The SNOWBIRDS are back....

[graciegirl]

And we love them. They have every right to return to this beautiful place. I feel sad that something keeps them up North for nine months or even longer. Now that they are here they are eating at restaurants and parking at the square and enjoying EVERYTHING there is to do.

Some of those dear souls brought some new cold germs for us to share and they just love to drive their carts and cars everywhere and the traffic is a bit overwhelming at times. Many have forgotten how to negotiate roundabouts and some even think STOP signs are a suggestion. Now Gracie, We don't know they are snowbirds and they could be new to The Villages RENTERS. And the renters have every right to rent and most of them are wonderful folks who are learning the speed limits in the neighborhoods and may need to park right in front of the Drug Store or Grocery. They will soon get used to things....

We were snowbirds ourselves for several years but now are so glad to be Frogs, here 'til we croak.

Welcome home Birdies. (I think the ones in the Fruitland Park area are called Fruit-flies.)

[fdpaq0580]

Seasonal migrants.

[Kenswing]

I love snowbirds. If it wasn't for them this place would be overcrowded year-round instead of just a couple months. Plus they pay amenity fees and taxes for the entire year, basically subsidizing the rest of us.

[golfing eagles]

I love snowbirds. If it wasn't for them this place would be overcrowded year-round instead of just a couple months. Plus they pay amenity fees and taxes for the entire year, basically subsidizing the rest of us.

Or.... we'd have the summertime population all year round but pay more amenity fees, OR..., and most likely, somewhere between those two scenarios.

[JohnN]

We were once snowbirds, now frogs. The birds always bring nice cool weather!

[tophcfa]

I love snowbirds. If it wasn't for them this place would be overcrowded year-round instead of just a couple months. Plus they pay amenity fees and taxes for the entire year, basically subsidizing the rest of us.

You got that correct, and the list of subsidies goes on. They pay for trash pickup and a base water and sewer fee while not using them. And not only do they pay taxes year round, they pay higher taxes, effectively subsidizing those enjoying the homestead exemption. They also keep many service companies in business that care for their properties while away. And green fees wouldn’t go way down during slow season if they stayed year round. They are literally the goose that lays the golden eggs, and many people fail to recognize that and want to roast that goose.

[Two Bills]

Get ready for roundabouts, can't get tee times, and state of the golf course's threads.
2-3 weeks max!

[La lamy]

You got that correct, and the list of subsidies goes on. They pay for trash pickup and a base water and sewer fee while not using them. And not only do they pay taxes year round, they pay higher taxes, effectively subsidizing those enjoying the homestead exemption. They also keep many service companies in business that care for their properties while away. And green fees wouldn’t go way down during slow season if they stayed year round. They are literally the goose that lays the golden eggs, and many people fail to recognize that and want to roast that goose.

What a well said, logical post. THANK YOU!!!!

[La lamy]

And we love them. They have every right to return to this beautiful place. I feel sad that something keeps them up North for nine months or even longer. Now that they are here they are eating at restaurants and parking at the square and enjoying EVERYTHING there is to do.

Some of those dear souls brought some new cold germs for us to share and they just love to drive their carts and cars everywhere and the traffic is a bit overwhelming at times. Many have forgotten how to negotiate roundabouts and some even think STOP signs are a suggestion. Now Gracie, We don't know they are snowbirds and they could be new to The Villages RENTERS. And the renters have every right to rent and most of them are wonderful folks who are learning the speed limits in the neighborhoods and may need to park right in front of the Drug Store or Grocery. They will soon get used to things....

We were snowbirds ourselves for several years but now are so glad to be Frogs, here 'til we croak.

Welcome home Birdies. (I think the ones in the Fruitland Park area are called Fruit-flies.)

No need to feel sad Gracie Girl. In my case, I'm so grateful to have a northern home. Extreme weather is not at all comfortable for me, so going north in the summer is awesome. But thanks for the welcome back!

