Snowbirding vs. Year-Round Retirement

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Biggd

What about lakes down South, say Carolina lakes? Anyone have any experience with them, lived there or visited?

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The lakes in the low country Carolinas are nice but are generally shallow, and due to the soil makeup in the area, get muddy- red/ orange muddy easily. Lake Norman and Wylie were both created by Duke Power (now Duke Energy) to cool their nuclear plants. Norman has some naturally deep areas, but it is amazing to ride around just off shore- the depth finder is spot on at 10', no rocks!

Lake Keowee in the mountains is also Duke made but is much more similar to what we are used to. Rocky, with inconsistent depth and obstacles. It is beautiful.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

The lakes in the low country Carolinas are nice but are generally shallow, and due to the soil makeup in the area, get muddy- red/ orange muddy easily. Lake Norman and Wylie were both created by Duke Power (now Duke Energy) to cool their nuclear plants. Norman has some naturally deep areas, but it is amazing to ride around just off shore- the depth finder is spot on at 10', no rocks!

Lake Keowee in the mountains is also Duke made but is much more similar to what we are used to. Rocky, with inconsistent depth and obstacles. It is beautiful.

Lake Kenowee, along with Lake Winnipesaukee, gets a mention here:

https://www-thrillist-com.cdn.amppro...ity-charlevoix

[Descant]

Interesting reading Aps. But Wolfeboro got scr***d. Most other towns had nice pics of lakes and beaches. Wolfeboro got a pic of Main St. traffic, and not very good pic at that. And when is this "Lobster Day" they talk about? New to me.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Descant

Interesting reading Aps. But Wolfeboro got scr***d. Most other towns had nice pics of lakes and beaches. Wolfeboro got a pic of Main St. traffic, and not very good pic at that. And when is this "Lobster Day" they talk about? New to me.

They advertise it. It's not any special day that I know of.

[marinewife]

Lobster Day at the 2 supermarkets is advertised in the Granite newspaper for the following week. I want to say it's in August, but it could be July.

I typically buy 4-6 lobsters for dinner and lobster rolls- they're no bigger than
1- 1 1/4 lbs and priced at around $5.80-$5.99/lb

The line can be long if you get there later than 11AM, but everyone is in a good mood with the lobstermen reaching into the crates and bagging them for sale.

Would've preferred a photo of the lake instead of downtown as well...

[Descant]

Good info. Id be pl;eased if somebody here would post "Lobster Day" for those of us who don't always get the local info.

[MeredithMan]

So we just did Thurs - Sun in South Carolina to see if we might like it for the winter months of the next phase of life. I think the answer is "no". We did two nights in Hilton Head and 1 night in Charleston. We found Hilton Head to be "Florida North". A main drag where people drive like crazy, (William Hilton Parkway), with gated communities that you can't get into to check out unless you're visiting someone or are going in with a realtor. We did visit some friends there in their development which was ok.

We also have friends in the Daniels Island section of Charleston, whom we saw on our 1 night there, but they were running late to meet up with us and we weren't able to see their house/neighborhood, so all we saw was 1 section of the city itself, which was underwhelming.

It didn't help that almost the entire time we were there, it was pouring and 47 degrees...it was warmer and nicer in NH this past weekend than it was in SC! The locals told us that that is typical January weather, so we thought might have to go the FL route after all to get shorts & t-shirt weather in Jan/Feb/Mar.

On to planning the next recon mission....

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

So we just did Thurs - Sun in South Carolina to see if we might like it for the winter months of the next phase of life. I think the answer is "no". We did two nights in Hilton Head and 1 night in Charleston. We found Hilton Head to be "Florida North". A main drag where people drive like crazy, (William Hilton Parkway), with gated communities that you can't get into to check out unless you're visiting someone or are going in with a realtor. We did visit some friends there in their development which was ok.

We also have friends in the Daniels Island section of Charleston, whom we saw on our 1 night there, but they were running late to meet up with us and we weren't able to see their house/neighborhood, so all we saw was 1 section of the city itself, which was underwhelming.

