes people and businesses to maximize the amount of money they earn. Does it bother you ? The only person's wealth I am concerned with is yours truly.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I really can't comment as I bottomed out socio-economically a couple of years back when a man wearing bib overalls and carrying a fly swatter refused me admission to a restaurant because I had no reservation.

[DAVES]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

I recall a zit faced kid selling discount tickets to some newly opened restaurant. He pulls up in a new lexus. When I told him we were not interested he mumbled something like you people don't eat out anyway. I laughed. My car was paid for, my mortgage was paid in full.
His dads restaurant I could buy it for CASH.

There is zero gain in counting other people's money and or bills.

[DAVES]

Not that I care, but the OP didn't mention their carbon footprint.

Endless debate re: carbon foot print. I can honestly SCREAM my carbon foot print is vastly reduced from what it was. Truth, I am retired. Truth I no longer produce anything.

Far as what was the GLOBAL WARMING PANIC, has evolved SPUN into CLIMATE CHANGE.
Climate has always and will always change. Interesting is the FACT that 40 years or so ago the concern was global cooling. Lacking was Al Gore to line his pockets, have a huge carbon foot print while telling us we should.........

[golfing eagles]

Endless debate re: carbon foot print. I can honestly SCREAM my carbon foot print is vastly reduced from what it was. Truth, I am retired. Truth I no longer produce anything.

Far as what was the GLOBAL WARMING PANIC, has evolved SPUN into CLIMATE CHANGE.
Climate has always and will always change. Interesting is the FACT that 40 years or so ago the concern was global cooling. Lacking was Al Gore to line his pockets, have a huge carbon foot print while telling us we should.........

My two favorite aspects of the "climate change" scam are:

a) Leonardo Dicaprio, U.N. global ambassador for climate change, flying to conferences in a private jet. This was in addition to the time he borrowed a Saudi prince's yacht and sailed it from the Mediterranean to Brazil using something like 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel.

b) All the politicians and Hollyweird stars that are telling you to hide under your bed from the climate change boogie man and how you are going to drown in rising ocean waters are busy building multi-million dollar homes on the beach.

But back on topic----at one point I owned 5 properties, now I have only 1, and I'm much happier.

[Keefelane66]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:
Thanks for being so concerned for us. Sorry you can’t leave.

[Rango]

Delete

[retiredguy123]

Endless debate re: carbon foot print. I can honestly SCREAM my carbon foot print is vastly reduced from what it was. Truth, I am retired. Truth I no longer produce anything.

Far as what was the GLOBAL WARMING PANIC, has evolved SPUN into CLIMATE CHANGE.
Climate has always and will always change. Interesting is the FACT that 40 years or so ago the concern was global cooling. Lacking was Al Gore to line his pockets, have a huge carbon foot print while telling us we should.........
It seems very hypocritical to tell people to spend $65K on an electric vehicle, spend trillions of tax dollars on an infrastructure of charging stations, but, apparently, it is fine to have 2 or 3 vacant houses being heated and cooled with fossil fuels.

[Babubhat]

The home prices here years ago were pocket change compared to the Northeast. Turned out well

[Stu from NYC]

It seems very hypocritical to tell people to spend $65K on an electric vehicle, spend trillions of tax dollars on an infrastructure of charging stations, but, apparently, it is fine to have 2 or 3 vacant houses being heated and cooled with fossil fuels.

It is the old do as I say not as I do thing

[Stu from NYC]

My two favorite aspects of the "climate change" scam are:

a) Leonardo Dicaprio, U.N. global ambassador for climate change, flying to conferences in a private jet. This was in addition to the time he borrowed a Saudi prince's yacht and sailed it from the Mediterranean to Brazil using something like 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel.

b) All the politicians and Hollyweird stars that are telling you to hide under your bed from the climate change boogie man and how you are going to drown in rising ocean waters are busy building multi-million dollar homes on the beach.

But back on topic----at one point I owned 5 properties, now I have only 1, and I'm much happier.

Well he is so important to the world that we must all make sacrifices so he can live in the comfort he think he deserves. He does have a huge ego

[Keefelane66]

It seems very hypocritical to tell people to spend $65K on an electric vehicle, spend trillions of tax dollars on an infrastructure of charging stations, but, apparently, it is fine to have 2 or 3 vacant houses being heated and cooled with fossil fuels.
For those able to purchase a $65,000 electric vehicle and own 2-3 vacation homes probably don't live in The Villages. I'm happy for their success.

[retiredguy123]

For those able to purchase a $65,000 electric vehicle and own 2-3 vacation homes probably don't live in The Villages. I'm happy for their success.
There are 5 snowbird houses on my street that have been vacant for 6 months. The heat pumps run every day, the sprinker systems come on, and the landscapers come to mow the lawns. My point is that a few electric vehicles wouldn't come close to offsetting the amount of fossil fuels being burned for those houses that aren't even being used. Why such a strong focus on electric vehicles?

[asianthree]

Wow this thread went south fast, those who seem angry some have more than one house, those who want electric cars, but not pay for infrastructure, and those who have, are just happy with their own life, and could give a crap how you live yours

[ElDiabloJoe]

Wow this thread went south fast, those who seem angry some have more than one house, those who want electric cars, but not pay for infrastructure, and those who have, are just happy with their own life, and could give a crap how you live yours

My opinion, if you want an electric vehicle - you should get one. I think you should only be allowed to charge it via solar panels and/or a windmill attached to your garage. No plugging into the electrical grid. That way, you won't be a hypocrite.