[ThirdOfFive]

Get ready for roundabouts, can't get tee times, and state of the golf course's threads.
2-3 weeks max!
Yep. Annual event, like clockwork.

But don't forget the "I can't get reservations at ....." folks. We'll be hearing from them as well.

[rsmurano]

welcome back! My travel times will increase because the average speed will be 10 mph slower (who needs to go the speed limit anyway), those magical stop signs have already popped up at the roundabouts (we don't need no continuous travel thru a roundabout if no cars are in sight), the golf cart paths have new drivers thinking the speed limit is 15mph (our tires will last longer), and if you need to get a tee time within 3 days, you can forget that and now you can join another club doing a new sport because you won't be golfing as much.

[MX rider]

You got that correct, and the list of subsidies goes on. They pay for trash pickup and a base water and sewer fee while not using them. And not only do they pay taxes year round, they pay higher taxes, effectively subsidizing those enjoying the homestead exemption. They also keep many service companies in business that care for their properties while away. And green fees wouldn’t go way down during slow season if they stayed year round. They are literally the goose that lays the golden eggs, and many people fail to recognize that and want to roast that goose.

100% agree. Very well said. We're former snowbirds living here fulltime now.

[PugMom]

i truly miss my snowbird friends-am glad to see them coming back :MOJE_whot:

[Switter]

I love snowbirds. If it wasn't for them this place would be overcrowded year-round instead of just a couple months. Plus they pay amenity fees and taxes for the entire year, basically subsidizing the rest of us.

I agree with this. It's nice to have six months out of the year where you practically have the place to yourself. It's easy to get a lane in the swimming pools, less traffic on the multi modal paths for biking and walking, etc. In fact, I think we need more snowbirds, lol.

[Kathrynsews]

I so agree! I love the energy the snowbirds bring. They are all so happy to be here!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ve been both full time and part time , the talk every winter about snowbirds and roundabouts being the problem is just a bag of wind .Rotaries / roundabouts have been a round the northeast since before the villages was even created. I’ve listened to people who have been here for years still tell someone else the wrong way to enter a roundabout , admittedly more traffic is going to cause more problems at the roundabouts in season , but full timers I suspect are even more responsible for the tie ups then snowbirds , but in any case who really cares . FYI sorry Gracie but don’t be sad for snowbirds it’s the best of 2 worlds

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

No need to feel sad Gracie Girl. In my case, I'm so grateful to have a northern home. Extreme weather is not at all comfortable for me, so going north in the summer is awesome. But thanks for the welcome back!

I feel envious of people who can afford both. But at least I can enjoy the north posthumously through those who can.

Five years in and still missing New England.

[George Page]

Seasonal migrants.

This bird flies away from the oppressive heat and humidity here in the summer. Not the snow in ski country.

What’s the opposite of snowbird? Baked bird?

[Dustybrogan]

Great post! Everyone complaining about snowbirds should read and give some consideration.

[brianherlihy]

buy my home and i will go

[TJandDee]

If they own their homes and pay their yearly amenity, taxes and keep up on the landscape maintenance when there not here are they really snowbirds or just seasonal residents. I think the renters who only pay for the time they stay here are the real snowbirds or snowflakes (not here long enough to stick)
Just wondering

[ElDiabloJoe]

No need to feel sad Gracie Girl. In my case, I'm so grateful to have a northern home. Extreme weather is not at all comfortable for me, so going north in the summer is awesome. But thanks for the welcome back!

Totally agree!! Summertime boating and jet skiing on the lake, and wintertime sun and warmth. I can wear shorts everyday year-round. The best of both worlds!

[ElDiabloJoe]

I feel envious of people who can afford both. But at least I can enjoy the north posthumously through those who can.

Five years in and still missing New England.
I hope you meant "Vicariously."

[Daisy]

Gracie said: "I feel sad that something keeps them up North for nine months or even longer."
If you can get Uncle Sam, or I guess it's now Uncle Trump to extend the time a Canadian visitor is allowed to stay in the U.S. we'd love to be there for at least 9 months or perhaps make the move permanently.

