Every year, people who live in colder climates pack up their bags and make the move south for the winter. It’s a pattern that has earned them the nickname “snowbirds.” As you might imagine, some of the most popular snowbird destinations are in two states: Florida and Arizona.


How can anyone blame snowbirds for flocking to these states? Both offer year-round warm weather, plenty of great attractions, and (most importantly) not one day of shoveling snow, scraping ice off the windshield, or having to put on a parka just to go check the mail.


One of the issues every snowbird faces is getting their vehicles from home to their “home away from home” for the winter. Fortunately, auto transport service can handle shipping their car to and from Florida, no problem. Prefer the desert? You can find auto transport to and from Arizona, as well.


Why do snowbirds choose Florida as their destination? Why do some prefer going west to Arizona? Read one to learn about these two most popular destinations for snowbirds.


Florida: The Original Snowbird Destination


Florida emerged as a snowbird destination in the post-World War II era as the middle class expanded and more people had sufficient money to travel extensively in retirement. Today, northerners still pack up every October or November and head to the Sunshine State, where they stay until April or May.


There are a lot of reasons people keep coming back to Florida. It’s a unique state, with 663 miles of beaches that include famous places such as Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Siesta Key and lesser-known gems such as Anna Maria Island or Pass-a-Grille Beach. Everyone has a favorite.


But beaches are only part of the fun. Florida also offers:

  • Perfect winter weather, with cooler temperature and little rain
  • The best collection of amusement parks in the world
  • Restaurants featuring culinary treats from around the world
  • Plenty of water-related outdoor activities, including fishing, surfing, canoeing, diving, and swimming
  • Plenty of seasonal rentals are available
  • Professional and collegiate sports
  • Top notch theater, art galleries, and museums


Some of the best cities for snowbirds in Florida include Bradenton, Bonita Springs, Hollywood, Key West, Treasure Island, Venice, Dunedin, Boca Raton, Naples, and New Smyrna Beach.


Arizona: The Emerging Snowbird Destination


Arizona emerged as a popular alternative for snowbirds in the past few decades. While it’s always attracted people from California, it now draws snowbirds from across the country. People come for many of the same reasons they go to Florida: warm weather that allows snowbirds to forget about those winter storms back in Chicagoland or Michigan.

Like Florida, Arizona offers little (often no) rain, plenty of museums and art festivals, as well as great restaurants and plenty of sports options (both states have spring training baseball, for example). All these amenities have grown in Arizona as more snowbirds flock there and as the permanent resident population grows.

  • Arizona has mountains such as the snowcapped Humphrey’s Peak
  • The Sonoran Desert offers fantastic hiking and sightseeing opportunities
  • The Grand Canyon National Park is among the most famous parks in the world
  • Both Las Vegas and Southern California are just a few hours away
  • If you really study the weather, you’ll learn Arizona has a much drier heat with little to no humidity, unlike Florida

Some of the best Arizona cities for snowbirds include Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, Yuma, Sedona, Chandler, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Scottsdale, and Tucson.


Auto Transport to Florida and Arizona


Having to drive all your vehicles from your home state to Florida or Arizona can get hard on snowbirds year after year. It’s often a long drive. They also have to pay for fuel, food, and lodging along the way. Those who don’t like to drive long distances also are at a disadvantage.


Hiring an auto transport company puts an end to those issues. A company such as Direct Connect Auto Transport will treat your vehicle with care, using the most advanced equipment and experienced, professional experts to transport your vehicle.

 
For those traveling to the most popular destinations for snowbirds, getting your car professionally transported can lower the stress of making the big move. It’s a chance to make the start of your winter much more enjoyable and worry-free.