Looking for a warm place to escape this winter? Travelling south of the border when the weather gets too tough to handle is a popular idea nowadays, and it can be done on virtually any budget. Not only is the US very close to Canada geographically, but it’s also close culturally – you’re more than likely to feel welcome, and that’s what makes it such a perfect temporary getaway. We’ve compiled a list of the top 14 best places for Canadian snowbirds in the US to save you a lot of time searching.
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If you’ve ever asked yourself where most Canadian snowbirds go in the winter, you’ve probably wondered about at least a few of these options. All of these locations are prime spots to go to for snowbird-friendly communities, mostly due to their popularity. As a result, you’re likely to encounter many other snowbirds here and be able to find plenty of group activities, but you may want to loosen your budget to get the full experience.
It would be impossible to write this article without mentioning the historical “Sunshine” state. Florida is undisputedly the ideal choice for snowbirds that plan to spend the whole winter duration on a beach. This US state features hot weather all year, an abundance of sun light, and a generous amount of snowbird and senior-focused activities. You can expect Florida to provide all of your favourite summer hobbies during the winter, such as boating and golf. There are so many ideal cities and towns to choose from that it can truly be overwhelming. If you’re looking to reside in the busy East side of Florida, look for tourist friendly cities like Miami and the Palm Beach area. On Florida’s opposite coast you could settle in Tampa Bay or choose a calmer option like Naples. There are also plenty of budget-conscious location alternatives in Florida, and they can typically also be found along the coastline outside of the major hotspots and metros.
Even though Texas is quite far from the border, this state has been steadily rising in popularity within the Canadian snowbird community. Apart from its unique and massive landscape, Texas boasts an old-timey culture and a specialty in the BBQ dining experience. It’s also an extremely versatile location for the avid traveller, making it one of the best places for snowbirds. Texas has everything you need to thrive in warm weather – sunlight, coastal beaches, and a cool nightly ocean breeze at a very minimal cost relative to other snowbird states.
The appeal California has to any Canadian snowbird is undeniable. Much like Florida, this state is loved for its relaxed culture, warm climate, and sandy beaches. With year-round beautiful weather, it’s not hard to see why California is such a popular destination for any season. Of course, similar to Florida, your trip to this state can easily put a dent in your wallet – fortunately for the affluent snowbird, you get what you pay for. For beautiful shorelines you can check out Los Angeles and area of Santa Monica, or if you’re in the market for quieter stay consider visiting the centre of the state. If you’re a wine connoisseur, there’s no place like the Napa Valley! Regardless of where you end up in California, you’re practically guaranteed a pleasurable experience.
If you’re looking for a more tropical getaway then Hawaii should be at the top of your list. With such a vibrant culture, Hawaii is the perfect location for snowbirds seeking an alternative to the old fashioned traditional vibes of the central United States. Known as the “Aloha” state, Hawaii offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country. Coupled with a friendly population and warm weather all year round, you can’t ignore Hawaii when planning your next departure. If you seek an engaging environment for snowbirds and tourists alike, consider looking at spots like Maui and Waikiki. For a more relaxed setting and a less dense population, take a glance at Kahului or Pahoa.
Arizona is definitely the place to be if you can’t get seem to get enough heat. Known for its exceptionally dry and warm climate in desert areas, you can rest assured that you will never feel a chill during the day. But don’t assume that Arizona is just a scorching land mass – the landscape is diverse enough that you can find gorgeous mountain ranges with pleasant breezes. This state is for warm weather loving snowbirds that don’t feel a need to always escape to the beach, and luckily the state is relatively inexpensive. The most notable destinations in Arizona for snowbirds include: Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson.
Unlike the aforementioned states, these ones aren’t promoted as heavily within the media. Although to say that they aren’t worth promoting would be doing them a great disservice. Many of these hidden gems provide the exact same advantages as their more costly alternatives, like sunny beaches, great climates, and snowbird-friendly communities.
New Mexico is truly the definition of an up-and-coming Canadian snowbird travel destination. The state features pleasant weather and copious amounts of sunshine in case those are what you’re looking for. However, most visitors that travel to New Mexico are in it for the scenery – high walled canyons, naturally sculpted gorges, and stunning mountains. The state also hosts one of the richest blending of cultures in North America for the snowbirds that wish to expand their cultural awareness. The most notable places to visit in New Mexico have to be Santa Fe, Los Lunas, and the Albuquerque area.
It’s no coincidence that Lynyrd Skynryd wrote a song called Sweet Home Alabama. There’s a ton of good reasons to spend the winter here as a Canadian snowbird, and the demand for it is only growing. The land mass offers a spectacular coastline within its gulf, amazing golf courses, and home style southern comfort all at a very cheap price. The climate here is warm but not overbearing, which makes it ideal for snowbirds looking to enjoy a pleasant breeze with a few layers on. To find the most snowbird-friendly communities in Alabama, look towards the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
There are few states with a cultural depth that can match Louisiana’s deep Cajun roots. Louisiana offers delicious Louisiana-style cuisine and many of the same summer hobbies you’d experience in Canada. Fortunately for budget the conscious snowbirds; Louisiana is a very affordable place to stay. Don’t forget to do your currency exchange in Mont-Royal to know how much you’re spending in CAD. And while Louisiana summers can be particularly humid, winters are usually very enjoyable – although if you’re searching for a warmer climate you should travel to the most southern points of Louisiana. Similar to Alabama, you can find great living spots along the coast of the Gulf or around Lake Charles.
If you’re looking for dry air and very reasonable temperatures then Nevada is the right decision for you. Most Canadian snowbirds travel to Nevada to visit Las Vegas – the crown jewel of the Mojave Desert. Obviously, Nevada is famous for its entertainment and gambling lifestyle, but it features many other underrated attractions. The Mojave Desert alone is worth visiting to get a sense of its colourful wilderness. Not to mention that Nevada is still relatively affordable (except for a select few areas around Las Vegas) compared to other popular snowbird spots, so you should take advantage of it while you can. Ideal places to visit would be Boulder City, Laughlin, and the world-renowned Las Vegas strip.
Last but not least, there is North Carolina. This state appeals to Canadian snowbirds that wish to stray from the “escape to the warmest weather possible” norm. You won’t find blistering hot beaches in North Carolina, but you can definitely expect to breathe in the state’s cool fresh air during the evening. North Carolina offers exceptional golfing and gorgeous landscapes all at a very affordable cost, and there will be plenty of snowbirds just like you flocking towards the eastern side.
While we can’t give you one definitive answer, these are all spectacular locations to spend the winter in. At the end of the day, it all depends on your individual needs and activity goals. Luckily for you, the United States is an incredibly diverse country with a plethora of options to choose from – we recommend that you visit every place on this list to get the full experience!
When travelling it’s always smart to stay covered in the event of a medical emergency. If you’re looking to get insured during your trip to the states, check out our guide to Snowbird Travel Insurance.
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