[Bogie Shooter]

Another worthless thread, causing more trouble than good.

[tophcfa]

There are 5 snowbird houses on my street that have been vacant for 6 months. The heat pumps run every day, the sprinker systems come on, and the landscapers come to mow the lawns. My point is that a few electric vehicles wouldn't come close to offsetting the amount of fossil fuels being burned for those houses that aren't even being used. Why such a strong focus on electric vehicles?

Because if the people who have multiple homes are forced to buy electric vehicles, they will have to sell all of their homes except for one since their vehicle will no longer have the range to travel between their homes.

[B-flat]

Because if the people who have multiple homes are forced to buy electric vehicles, they will have to sell all of their homes except for one since their vehicle will no longer have the range to travel between their homes.

I pray I'll be dead when electric cars become mainstream and at my current age it's very possible.

My two favorite aspects of the "climate change" scam are:

a) Leonardo Dicaprio, U.N. global ambassador for climate change, flying to conferences in a private jet. This was in addition to the time he borrowed a Saudi prince's yacht and sailed it from the Mediterranean to Brazil using something like 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel.

b) All the politicians and Hollyweird stars that are telling you to hide under your bed from the climate change boogie man and how you are going to drown in rising ocean waters are busy building multi-million dollar homes on the beach.

But back on topic----at one point I owned 5 properties, now I have only 1, and I'm much happier.

There are many but don't forget Steven Spielberg and his jet. This is a quote from the NY Post:

A private jet belonging to Steven Spielberg has burned more than $116,000 worth of jet fuel since June despite the famous Hollywood director’s past warnings about global warming, according to a flight tracking database. These elites are full of that stuff we flush down the toilet each day.

[kkingston57]

Different strokes for different folks. If you have the cash, live where you want and avoid the humidity. Oops spoke to fast. It is now 90+ degrees in Western Canada

[Stu from NYC]

Because if the people who have multiple homes are forced to buy electric vehicles, they will have to sell all of their homes except for one since their vehicle will no longer have the range to travel between their homes.

At some point will have conveniently located very fast charging systems to enable people to do this. That is except for California where they want you to purchase an electric car but do not want you to use it.

When fast charging systems come about might consider an electric car but doubt I will be around to see it.

[La lamy]

It is expensive to have 2 homes to pay for, but avoiding Canadian winters is what I worked for my whole life. Worth every sacrifice and stressful career to have achieved it. BTW, owning a home in TV is much cheaper to run than renting. They say if you rent for more than 1 1/2 months, owning ends up cheaper.

[NoMo50]

At some point will have conveniently located very fast charging systems to enable people to do this. That is except for California where they want you to purchase an electric car but do not want you to use it.

When fast charging systems come about might consider an electric car but doubt I will be around to see it.

California has completely run off the rails, and deservedly so. They do not have the electrical grid capacity to serve what is there now, and they want to mandate no fossil fuel vehicles by 2035. It is quite telling that they are now directing residents to refrain from charging electric vehicles in order to ease pressure on their grid.

[Jesse James]

Can’t say I, worried about my carbon footprint. Worried more about my expanding waistline. It does cost us more obviously, to have two houses. We give up a lot of the traveling that others do and the toys that others buy in order to keep out two homes. On the flip side, both are modest homes and we enjoy them both. As much as we love to get away from midwestern winter we also love to get away from Florida summers and, we enjoy having a home in the Midwest were out family is comfortable visiting while we’re here. I’ve lived in big cities before so snowbird season and the complaints of the traffic and crowds associated with snowbird season are laughable too me.

[joelfmi]

As long as people are willing to pay these outrageous prices to rent and buy price will continue to increase.
I would advise people to wait for prices to drop.

[swooner]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:
Who cares?

[Debra Freeman]

Why do you need two cars? Wouldn’t you drive the same one back and forth? Bills should be much lower at home you are not using. Also perhaps one rents home they aren’t using?

[Black Beauty]

My wife and I agree sometimes on something. We did agree that owning 2 homes was double everything..In Minnesota lake country taxes were high but if you homestead it is better same as here in Florida. BUT you can only claim ONE!

[dschneider]

Capitalism incentivizes people and businesses to maximize the amount of money they earn. Does it bother you ? The only person's wealth I am concerned with is yours truly.

Amen!!!!!

[banjobob]

Who cares?

[Bay Kid]

Retired after 46 years of hard work. A home is one the best investments available.
And you can use it and enjoy The Villages at the same time!

[me4vt]

Yea, 1 car, 1 truck, 1 motorhome, 1 motorcycle and 1 boat and enjoy the time away from nosy people that think they’re better than others! And I won’t go on!

[me4vt]

Nope, split resistance one Florida and one Tennessee.

[Catalina36]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

Some of The Villager's complain about Snowbirds. Traffic, Lines in the stores, waiting in restaurants to be seated??? What is the alternative? No Snowbirds and All of the Homeowners in The Villages live here all year round. Be Thankful for The Snowbirds who pay their Taxes, Pay their Amenity Fees and Spend Thousands of Dollars each time they come here at Restaurants, Stores, Gas Stations, Supermarkets, and Services needed for their Homes and they are Only here 3, 4, maybe 6 months out of the year.