It didn't help that almost the entire time we were there, it was pouring and 47 degrees...it was warmer and nicer in NH this past weekend than it was in SC! The locals told us that that is typical January weather, so we thought might have to go the FL route after all to get shorts & t-shirt weather in Jan/Feb/Mar.

On to planning the next recon mission....

I searched other options to but I found North Carolina South Carolina even in Georgia the weather just isn’t that great in January and February so I did end up choosing Florida but on the West Coast I preferred much over the East Coast I think it’s a little more laid-back and relaxed


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[MeredithMan]

....perhaps some of you that have been there before, or have played the Harbour Town golf course know this already, but....

For many years, I've watched the golf tournament, (I can't remember the name of it), on TV that is played at the Harbour Town golf course. The broadcast always shows the iconic Harbour Town lighthouse as the players walk up to the 18th green. We went to Harbour Town for lunch on one of the days and I was shocked to find that the lighthouse is in an area of tourist shops and not on the golf course itself. When I saw the lighthouse, I said to my wife, "where the hell is the 18th green?" And there it was...several hundred yards across the water and marina!

Now I know what Dorothy felt like when she learned that the Wizard of Oz was some old guy behind a curtain....

[8gv]

If the goal is nice weather during the winter you have two choices:

1) Go to Florida and just deal with the crowding that exists.

2) Buy something closer to the equator.

Pick your poison but winter sucks!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by 8gv

If the goal is nice weather during the winter you have two choices:

1) Go to Florida and just deal with the crowding that exists.

2) Buy something closer to the equator.

Pick your poison but winter sucks!

Couple of other choices. I have friends that love Arizona and San Diego for the winter.


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[Sue Doe-Nym]

Speaking of Arizona, our friends who retired there are quite unnerved now by their proximity to the southern border and the mayhem there. I would imagine that current circumstances might be hindering people from settling there.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

Speaking of Arizona, our friends who retired there are quite unnerved now by their proximity to the southern border and the mayhem there. I would imagine that current circumstances might be hindering people from settling there.

I've also heard reports that when the snow birds arrive it's tough to get good medical care; many oldsters bring quite a few tanks of oxygen with them due to difficulty getting same.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

Speaking of Arizona, our friends who retired there are quite unnerved now by their proximity to the southern border and the mayhem there. I would imagine that current circumstances might be hindering people from settling there.

My friends are more north near Gilbert and Scottsdale but you are correct especially down near Tucson


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[TiltonBB]

I have had a winter home in Southwest Florida for many years. Although I occasionally go the the Miami area, the Fort Myers/Naples is much quieter and more "civilized". One thing that stands out as different than the lake area is more convenient access to any type of retail store you could want. Within 10 miles there is everything from car dealers to Publix, Target, Marshalls, and Costco. The biggest negative I see is Florida drivers. No signals, and tailgating constantly. A Florida Sheriff told me that over 90% of the car accidents are rear-end collisions.

In my opinion, if you are going to move because of weather there is no sense stopping in the Carolina's, you may as well continue south. It seems as if every day in Florida, from November through April, is sunny and in the 80's. Almost every day is a good boating day!

I am glad to have given up the snow shovel! I have friends who winter in Alabama and it looks like it is raining 50% of the time.

[phoenix]

We live in AZ most of the year ( Scottsdale ) and the border issues are what we see on tv. The weather is desert vs more tropical in Florida. I like it better but biggest difference to those in Nh is distance

[8gv]

"The biggest negative I see is Florida drivers. No signals, and tailgating constantly."

This practice is often seen in a state close by...

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by 8gv

"The biggest negative I see is Florida drivers. No signals, and tailgating constantly."

This practice is often seen in a state close by...

Although most locals attribute this to Mass drivers, my wife has noted, and commented, consistently lately that Maine drivers are even more erratic.

Mainiacs!

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by 8gv

"The biggest negative I see is Florida drivers. No signals, and tailgating constantly."

This practice is often seen in a state close by...

Not to the extent that they do in Floriduh.

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[rsmlp]

Originally Posted by 8gv

"The biggest negative I see is Florida drivers. No signals, and tailgating constantly."

This practice is often seen in a state close by...

