Snowbirds - what do you love about SWF? (Fort Lauderdale, Naples: foreclosures, rent)

[kroeran]

Thought it would be useful to start a discussion focused on snowbird lifestyle in the area.

[rusty78]

Originally Posted by kroeran

Thought it would be useful to start a discussion focused on snowbird lifestyle in the area.

My god mother use to be a snow bird and would travel to SWF to avoid the snow and cold weather here in NY......every year she and her husband would go down somewhere in SWF and rent a place for 1 to 2 months or longer before returning to NY......eventually they bought a place in Fort Lauderdale and began staying there longer and longer...until they evenually moved permanently......

While they were snow birds they could not understand the comments and complaints they would hear and read in the local papers about the snow bird infestation......but once they became full time residents their position changed...and they too became snow bird complainer's......but the reason they returned year after year after year was to enjoy the warm weather...the hospitality of the year round resident's......and spending their money in the local shops and restaurants...Go Figure

[roccos]

I grew up in Ohio and moved to FL right out of high school. (I've been here for 40 years!). I've lived in both Naples and North Florida. I'm retiring back up north. It is way to hot down here. I'll be moving to an area with public transportation so won't have the worry my parents did living in the burbs shoveling their cars out. Just goes to show you - its always greener on the other side.

[kroeran]

Originally Posted by rusty78

but once they became full time residents their position changed.

dogs bark, people complain

if snowbirds are your complaint, you got it pretty good

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by kroeran

dogs bark, people complain

if snowbirds are your complaint, you got it pretty good

If you don't like the complaints about snowbirds, make it your personal mission to change that perception by being extra nice to everyone. The year-round people will love you for it. Being Canadian, "niceness" comes naturally to you, anyway.

I do that by being a nice Yankee in The South. Throws them off, everytime!

[kroeran]

Originally Posted by roccos

I grew up in Ohio and moved to FL right out of high school. (I've been here for 40 years!). I've lived in both Naples and North Florida. I'm retiring back up north. It is way to hot down here. I'll be moving to an area with public transportation so won't have the worry my parents did living in the burbs shoveling their cars out. Just goes to show you - its always greener on the other side.

Ohio, the near south! thats a full day of driving due south for me.

the birds I have encountered tend to be from Michigan or interior North NY state. Further south than that, the winter is mild and short enough to not chase you out. Further north, 6 months of snow and 2 months of 0-20 fahrenheit is too much.

I used to think moving to Florida would be great, but now I am wondering if the best of both worlds is to snowbird, if you can afford it.

I am wondering if there are birds who come back north reluctantly, in particular Canadians who have to come back to maintain health care.

[kroeran]

Originally Posted by rusty78

and spending their money in the local shops and restaurants...Go Figure

i think its called "resentment of the client"

[NJ~LuLu]

This is easy, the people of course. Everyone we meet, are smiling, happy, always a hello or good day. Sure we get into conversations with regard to taxes, foreclosures, traffic, etc.
I can always feel my stress level drop once I hit the exit for Ft. Myers or fly in and walk out of the airport. Ahhh, Welcome to Paradise for me. Life is what you make it. I live in a tourist town in NJ, summertime (Benny season) is just the same as wintertime (Snowbird season). Who Cares!

[SWFL_Native]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

If you don't like the complaints about snowbirds, make it your personal mission to change that perception by being extra nice to everyone. The year-round people will love you for it. Being Canadian, "niceness" comes naturally to you, anyway.

I do that by being a nice Yankee in The South. Throws them off, everytime!

I wouldn't neccessarily classify the SWFL as "The South" as most people I know are from MI, IL, OH, NY, and MA. But you're correct, a smile and a hello will go a long way down here.

It's unfortunate that the locals / full-timers don't have more respect for the Snow Birds & Tourists because god knows we need their money...

[CCfan]

Weather, nice people, no rush. I'm from northern part of European Union and all that sucks here (in Europe) big time. Can't wait to get back into Cape ...