[4557Spahr]

I kindly say I don’t think it’s really any one’s business what others own or do. According to the poster, he’s posted 1,217 times. If he had another home maybe he’d find something constructive to do with his life. The Villages has lots of places to volunteer.

[davephan]

Snow birding is much more expensive. But if you have the disposable income, perhaps less tolerant of the hot and humid Florida summers, or have extended family ties up north, then snow birding might be for you.

It’s true that you need two of almost everything, unless you want the hassles of hauling things back and forth. If you don’t have duplicate almost everything, then you’ll need things that are a thousand miles away, at the other house. You have to maintain two homes over a thousand miles apart from each other, which is a hassle. You need to setup each home so that you can monitor things remotely, like remote controllable thermostats, cameras, etc.

You can solve all those issues by simply dumping a lot of money on all those things. If you’re flushed with extra money, you can’t take the money with you after you pass on.

We considered being snowbirds, but decided it would be just too many hassles for us. We could have afforded to duplicate almost everything, and pay people to maintain the homes, but the hassles were just too much.

We would have probably only used the Minnesota properties 3 to 4 months a year at the most, because the rest of the year, the weather in Minnesota is too cold.

We sold the Minnesota home to an in law, where we occasionally stay for a couple to a few weeks in the summertime. We have a place to stay in Minnesota, without all the hassles and expenses.

Driving back and forth 1,600 miles gets old quickly, and is a big hassle. Driving is also more dangerous than flying. We would end up needing two sets of cars, four cars total, if we were snowbirds. Snow birding could also increase your income taxes too. For example, in Minnesota there are 26 residency intention factors. One of the residency intention factors is where you license, insure, and store your vehicles. If you violate the residency intention factors, then Minnesota can force you to pay the Minnesota state income taxes, even if you are a Florida resident. Other states could have similar income tax laws.

Renting for months in the wintertime in Florida can be extremely expensive, when the rent prices escalated. But when you’re renting, then you have to haul a lot of stuff, or do without that stuff. Plus, your Florida home won’t feel like your living in your own home. You’ll feel like a temporary renter.

The best solution for us was to be full time in Florida. The summertime heat and humidity isn’t that bad, compared to the lousy cold, icy, snowy, and dreary winter weather in Minnesota. Plus, all the hassles of snow birding, for us, wasn’t worth the benefits of being snowbirds.

[bonrich]

Nope, split resistance one Florida and one Tennessee.
Nope, two homes, here and up North. We would drive down and back every year. Drive changed from one overnight to two nights. Not an aggressive driver anymore, changed to a more defensive, age you know came knocking. Flying now is so nice, 2 1/2 hours, direct flight up and down, have a pickup at airport, to home, can't get much nicer that.
One of us still wants to hold on to the house up North, very hard to let go what was. As long as we have family checking on our place it works out, but lose that and we have a problem. Home watch services is not as prevalent as it is here.
Food for future thought...........

[Papa_lecki]

My opinion, if you want an electric vehicle - you should get one. I think you should only be allowed to charge it via solar panels and/or a windmill attached to your garage. No plugging into the electrical grid. That way, you won't be a hypocrite.

If you’re putting a windmill on your garage, get ARC approval or the clip board ladies will get you.

[Stu from NYC]

Who cares?

Why comment if you do not care?

[TomPerry]

OP, it appears that you think you and “the people who live in TV year round” are less wealthy than the snowbirds. Why are you concerned about other people’s wealth? The only person’s wealth you should be concerned about is your own.

[SusanStCatherine]

My opinion, if you want an electric vehicle - you should get one. I think you should only be allowed to charge it via solar panels and/or a windmill attached to your garage. No plugging into the electrical grid. That way, you won't be a hypocrite.

FYI - Some people who buy electric vehicles do not do it to be green. Perhaps someone buys an electric golf cart for the quiet and smooth ride which is free of gas fumes, has low maintenance, and no gas station stops. I'm just saying...

[Daxdog]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

What’s the point? Sounds like the green eye monster is lurking around!

[Mikee1]

In addition to the expenses you list, you forgot my jet to get back and forth between the two.

[Marine1974]

More power to snowbirds . What
pleasure in life having the means to
live 6 months in the summer up north and 6 months in the summer
in a warm climate. Different lifestyles every six months.
Like vacations .

[ElDiabloJoe]

FYI - Some people who buy electric vehicles do not do it to be green. Perhaps someone buys an electric golf cart for the quiet and smooth ride which is free of gas fumes, has low maintenance, and no gas station stops. I'm just saying...

We are talking electric cars here. Please read entire thread - specifically posts 16,19, 21, 23, 28, 29, 31, and 33 before piping up. Context is important.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Nope, split resistance one Florida and one Tennessee.

Heyyyyyyy, us also! E. TN? West 865?

[MandoMan]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

I know people who live here year around who bought the smallest houses here fifteen or twenty years ago, paid cash after selling their houses up north, and are living on small Social Security checks alone and barely scraping by. That will be much harder to do for the people they sell to in the next few years. I also know people who live here year around and live in houses that would sell for a million and who have several million in investments on which they can draw. That’s wealthier than most people, true, but still not really wealthy, and the taxes on their house here may be as much as your SS income. I think that for many people here part of the year, whether they own or rent, they long to escape the cold of northern winters, but they have children and grandchildren they want to see a lot. It’s not cheap, but so it goes. They do what it takes.