As a cyclist I think I can speak with some authority on this subject. Live on Long Island here and Naples in FL. FL drivers are consistently more rude and in considerate-especially with cyclists. Vast majority up here the opposite. Of course there is the occasional ass who feels like it's his right to scare the crap out of you by passing within a foot but fortunately quite rare.

FL has a combination of "older" drivers who are oblivious and younger drivers who are pissed off by the older ones!

[Descant]

Enlighten me, please. I'm under the impression that there is a better summer rental market on the NC/SC coast. South Florida is great in the winter, but who wants to vacation there in the summer? So, if I want warmer(than NH) for the winter, and want to rent out my place in the summer, isn't NC/SC the place to be? I don't need to be able to spend time sitting on the beach in January.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Descant

Enlighten me, please. I'm under the impression that there is a better summer rental market on the NC/SC coast. South Florida is great in the winter, but who wants to vacation there in the summer? So, if I want warmer(than NH) for the winter, and want to rent out my place in the summer, isn't NC/SC the place to be? I don't need to be able to spend time sitting on the beach in January.

It's a crossroads. Yes the rental market in SC/NC in the summer is excellent but if you're looking for warm weather in the winter the Carolina's are no bargain. No snow but a lot of rain and temps depending on the location really dont go above 65. Check out the weather history for the areas in SC/NC you are interested in and you will see.


I can tell you that I had my home on Marco for 5 summers and was able to rent the home every year in the "off" season

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Descant

Enlighten me, please. I'm under the impression that there is a better summer rental market on the NC/SC coast. South Florida is great in the winter, but who wants to vacation there in the summer? So, if I want warmer(than NH) for the winter, and want to rent out my place in the summer, isn't NC/SC the place to be? I don't need to be able to spend time sitting on the beach in January.

Central Florida is busy in the summer. Only quiet times are September and January.


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[smith point boater]

Just arrived in Bonita Springs for the first ever full snow bird season for us. After a couple of years of research this is where we landed. In a golf community but easy ride and access to the beaches. Anything north of Tampa (we're 2 hrs south) is not guaranteed warm weather. We like to visit the Carolinas but would not spend the winters there - too iffy temperature wise

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by smith point boater

Just arrived in Bonita Springs for the first ever full snow bird season for us. After a couple of years of research this is where we landed. In a golf community but easy ride and access to the beaches. Anything north of Tampa (we're 2 hrs south) is not guaranteed warm weather. We like to visit the Carolinas but would not spend the winters there - too iffy temperature wise

My wife's family has a condo in the Bonita Beach Club on Big Hickory Island...doesn't matter what time of year ( winter months only ) I've been down there, the weather's been beautiful. Went down for Thanksgiving a few years ago...80s and beautiful...i love it there!

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[TiltonBB]

It's not perfect. Look: A chance of a stray shower on Saturday. No problem, we will go boating on Sunday! The struggle is real!

[Winilyme]

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

My wife's family has a condo in the Bonita Beach Club on Big Hickory Island...doesn't matter what time of year ( winter months only ) I've been down there, the weather's been beautiful. Went down for Thanksgiving a few years ago...80s and beautiful...i love it there!

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Looks like a nice area. But that would be Little Hickory Island, right?

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

I have had a winter home in Southwest Florida for many years. Although I occasionally go the the Miami area, the Fort Myers/Naples is much quieter and more "civilized". One thing that stands out as different than the lake area is more convenient access to any type of retail store you could want. Within 10 miles there is everything from car dealers to Publix, Target, Marshalls, and Costco. The biggest negative I see is Florida drivers. No signals, and tailgating constantly. A Florida Sheriff told me that over 90% of the car accidents are rear-end collisions.

In my opinion, if you are going to move because of weather there is no sense stopping in the Carolina's, you may as well continue south. It seems as if every day in Florida, from November through April, is sunny and in the 80's. Almost every day is a good boating day!

I am glad to have given up the snow shovel! I have friends who winter in Alabama and it looks like it is raining 50% of the time.

I’m with you. I’ve had a place on Marco for 4 years but capitalized on the boom and sold for a great price. Now building in a community just east of Jolly Bridge. Get all the amenities without being too far from Marco and our beach club is on Marco. Best of both worlds.


