Winter is just around the corner (or perhaps it has already arrived in your neck of the woods). It’s the time of year when many older Americans flee the snow and freezing temperatures of their Northern homes and migrate south in search of sunshine, warmth and rest.
But Apartments.com said it takes more than sunny weather to make its list of the 14 top cities for snowbirds and retirees in 2014. It considered these factors when compiling its rankings: median age, affordable living options with room for visitors, weather, median income, and available amenities.
Brad Long, president of Apartments.com, said in a statement:
To develop our Top 14 Cities list, we looked at lifestyle factors that make cities attractive to part-time winter residents, as well as retirees looking for a place to settle down more permanently. While southern Florida is often thought of first for this demographic, our list uncovers many other options, in other areas of the country, that offer more than just sunshine.
While Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds and retirees seeking a new permanent home, cities in the West dominate Apartments.com’s list.
“A full and exciting lifestyle is available to snowbirds and retirees in some unexpected places, which is why it pays to look at the full picture when choosing an apartment to call home, whether it’s just for this winter or for the longer term,” Long said.
Apartments.com’s top-ranked snowbird cities, as well as the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment, are:
- Scottsdale, Ariz. — $1,165.
- Henderson, Nev. — $980.
- Tucson, Ariz. — $778.
- Sacramento, Calif. — $910.
- El Paso, Texas — $837.
- Albuquerque, N.M. — $825.
- Overland Park, Kan. — $991.
- Fresno, Calif. — $915.
- Hampton, Va. — $951.
- Wichita, Kan. — $699.
- Petersburg, Fla. — $1,155.
- Plano, Texas — $1,233.
- Little Rock, Ark. — $846.
- Richmond, Va. — $928.
My in-laws are leaving this week for Cape Coral, Fla. They are excited to get to warmer weather, which is understandable considering our town broke a more than century-old record low on Nov. 14, when we hit 18 below zero, beating the 1909 temperature of 12 below.
Do these cities seem appealing to you as snowbird destinations? Share your thoughts below or on our Facebook page. Now, here’s a video about ensuring you’ll have enough to retire.
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