It doesn’t have to be too expensive. They may own their northern home outright. (They also may have used savings to buy a less-expensive house here for cash.) They may live in a state that never reassesses real estate until it is sold and so pay very little in taxes. Doctors charge by services rendered, so having two sets costs nothing extra. It’s easy to furnish a courtyard villa for two with used furniture for $5,000. For a couple hundred bucks, they can have their homes winterized and leave the heat off entirely and turn off the lights and refrigerator. They can leave an inexpensive, paid-off car in the garage here or there. They leave their golf cart here and learn to get by with one car instead of two each place. Two wardrobes? Are there no suitcases?

When I bought a home here a couple years ago, I thought I would summer up north. Keeping my little paid-for house in Pennsylvania cost me a total of $1,000 a month, half of which was community fees. (The rest was electricity, propane, taxes.) But I like it here. I’m enjoying being involved in what I like doing, which is performing music, all year around. I realized I don’t play golf, and in Pennsylvania I spent most of the summer in air conditioned comfort, avoiding the heat and humidity there. But I can do that here, too. I don’t often go outside in the summer, either place. I have no grandchildren, and my children lived an hour away from me in Pennsylvania but still never seem interested in seeing me. So I sold the house up north at the beginning of the summer. Now I’m a frog: here until I croak. This saves me $12,000 a year. Nice! Unfortunately, my mortgage, insurance, taxes, and yard care eats up every penny of my Social Security. Fortunately, I have some retirement funds. And an extra $12,000 a year.

But don’t assume that people with two houses are “wealthy.” Most aren’t. Not what I would consider wealthy. They may be wealthier than you if you are scraping by on Social Security, but that isn’t the same thing.

[ElDiabloJoe]

^ This! Absolutely well thought out and articulated. One does not need to be "wealthy" to snowbird. Yes, I used snowbird as a verb. No, it probably isn't really a verb.

I know people who live here year around who bought the smallest houses here fifteen or twenty years ago, paid cash after selling their houses up north, and are living on small Social Security checks alone and barely scraping by.

[RICH1]

As long as people are willing to pay these outrageous prices to rent and buy price will continue to increase.
I would advise people to wait for prices to drop.
Look outside the Villages and see what Home values are! Hard to find anything, on one level, for under 400k… I don’t judge but sometimes being rich is a curse

[Stu from NYC]

Look outside the Villages and see what Home values are! Hard to find anything, on one level, for under 400k… I don’t judge but sometimes being rich is a curse

If I had a choice would take being rich over poor

[Chuckndianne]

[The very LAST thing I will ever worry about is my carbon footprint.

[Chuckndianne]

Not that I care, but the OP didn't mention their carbon footprint.
The very LAST thing I will ever worry about is my carbon footprint.

[Decadeofdave]

Is this the greatest country in the world!, you have unlimited choices to see your life flourish as you would plan.

[KimmieK]

Heyyyyyyy, us also! E. TN? West 865?

Us too! Tellico Village in the Summer & Fall (our first year trying it out).

[manaboutown]

If I had a choice would take being rich over poor

Amen to that!

[wdh56]

Snowbird here. It is matter of what you want to pay for. I want pay to for nice weather all year long. I love The Villages but you can't beat the weather in the north from May to September.

[airstreamingypsy]

Many snowbirds don't own a second house, they take off in their RV for the summer. They may go plop on one of their children's properties, to spend the summer with the grandkids, or they may head to the mountains or Canada. Some snowbirds don't even own a house, their RV is their home and the travel around always in nice weather.

[billethkid]

The one factor that has only been some what touched upon is the age of the people involved.

What and how you do what ever it is we do at 55-75 is significantly different than when we are 76-95.

We had a second home on a lake in the mountains....5 wooded acres, for over 25 years.

The 10 hour drive to get there...the labor to close/open...the labor to get the property back to being lived in normal, clean and restore the dock, clean and put the boat in (take out when leaving...etc....all changed in magnitude as we passed into our 80's.

Yes there was a lot done for maintenance while absent on either end.....that still left much work to be done to keep both properties the way we like them.

Two years ago we made the very difficult decision to sell the lake home.

However.....yes we do sorely miss that part of our lives (and the family gatherings/vacations there).....with 25 years of fantabulous memories and thousands of pictures!!

It was the right decision for our ages/health/endurance. ....etc.

__________________________________________

:censored:

[Rainger99]

We always hear about snowbirds but I have never seen any statistics on their number. Are they 10% or 50% of the population?

[mkjelenbaas]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:
Who really cares?

[toeser]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:


A couple of thoughts:

I don't spend twice as much for doctors and dentists because I live in two different places.

I have no one checking on my houses. I do have two Wifi bills and two security systems to pay for so I just watch my own houses. The total cost for a second house is $864 per year.

We have had two cars our entire adult lives. We leave one up north and when we drive back for the summer, we have two cars there. When we come back down for the winter, we have one car and a golf cart, which is all we need in The Villages.

What we saved in annual taxes by becoming residents of Florida covers 100% of our cost of living in Florida, other than the purchase price of a house. So other than that one time outlay for buying a house, our budget has not gone up one dime for living in two different places.

[Michael G.]

The one factor that has only been some what touched upon is the age of the people involved.

