Frog versus Snow Bird

[T-325]

As I have plenty of time to ask questions before I retire in 3 to 5 years, i am wondering if economics or social reasons drive the decision to be a full time resident or a seasonal resident?

My parents are snow birds with a winter residence in Sun City Center and it seems to me that they have more fun during their winter stay in Florida. Once back up North they have the kids visiting, however they have very little interaction with their MA neighbors, because the neighbors work etc.

When I look at the cost of two residences versus one and the year round nature of a large community like The Vilages, it seems to have the best of both worlds....especially now as my kids have moved to new jobs that are 3 hours away.

[queasy27]

Frogly economics for me. Couldn't afford to maintain two residences.

But then, I'm an outlier and don't have children or ties to another state so it wasn't even a consideration.

[SALYBOW]

Can't afford two residences

[asianthree]

keeping two for another six or so years..unless the market comes back then will move to an apt for the same years

[eweissenbach]

We have rented for February and March for the last 3 years and will again in 2014. We have our lakefront home in Missouri for sale, but will not become full-time Villagers if and when we sell. I might do it if by myself, but my wife would not, as her 87 year old mother lives nearby, and all our three children and six grandchildren live nearby within minutes of each other. We will buy a smaller home nearer the kids and Kansas City and its amenities. We will then decide whether it makes sense to buy a second home in TV or continue to rent and spend four to six months in TV. Love TV, but also love our time with the kids and grand kids so we feel we have the best of both worlds.

[fb32162]

We decided it didn't make sense for us to maintain 2 homes so far apart. Just too many things to worry about. Instead we planned to rent a place "up north" for 3 months each summer. However, after living here a while, we found we really didn't enjoy being up north for long periods. So a couple of trips a year up north for a week or two is plenty for us.

[CFrance]

We decided it didn't make sense for us to maintain 2 homes so far apart. Just too many things to worry about. Instead we planned to rent a place "up north" for 3 months each summer. However, after living here a while, we found we really didn't enjoy being up north for long periods. So a couple of trips a year up north for a week or two is plenty for us.

This is the way we're headed too, if the closing ever gets scheduled and the movers tell us what day they're coming for the dining room set and 20 boxes. :bowdown:

[Irish Rover]

We have the same feelings about leaving our lake home in MO. 47MM LOZ We've been renting in TV Jan/Feb since 2001 and those two months are enough. Kids and grandkids are all here in MO and our second home is in St. Charles.

[lpkshop]

Just moved here in December. Will be keeping my place in NJ. I am working in Tampa at this time and commuting to TV on weekends. I'm not liking the summer weather. RAIN rain and more rain. Heat doesnt bother me ,would rather be in NJ for summer

[graciegirl]

Having two residences is hard on your pocketbook and on your nerves and very much worth it if you have family and small grandchildren living near you.

Our two grandchildren are now launched into the world of higher education and a career, so leaving their dear mother was still hard, but she was pretty busy and we weren't so we bravely looked them all in the eye and said. "If we don't do it NOW, when will we do it?". Time was kinda trickling away and we became frogs about a year and a half ago at just past 70 years of age. We loved having a part time home here but frogdom is better. You can continue your friendships year 'round and I am almost black and blue from pinching myself and Sweetie feels the same.

This place is HOT and Rainy and this is our second summer and we are not minding it at all. In fact, we love summers far better than the high SEASON when SOME, not all, people who don't care as much about this place as we do crowd it all up

[bluedog103]

We've been going back and forth for three years and as long as health allows it I don't see that changing. I expect to sell the NY house in a year or two and buy something smaller, either in NY or PA. When the time comes to pick one home, I honestly don't know if it will be in TV or up north. We only bought in TV to escape the NY winters. We still have many friends and activities and family in the north and I look forward to my northbound trips every spring. TV is great but my home in the mountains is great too. Florida is really, really hot and humid. NY has hot weather too but our heat waves here are measured in days, not weeks or months. NY has that blasted snow which I came to hate. Someday I'll have to make a choice but I'm in no hurry to make that decision.