[Villager24]

Being a southerner, I enjoy the snowbirds accents and attitude. They’re fun and interesting to us. And… nice people. Welcome back our northern friends. Live it up.

[JMintzer]

buy my home and i will go

Got a link to it?

[Laker14]

I feel envious of people who can afford both. But at least I can enjoy the north posthumously through those who can.

Five years in and still missing New England.

My condolences on your passing.

[Gpsma]

You got that correct, and the list of subsidies goes on. They pay for trash pickup and a base water and sewer fee while not using them. And not only do they pay taxes year round, they pay higher taxes, effectively subsidizing those enjoying the homestead exemption. They also keep many service companies in business that care for their properties while away. And green fees wouldn’t go way down during slow season if they stayed year round. They are literally the goose that lays the golden eggs, and many people fail to recognize that and want to roast that goose.

Have heard that argument so many times that snowbirds subsidize the rest of us. Do they subsidize their northern community too?

They own a home here. They pay taxes. Many have the homestead exemption. Yes, they do pay for things that they “dont use” while away…garbage pickup, etc. But they use fire and police protection..a big bill on our taxes.

Snowbirds are nothing more than tourists that clog our roads, hog restaurants and take up tee times.

[frayedends]

Have heard that argument so many times that snowbirds subsidize the rest of us. Do they subsidize their northern community too?

They own a home here. They pay taxes. Many have the homestead exemption. Yes, they do pay for things that they “dont use” while away…garbage pickup, etc. But they use fire and police protection..a big bill on our taxes.

Snowbirds are nothing more than tourists that clog our roads, hog restaurants and take up tee times.

I'm completely confused by your post. What do you mean we "use fire and police protection"? I'm part time so not quite a snowbird. But we pay exactly the same as you for those protections. While I'm sure some snowbirds meet the residency requirement and get the homestead exemption (why shouldn't they?) many of us do not and pay more in taxes.

You benefit from us. You should think about the alternative. If we couldn't be snowbirds do you think we would just buy the houses, leave them vacant, and honor you with low crowds year round? Of course not. If there weren't snowbirds then it would always be as crowded as it is during "snowbird" season.

[juddfl]

I agree with you. I love the snowbirds too. I'm in a club that has a few snowbirds. We miss them when they are gone. They flutter in and flutter out.

[juddfl]

Think about it! They could be here all year round like you. Then you would have traffic all year long instead of just a few months.

[justjim]

No need to feel sad Gracie Girl. In my case, I'm so grateful to have a northern home. Extreme weather is not at all comfortable for me, so going north in the summer is awesome. But thanks for the welcome back!

We have a condo up north, designer in TV, and travel north for a couple of months during the really hot weather. I hear we are called Sunbirds. The best of both worlds IMHO.

[asianthree]

If they own their homes and pay their yearly amenity, taxes and keep up on the landscape maintenance when there not here are they really snowbirds or just seasonal residents. I think the renters who only pay for the time they stay here are the real snowbirds or snowflakes (not here long enough to stick)
Just wondering

This is our definition and how we travel between our homes. We have been in all categories.

Snowflake is someone who owns more than one residence, comes and goes to any residence with no length of stay in any one season. Floating in and out anytime, of the year.

Snowbirds flee the Snow to warmer climates usually late fall to early spring.

Seasonal Renters mostly come during high season January February March with occasional December or April added in, for a better rate.

Sunbirds flee the summers Hot sun, escaping to northern states that have cooler weather and lakes you can swim in, without worrying of being eaten.

Renters, those who come to southern states to see if that area will become their new retirement community. Sometimes only doing a lifestyle visit once or many, many times.

Vacationer’s visit with time constraints, usually with baggage in tow (children, or stress) spend bunch of money, go home more exhausted then arrival, with sunburn that makes flight uncomfortable.