What and how you do what ever it is we do at 55-75 is significantly different than when we are 76-95.



Life seems to get shorter as we grow older regardless of anyone's wealth.
We all go through this.

Commuting in and out of Florida is fun and easy when you are young, but the
day comes when it just too much to travel and we decide to stay in God's waiting room full time.

[jimbomaybe]

Endless debate re: carbon foot print. I can honestly SCREAM my carbon foot print is vastly reduced from what it was. Truth, I am retired. Truth I no longer produce anything.

Far as what was the GLOBAL WARMING PANIC, has evolved SPUN into CLIMATE CHANGE.
Climate has always and will always change. Interesting is the FACT that 40 years or so ago the concern was global cooling. Lacking was Al Gore to line his pockets, have a huge carbon foot print while telling us we should.........
I remember something like that! at this point we are suppose to be starving , freezing , in the dark, and they (who ever they are) had the proof that this was the future , we must have slipped through a time/space warp unnoticed, luckily us

[Laker14]

Here's a NEWSFLASH!!! for the OP:

Stuff costs money.
More stuff costs more money.

I am a snowbird with a home up north and in TV, and there are some homes in TV that are worth more than both of my homes combined. A lot more.

I enjoy the change. It comes with considerable hassle as well as expense, and I hope to live long enough that it will not be feasible to do both anymore. If/when that day comes, TV will likely be our sole home. Like all homes in TV, it was designed for easy living for old people. My northern home is a converted fish camp on a lake. Pretty enough in summer, but an easy place to get injured with funky stairways, a dock, boats, rocks on the beach etc etc.... I feel more vulnerable here every year.

[Laker14]

It is expensive to have 2 homes to pay for, but avoiding Canadian winters is what I worked for my whole life. Worth every sacrifice and stressful career to have achieved it. BTW, owning a home in TV is much cheaper to run than renting. They say if you rent for more than 1 1/2 months, owning ends up cheaper.

interesting, I'd love to see how the numbers were crunched to get to the 1 1/2 months figure. Whenever I calculated it (which I did many times over the years trying to justify the investment) I came up with a number more like 6 or 7 months.
However, I was including my mortgage payment, and not including any capital appreciation (since that is an unknown and unpromised amount).

Whenever I've had this conversation with people, usually owners of homes, they compare what it costs them today, typically on a home they paid cash for, and bought 10 years ago, with what rents are today. It still comes out to more than 1 1/2 months, usually.

[DonnaNi4os]

Do you stay up at night thinking about this?

[ElDiabloJoe]

If I had a choice would take being rich over poor

IIRC, it was Cher in her "Behind The Music" episode that said, "I've been rich. I've been poor. Rich is better."

[ThehappypeopleLOL]

As long as people are willing to pay these outrageous prices to rent and buy price will continue to increase.
I would advise people to wait for prices to drop.

A northern lake home next to ours rents their 4-bedroom house for $8,000 per WEEK w/o a boat ($1,500 additional rental fee from the marina)! Renting a home in the Villages for two months is about that rate and is an inexpensive way to go even though it's not an apples to apples comparison.

[Two Bills]

Snowbird here. It is matter of what you want to pay for. I want pay to for nice weather all year long. I love The Villages but you can't beat the weather in the north from May to September.

""Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time for the waiting game""
NKC.

[bsloan1960]

We have been renting 3-4 months in high season for over 20 years.
Prices since our last stay in 2019/20 just before Covid restrictions, have more than doubled, and in the case of car rental quadrupled!
We have passed on staying this winter, and in all probabilities seen our last winter in Florida.
Shame, but not paying that sort of outlay, and that's before you stick air fair, food, golf, entertainment etc. on the bill.

When you say you were "Renting:" do you mean an AirBnB? We are considering coming North for 2-3 months but are seeking a way to do so since we will not still own our Up North home. Thanks!

[Nana2Teddy]

California has completely run off the rails, and deservedly so. They do not have the electrical grid capacity to serve what is there now, and they want to mandate no fossil fuel vehicles by 2035. It is quite telling that they are now directing residents to refrain from charging electric vehicles in order to ease pressure on their grid.
Yep, and that’s just one of our many many problems here. We are working on getting out of here as soon as possible. We’ll be leaving our 3 adult kids and only grandbaby behind, but that’s their choice to live here. It’s no longer ours.

[JMintzer]

If I had a choice would take being rich over poor

"Money doesn't by happiness, but it affords you a higher quality of misery..."

"Money doesn't buy happiness, but it'll buy a Cadillac, so you can drive around looking for it..."


-My late Father-in-Law

[Margterrymcg]

We’ve stayed in our RV in a RI campground during the summer. That has been economical.

[Two Bills]

When you say you were "Renting:" do you mean an AirBnB? We are considering coming North for 2-3 months but are seeking a way to do so since we will not still own our Up North home. Thanks!

Not AirBnB.
We rented a house.
Used this site, but there are others.

VH4R Home Rentals in The Villages Florida The Villages Rentals (https://www.villagershomes4rent.com/)

[Daxdog]

Do you stay up at night thinking about this?

I don’t know if they really need more money, the ones near me go from house to house trying borrow everything thing from lawnmower to pots and pans!

[La lamy]

interesting, I'd love to see how the numbers were crunched to get to the 1 1/2 months figure. Whenever I calculated it (which I did many times over the years trying to justify the investment) I came up with a number more like 6 or 7 months.
However, I was including my mortgage payment, and not including any capital appreciation (since that is an unknown and unpromised amount).