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[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

....perhaps some of you that have been there before, or have played the Harbour Town golf course know this already, but....

For many years, I've watched the golf tournament, (I can't remember the name of it), on TV that is played at the Harbour Town golf course. The broadcast always shows the iconic Harbour Town lighthouse as the players walk up to the 18th green. We went to Harbour Town for lunch on one of the days and I was shocked to find that the lighthouse is in an area of tourist shops and not on the golf course itself. When I saw the lighthouse, I said to my wife, "where the hell is the 18th green?" And there it was...several hundred yards across the water and marina!

Now I know what Dorothy felt like when she learned that the Wizard of Oz was some old guy behind a curtain....

Not even a " real " lighthouse...pretty though! The tournament is the Heritage.



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[Lakegeezer]

Roots is another consideration in the snowbird vs year round decision. You will grow deeper roots if you are year round. Summers are fun and crazy but community activities ramp up off season. Your circle of friends will likely increase when you get to know others that are year-round residents. Snowbirds can be out of sight, out of mind in the winter. Roots aren't everything, especially if you don't like Lakes Region winters, but being a deeper part of a community has value when weighing the options.

[Loony Singer]

We’ve been retired for a decade or so. Here are a few thoughts on the OP’s topic. (1) after retiring, we moved to the Lake, which remains our primary residence. We have family in MA and it was important for us to stay close to them. (2) originally, we were planning to use the proceeds from selling our MA house to buy something in coastal FL. But my practical wife talked me out of that. She pointed out that then we would then have to worry about weather problems in two properties when living at the other. So we are in NH about 10 months a year and rent in FL for the other two. It has worked well for us. (3) if you’re looking for warmth, the weather between northern FL and southern FL varies quite a bit. We’ve seen freezing temps when visiting friends in Jacksonville. We rent near Sarasota, and the highs can be in the upper fifties in late January. We have relatives on Sanibel and they’re usually about 10 degrees warmer. (4) Look at the Interstate Highway map. I-95 draws most folks from the Northeast, and they tend to go to the Atlantic side of FL. I-75, on the other hand, draws snowbirds from the Midwest and Canada, so they mostly go to the Gulf Coast. These are generalities of course. But we think that this results in the Gulf Coast being a bit more laid back (or sleepy, depending on your preference).

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Loony Singer

We’ve been retired for a decade or so. Here are a few thoughts on the OP’s topic. (1) after retiring, we moved to the Lake, which remains our primary residence. We have family in MA and it was important for us to stay close to them. (2) originally, we were planning to use the proceeds from selling our MA house to buy something in coastal FL. But my practical wife talked me out of that. She pointed out that then we would then have to worry about weather problems in two properties when living at the other. So we are in NH about 10 months a year and rent in FL for the other two. It has worked well for us. (3) if you’re looking for warmth, the weather between northern FL and southern FL varies quite a bit. We’ve seen freezing temps when visiting friends in Jacksonville. We rent near Sarasota, and the highs can be in the upper fifties in late January. We have relatives on Sanibel and they’re usually about 10 degrees warmer. (4) Look at the Interstate Highway map. I-95 draws most folks from the Northeast, and they tend to go to the Atlantic side of FL. I-75, on the other hand, draws snowbirds from the Midwest and Canada, so they mostly go to the Gulf Coast. These are generalities of course. But we think that this results in the Gulf Coast being a bit more laid back (or sleepy, depending on your preference).

Point #2 is exactly why I sold my seasonal place in Glendale. I spent this summer in MA helping mom, but worrying about what the tropics were going to spit out that could impact my primary residence in FL. Not planning on anything longer than a two week visit back north.


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[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by gillygirl

Point #2 is exactly why I sold my seasonal place in Glendale. I spent this summer in MA helping mom, but worrying about what the tropics were going to spit out that could impact my primary residence in FL. Not planning on anything longer than a two week visit back north.


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any loose cat trapping opportunities in Florida?? ;-)

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by steve-on-mark

any loose cat trapping opportunities in Florida?? ;-)

Oy vey, there’s dozens a month. Dogs, too. Last year I took a stray in and posted to several social media outlets, and connected with the owner’s daughter the next day. But that’s been my only opportunity in my community.


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