[tophcfa]

This is our definition and how we travel between our homes. We have been in all categories.

Snowflake is someone who owns more than one residence, comes and goes to any residence with no length of stay in any one season. Floating in and out anytime, of the year.

Snowbirds flee the Snow to warmer climates usually late fall to early spring.

Seasonal Renters mostly come during high season January February March with occasional December or April added in, for a better rate.

Sunbirds flee the summers Hot sun, escaping to northern states that have cooler weather and lakes you can swim in, without worrying of being eaten.

Renters, those who come to southern states to see if that area will become their new retirement community. Sometimes only doing a lifestyle visit once or many, many times.

Vacationer’s visit with time constraints, usually with baggage in tow (children, or stress) spend bunch of money, go home more exhausted then arrival, with sunburn that makes flight uncomfortable.

I guess by those definitions we are a hybrid, I’ll call it birdflakes. Always try to be at our Villages home from New Years to early April. Throughout the rest of the year we get there 3-4 more times for varying amounts of time, typically 2-4 weeks per trip, whenever we can make it. The house is rarely empty for more than 7-8 weeks at a time. We enjoy coming down at different times of the year because each season offers a unique and different experience. My favorite time is probably mid April until early June. The days are long, the busy season crowds have thinned out, the daily summer lightning storms haven’t started yet, and it’s before hurricane season.

The one thing I have learned over the years is that when I’m at the Villages, I almost never wish I could be back up north, but when I get back up north, I immediately start counting the days until I can get back to the Villages.

[GoldenBoy]

Perhaps we can arrange a trade. We can have you come down here permanently and Canada can take one of the many celebrities that have promised to move to Canada. You guys can have Deniro up there. :D

Sounds like a thinly veiled jab. Thought that wasn't allowed on this site.

[GoldenBoy]

[QUOTE=graciegirl;2388448]And we love them. They have every right to return to this beautiful place. I feel sad that something keeps them up North for nine months or even longer. Now that they are here they are eating at restaurants and parking at the square and enjoying EVERYTHING there is to do./QUOTE]

If you can get Uncle Sam, or I guess it's now Uncle Trump to extend the time a Canadian visitor is allowed to stay in the U.S. we'd love to be there for at least 9 or 10 months or perhaps even make the move permanently.

It is the Canadian Health Plan that is the time constraint.

[Josephjmarchese]

I love snowbirds. If it wasn't for them this place would be overcrowded year-round instead of just a couple months. Plus they pay amenity fees and taxes for the entire year, basically subsidizing the rest of us.
Thanks for recognizing and appreciating “Snowbirds” and their contributions to their year long support of the Villages. Yes things get crowded through the season. But full timers get to enjoy all Amenities year round. Unfortunately some folks say “Snowbirds” in a nasty tone, even when they are across from you having dinner. Even though they came here first as Snowbirds. I have learned the hard way that if this happens more than once these people will never be your friends and are to be avoided.
Enjoy you full or part time at the this great place!

[frayedends]

Sounds like a thinly veiled jab. Thought that wasn't allowed on this site.

It was a jab at the celebrities. I'd rather our friend from Canada be here. Sorry if I offended you.

[frayedends]

This is our definition and how we travel between our homes. We have been in all categories.

Snowflake is someone who owns more than one residence, comes and goes to any residence with no length of stay in any one season. Floating in and out anytime, of the year.

Snowbirds flee the Snow to warmer climates usually late fall to early spring.

Seasonal Renters mostly come during high season January February March with occasional December or April added in, for a better rate.

Sunbirds flee the summers Hot sun, escaping to northern states that have cooler weather and lakes you can swim in, without worrying of being eaten.

Renters, those who come to southern states to see if that area will become their new retirement community. Sometimes only doing a lifestyle visit once or many, many times.

Vacationer’s visit with time constraints, usually with baggage in tow (children, or stress) spend bunch of money, go home more exhausted then arrival, with sunburn that makes flight uncomfortable.