Whenever I've had this conversation with people, usually owners of homes, they compare what it costs them today, typically on a home they paid cash for, and bought 10 years ago, with what rents are today. It still comes out to more than 1 1/2 months, usually.

Yes every individual would have to take into account mortgage costs if needed, but investing into a home usually always ends up being a wise choice, especially in a well desired location. I know for me it's definitely less expensive to own than rent for 6 months, even with expected repairs taken into account.

[Laker14]

"Money doesn't by happiness, but it affords you a higher quality of misery..."

"Money doesn't buy happiness, but it'll buy a Cadillac, so you can drive around looking for it..."


-My late Father-in-Law

:agree:

"Money. You can't take it with you but you can't go very far without it."

"The more $hit you got, the more $hit you gotta worry about"

-My buddy's long late granddad.

[Laker14]

Yes every individual would have to take into account mortgage costs if needed, but investing into a home usually always ends up being a wise choice, especially in a well desired location. I know for me it's definitely less expensive to own than rent for 6 months, even with expected repairs taken into account.

I agree. Also, finding a rental every year is a hassle. Many rentals are owned by folks who ultimately plan on retiring and using their home for themselves. When that happens you are back to finding another place. Choice of area becomes tougher.

I had planned on just renting. There is the convenience of handing over the keys and not worrying about anything all summer long. But as my desire to stay in TV stretched from 3 months to eventually 7+, it made sense to buy.

The extra hassle of ownership is more than outweighed by the convenience of having my own furniture, (a good bed!), my own pots, pans, cutlery, and two golf carts ready and waiting for me.
It's a good life. I worked a few extra years so I could afford it. I'm glad I did.
As far as I'm concerned, the fact that the real estate will likely appreciate is gravy, and WTH, maybe as good an investment, or better, than CDs or bonds, or equities. Probably not a bad way to diversify.

[ILLINOIS RAY]

Why so bitter? You do not know everyone's circumstances.

[MX rider]

We'll be snowbrids soon. We bought a home in TV last March. Just downsized here in SW Indiana to get prepared for retirement. Our plan is to keep both homes for about 4 or 5 years until the grandkids get a bit older. My wife isn't ready to leave them yet. Plus we do love it here 7 months out of the year. lol.
Eventually we'll end up in TV full time. We planned for this, but we don't want 2 homes forever.

Everyones plan is different. It really isn't about wealth, but investing well and saving for retirement. Also not buying more house than you can afford is key. We're not rich by any means, but god willing we stay healthy and can live full and active life.

[rsmurano]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

Not sure what your point is! There are multi-millionaires owning outright 1 house here in TV and/or owning outright multiple houses around the country. I know people that own multiple homes and they have multiple mortgages.

You can also say that owning multiple houses has been a very good investment that has generated more profit than expenses at the same time of being able to live where and when they desire

[JMintzer]

Snowbirds be like...

https://media4.giphy.com/media/YZGJc1WmUZPi0/giphy.gif

[Scorpyo]

I pray I'll be dead when electric cars become mainstream and at my current age it's very possible.



There are many but don't forget Steven Spielberg and his jet. This is a quote from the NY Post:

A private jet belonging to Steven Spielberg has burned more than $116,000 worth of jet fuel since June despite the famous Hollywood director’s past warnings about global warming, according to a flight tracking database. These elites are full of that stuff we flush down the toilet each day.

??? You have a Bull on your property that uses your toilet? 😂

[Stu from NYC]

??? You have a Bull on your property that uses your toilet? 😂

Huh????

[vinnytalk]

Not sure about more wealth, but they are certainly strapped with more responsibilities, and not just the responsibilities involved with owning and maintaining two homes. Many don’t want to own two homes, but are forced to because of unavoidable responsibilities that require them to continue to spend significant time outside of Florida. My best advise for anyone retiring is to dump any and all possible responsibilities and avoid taking on new ones like the plague. We spent our whole adult lives dealing with responsibilities, retirement is our limited remaining time to do whatever we want, whenever we f’in please : )

What's the point, people have the right to do with they want with their money?

[manaboutown]

Not sure what your point is! There are multi-millionaires owning outright 1 house here in TV and/or owning outright multiple houses around the country. I know people that own multiple homes and they have multiple mortgages.

You can also say that owning multiple houses has been a very good investment that has generated more profit than expenses at the same time of being able to live where and when they desire

On another thread I commented on how my brother is working to straighten out the finances of his 81 year old sister-in-law and her 89 year old husband who has developed dementia. They owned four houses, three in and near a mountain town in Colorado, and one in Tucson. They were snowbirds. One of the CO houses was a rental and the long term tenants recently moved out. When my brother got ahold of their finances they did not have sufficient cash to pay their income taxes! They had lived large (pun intended; they each are obese) for almost 25 years on two quite sizable pensions, but had not set aside any cash savings. Long story short: my brother sold the vacant rental and their $700,000 "cabin" for which they had paid $150,000 some years ago. He recently put their large CO home up for sale. So, their multiple homes will fund their last few years in Tucson along with their generous pensions. They lived quite high (pun intended, CO homes at 8,500; cabin at 9,500 ft. elev.).

[Scorpyo]

Huh????

You have to read 93 in it's entirety to get my humor. Primarily the ending.

[PugMom]

My two favorite aspects of the "climate change" scam are:

a) Leonardo Dicaprio, U.N. global ambassador for climate change, flying to conferences in a private jet. This was in addition to the time he borrowed a Saudi prince's yacht and sailed it from the Mediterranean to Brazil using something like 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel.

b) All the politicians and Hollyweird stars that are telling you to hide under your bed from the climate change boogie man and how you are going to drown in rising ocean waters are busy building multi-million dollar homes on the beach.

But back on topic----at one point I owned 5 properties, now I have only 1, and I'm much happier.

don't forget Harry & Megan, :clap2:

[PugMom]

What's the point, people have the right to do with they want with their money?

agreed. what my neighbor earns is none of my business. if they can do things we can't afford, be happy for them. they earned it

[ElDiabloJoe]

agreed. what my neighbor earns is none of my business. if they can do things we can't afford, be happy for them. they earned it

I am happy to see good people do well and the more money they have, the better. I hate to see lawsuit millionaires who got their money by suing police departments for their own stupid behavior to begin with.

The more money hard-working, good, honest people have, the happier I am for them. They deserve it, and they earned it, IMHO.

[Laker14]

We'll be snowbrids soon. We bought a home in TV last March. Just downsized here in SW Indiana to get prepared for retirement. Our plan is to keep both homes for about 4 or 5 years until the grandkids get a bit older. My wife isn't ready to leave them yet. Plus we do love it here 7 months out of the year. lol.
Eventually we'll end up in TV full time. We planned for this, but we don't want 2 homes forever.

Everyones plan is different. It really isn't about wealth, but investing well and saving for retirement. Also not buying more house than you can afford is key. We're not rich by any means, but god willing we stay healthy and can live full and active life.

This is the place for it. If you like to be busy and active, you'll love it here.

[Stu from NYC]

You have to read 93 in it's entirety to get my humor. Primarily the ending.

Bit of a stretch but understand it now

[44Apple]

Way, way off original topic, but those who are against electrical vehicles now are probably descended from those who did not want motorcars in 1925 and those who did not want trains in 1825.

[Two Bills]

don't forget Harry & Megan, :clap2:

There goes the neighborhood!:p

[golfing eagles]

Way, way off original topic, but those who are against electrical vehicles now are probably descended from those who did not want motorcars in 1925 and those who did not want trains in 1825.

Or....... They are the people who realize this whole climate change scam is bogus and the mining and disposal of lithium is far more damaging than any CO2 emissions that have virtually no effect on climate cycles that are driven by the power of the sun and Earth's axis variations. [end of run on sentence]

[Michael G.]

I know people that own multiple homes and they have multiple mortgages.



Which means they have huge multiple incomes.

[tophcfa]

Which means they have huge multiple incomes.

Or it could simply indicate that mortgage underwriting standards have again become dangerously relaxed. Rewind to around 2007, when anyone with a faint pulse could qualify for a mortgage they had very little chance of ever repaying, which resulted in an inevitable nationwide housing market crash which rippled through to the stock market and the economy.

[manaboutown]

Or it could simply indicate that mortgage underwriting standards have again become dangerously relaxed. Rewind to around 2007, when anyone with a faint pulse could qualify for a mortgage they had very little chance of ever repaying, which resulted in an inevitable nationwide housing market crash which rippled through to the stock market and the economy.

Bank of America tests no-down-payment mortgages for Black, Latino homebuyers | Fox Business (https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/bank-of-america-tests-no-down-payment-mortgages-black-latino-homebuyers)

[Laker14]

Bank of America tests no-down-payment mortgages for Black, Latino homebuyers | Fox Business (https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/bank-of-america-tests-no-down-payment-mortgages-black-latino-homebuyers)

what could go wrong?

[Stu from NYC]

Bank of America tests no-down-payment mortgages for Black, Latino homebuyers | Fox Business (https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/bank-of-america-tests-no-down-payment-mortgages-black-latino-homebuyers)

Did they not learn a lesson the last time they did this?

[MX rider]

This is the place for it. If you like to be busy and active, you'll love it here.
Oh yes. We're very active. Both in our mid 60's and very fit. I still ride my dirt bike and mountain bike. Plus I'm an avid runner. Lots to do outside the bubble as well.That's why we chose the Villages. Been there 3 times since we bought our house. We love it.

[Garywt]

Do you feel snowbirds are wealthier than the people that live in TV year around?

They would need:

2 homes.
2 wardrobes at each house.
2 cars.
2 tax bills.
2 heating/cooling bills.
2 yard maintenance contracts.
2 doctors/dentist etc.
And someone to check on each house for 6 months.

We in TV thank you for sharing your wealth. :wave:

Wealth, I don’t think so. 2 homes yes but we bought Florida before I retired. My wife works and I collect a pension and disability. I was forced to retire when my cancer would not let me work at 56. We are only at our house 4-6 weeks a year. Will not sell our northern home as long as our grandson needs a place to live, just won’t happen. The homes are not huge. Northern home is 1872 sq feet bought 27 years ago, The Village home is a Villa at 1462 sq feet bought 3 years ago, small mortgage. Was only able to buy Florida home after collecting commissions from 2 huge jobs I sold before I went out sick and eventually retired.

2 tax bills yes bur both paid through the escrow accounts so we don’t really see them.