I guess I'm a snowflake (although I don't love that word as it also means someone that is easily offended). Oh wait, if I'm offended by the word snowflake that easily, maybe I am one :D ROFL!

Wouldn't snowbird and sunbird be the same thing or is it a matter of which place is the longer primary residence?

Lastly you forgot Frogs. They stay until they croak.

[Laker14]

Have heard that argument so many times that snowbirds subsidize the rest of us. Do they subsidize their northern community too?

They own a home here. They pay taxes. Many have the homestead exemption. Yes, they do pay for things that they “dont use” while away…garbage pickup, etc. But they use fire and police protection..a big bill on our taxes.

Snowbirds are nothing more than tourists that clog our roads, hog restaurants and take up tee times.

Something you do year 'round.

[phaslinger]

Don’t feel sorry for us. We have many more friends, loving grandchildren we spend much time with, hometown activities… we have the best of both worlds!

[asianthree]

I guess I'm a snowflake (although I don't love that word as it also means someone that is easily offended). Oh wait, if I'm offended by the word snowflake that easily, maybe I am one :D ROFL!

Wouldn't snowbird and sunbird be the same thing or is it a matter of which place is the longer primary residence?

Lastly you forgot Frogs. They stay until they croak.

Not using justTV as a reference to my post. In all the years we have traveled from north to south for work, pleasure, or one of our homes, FROG has only been used in TV.

Snowflake describes it floats from the sky, traveling with the breeze, never landing in a certain area, and sometimes can arrive anytime of the year.
In my description it fits for our lifestyle, FROG would never be used, because with multiple places to travel, we would never be in one place until we croaked. Primary residence can be changed as the need arises.

[jimjamuser]

I don't feel sad that the snowbirds stay up north for part of the year. I say more power to them. They are smart to avoid the 5 HOTTEST summer months, (which keep getting hotter). If I could afford 2 homes, I would be joining them.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Not using justTV as a reference to my post. In all the years we have traveled from north to south for work, pleasure, or one of our homes, FROG has only been used in TV.

Snowflake describes it floats from the sky, traveling with the breeze, never landing in a certain area, and sometimes can arrive anytime of the year.
In my description it fits for our lifestyle, FROG would never be used, because with multiple places to travel, we would never be in one place until we croaked. Primary residence can be changed as the need arises.

In South Carolina, FROG stands for "Family Room Over Garage" and is a feature in home sales. I'd never heard the term used for anything else beyond the pejorative for someone from France before I moved to The Villages. It's a pretty dumb term, in my opinion. Anyone who was born and raised in New York, who chooses to stay there for the rest of their lives, would also be a "Frog." Or someone in Hawaii. Or anyone who dies - anywhere. They are wherever they ended up before they died, until they died. So that would make EVERYONE on this planet a Frog (unless they die in space, at which point they'd be Frog space people).

[justjim]

I guess I'm a snowflake (although I don't love that word as it also means someone that is easily offended). Oh wait, if I'm offended by the word snowflake that easily, maybe I am one :D ROFL!

Wouldn't snowbird and sunbird be the same thing or is it a matter of which place is the longer primary residence?

Lastly you forgot Frogs. They stay until they croak.

A sunbird is a Florida resident, and they have a Florida drivers license. Florida is their primary residence. They go north in the summer and maybe for special holidays or other occasion’s. Some rent for the summer and some own.

[frayedends]

I was just trying to be cute with the Frog reference. No need to get upset about it, ya bunch of snowflakes. :D. (That’s a joke, see, a joke).

[Normal]

In a nutshell, I miss the friends when they are gone, I don’t miss their impacts on traffic, reservations issues and the crowded feeling they bring.

[MX rider]

In a nutshell, I miss the friends when they are gone, I don’t miss the impacts on traffic, reservations and the crowded feeling they bring.

As former snowbirds I would agree. That sums it up pretty well.

But I think the phrase, "it is what it is" reflects our feelings about this.