2 cars, yes but we have had 2 cars for over 35 years.

2 heating/cooling bills or 2 electric bills but the Florida bills are not bad since we are not there much.

1 yard maintenance bill as I do all the work up north, it is about all I can do.

Doctors up north only.

Don’t pay anyone to watch any house, daughter lives up north and our neighbors call call if the see anything and either a friend with a key checks it out or I fly down.

In addition to this we gave 2 campers, 1 on a seasonal site and one to travel with plus one boat that we keep on a lake near camp.

Mostly I blew through my 401k figuring my wife can sell everything she wants plus collect me life insurance and she will be good to go.

At best I have considered us as lower middle class.

[Garywt]

Which means they have huge multiple incomes.

Not true. 2 houses could be small.

[JMintzer]

Or it could simply indicate that mortgage underwriting standards have again become dangerously relaxed. Rewind to around 2007, when anyone with a faint pulse could qualify for a mortgage they had very little chance of ever repaying, which resulted in an inevitable nationwide housing market crash which rippled through to the stock market and the economy.

Or, like me, they are mortgage free in their primary home and can put down over 30% on a new home to make getting a mortgage much more attractive to lenders... My current mortgage in TV is about the same as my property taxes up north...

In another year or two, when I can finally fully retire, we'll sell the big home up North and move down full time. Until then, we come and go as often as we can...

I come down 2 weeks every quarter and the Boss stays longer... Especially over the Winter...

[Laker14]

Or, like me, they are mortgage free in their primary home and can put down over 30% on a new home to make getting a mortgage much more attractive to lenders... My current mortgage in TV is about the same as my property taxes up north...

In another year or two, when I can finally fully retire, we'll sell the big home up North and move down full time. Until then, we come and go as often as we can...

I come down 2 weeks every quarter and the Boss stays longer... Especially over the Winter...

you are rich and I resent it.

[JMintzer]

you are rich and I resent it.

Define rich... :loco::p:wave:

[Laker14]

Define rich... :loco::p:wave:

anyone who might have more than I have?

Yeah, that seems fair.

[DAVES]

My opinion, if you want an electric vehicle - you should get one. I think you should only be allowed to charge it via solar panels and/or a windmill attached to your garage. No plugging into the electrical grid. That way, you won't be a hypocrite.

Nothing is perfect yet people demand, expect perfection. I have a gasoline car and it is 11 years old. The batteries in an electric car do not last 11 years and are very expensive to replace.

Reality of solar panels and windmills. Again neither is perfect. I don't think you would be allowed to put in a wind turbine-I've not seen any. Solar panels? I do wonder how secure they are in a hurricane?

It is great that we have so many choices.

[DAVES]

anyone who might have more than I have?

Yeah, that seems fair.

The list of top earners is published every year. Buffet, Besos, do not need to worry that I will replace them.

[Laker14]

The list of top earners is published every year. Buffet, Besos, do not need to worry that I will replace them.

They're safe with me as well.

[Babubhat]

Title should be snowbirds HAVE wealth

[Dusty_Star]

We have been renting 3-4 months in high season for over 20 years.
Prices since our last stay in 2019/20 just before Covid restrictions, have more than doubled, and in the case of car rental quadrupled!
We have passed on staying this winter, and in all probabilities seen our last winter in Florida.
Shame, but not paying that sort of outlay, and that's before you stick air fair, food, golf, entertainment etc. on the bill.
I'm sorry to hear that Two Bills, reports are that Europe is about to have a very bad winter regarding energy prices & availability. Are you seeing the same? Thanks, Dusty

[Two Bills]

I'm sorry to hear that Two Bills, reports are that Europe is about to have a very bad winter regarding energy prices & availability. Are you seeing the same? Thanks, Dusty

They say energy prices will be off the clock unless the governments freeze the price, and subsidize the energy companies.
Wife and I grew up in UK during, and in the aftermath of WW2.
There are a lot worse things in lfe than being cold.
We'll survive.
Maybe Global warming will save us! :icon_wink:

[Stu from NYC]

They say energy prices will be off the clock unless the governments freeze the price, and subsidize the energy companies.
Wife and I grew up in UK during, and in the aftermath of WW2.
There are a lot worse things in lfe than being cold.
We'll survive.
Maybe Global warming will save us! :icon_wink:

Sorry this has happened but govt freezing energy prices would be a disaster. Prices already trending downward.

[House of Dawgs]

I'm sorry to hear that Two Bills, reports are that Europe is about to have a very bad winter regarding energy prices & availability. Are you seeing the same? Thanks, Dusty
Hundreds of Canadian snowbirds own/rent in TV..more financially challenging each year. Ex - rental at $4000/month for 5 months = $20,000US. At the current conversion rate that equates to $26,300 CDN. As Two Bills said, add travel costs, health insurance, living expenses while in TV all the while covering the expenses of a home in Canada & the 'sunshine' becomes very expensive.

[Two Bills]

Sorry this has happened but govt freezing energy prices would be a disaster. Prices already trending downward.

As UK and Europe move into winter, and demand increases, the price of natural gas and electricity is not going to trend downwards. Rather the opposite.
Now Russia has cut NG. pipeline to Europe demand supply situation is worsening.
Demand and open market prices only goes one way in a shortage of anything.
Thank God we have plenty of toilet rolls!