10 Sunny Cities in the U.S. Snowbirds Love All Winter Long

Like birds, numerous folks from the northern states and Canada take an annual migratory route south once the weather at home turns from bearable to unbearable. Like me, maybe you live in a city that remains sunny and warm throughout the year. Then around October or November, you'll start noticing more cars (many with out-of-state or Canadian plates) on the road, the traffic's cadence slows down, and restaurants become more crowded. If you live in a golf community, you'll see more and more retirees out on the courses in the winter than at other times of the year. These are all telltale signs that the snowbirds have returned, and many of them will stay through April.

Winter is the time of year when those who live in the north flock to southern states to escape the cloudy, cold, and snowy weather, trading it in for sunshine and warmth. In my local community, snowbirds descend and nest for around six months, leaving right before our weather in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area turns from pleasant to unbearably hot. Many of them have second homes and golf club memberships in the area, and they appreciate being able to enjoy warm weather and sunshine, which is almost nonexistent back home, from late fall through early spring. While Arizona is a popular state for snowbirds, so are many other states, including Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.

Here are some of the best U.S. cities for snowbirds, according to our friends at Finance Buzz:

1. The Villages, Florida

The Villages, nicknamed "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," "Boomer Paradise," and "Disneyland for Retirees," is famous for many reasons. Tucked away in central Florida, near beaches and attractions, this community is designed for active retirees. It offers outdoor recreation options, including golf (with 110.5 courses per 100,000 residents), tennis, and pickleball, as well as free entertainment every night and a variety of shopping and dining options. The population of The Villages exceeds 150,000, and to become a resident, at least one household member must be at least 55 years old.

2. Brunswick, Georgia

Found along Georgia's roughly 100-mile Atlantic coastline, Brunswick hits the mark with snowbirds for its museums, performing arts, a large historic district, and highly-rated golf courses. The temperatures are slightly cooler here compared to other snowbird destinations, with average daytime highs of 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and many days have overcast skies. For those seeking a temperate climate that avoids extremes of heat or cold, Brunswick is an ideal location to flock to during the winter.

3. Savannah, Georgia

For those who consider themselves foodies, Savannah offers a wide variety of dining options from the iconic Olde Pink House to the popular Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, but this is just one of many desirable attributes to snowbirds. Of course, like many snowbird destinations, golf courses are abundant (in Savannah's case, there are 23 courses), and visitors can also take part in a variety of additional recreational activities, including kayaking and canoeing, riverboat tours, hiking and biking trails, strolling through botanical gardens, and more. This charming Southern city is also quite stunning, with its oak-lined streets and public squares featuring gardens and fountains. It's no wonder that the Hostess City is popular among retirees!

4. Daphne, Alabama

Alabama may not be the first snowbird destination that comes to mind, but there are many reasons for people to flock here during the winter. Situated on the eastern shores of Mobile Bay, the picturesque coastal city of Daphne is known for its affordability and southern charm. Daphne is also nicknamed "The Jubilee City" due to the annual phenomenon of crabs, shrimp, and other deep-sea life coming from deep water to the shallow waters by the shoreline, creating an abundance of fresh seafood for locals. Olde Town Daphne is the historical part of town, where visitors can stop by museums, shop, and dine to their heart's content. By the coast, visitors enjoy parks and fishing piers, making them ideal for those who wish to relax outdoors.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

While Honolulu is a pricey place for snowbirds to spend the winter, its tropical climate, warm ocean water, stunning beaches, abundance of hiking trails, delectable dining options, and even its highly-rated healthcare make it a top destination. Not only that, but Honolulu offers a wonderful blend of urban life and natural beauty, providing a wealth of amenities, including public transit and outdoor recreational opportunities. Plus, you really can't beat the views of the ocean while living in paradise!

6. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs may be one of the best places to escape winter in the U.S. due to its thermal springs, location in the Ouachita Mountains, and its affordability. While the climate is cooler here than in other destinations on this list, a retiree's dollar can stretch much further due to lower living costs. When spending a significant amount of time in Hot Springs in winter, snowbirds can explore Hot Springs Natural Park and soak in its mineral-rich springs located along Bathhouse Row.

7. Victoria, Texas

Within 30 minutes of the Gulf of Mexico, along the coastal plain, lies the city of Victoria, also known as "The Crossroads of South Texas." It's at the intersection of U.S. Routes 59 and 77 and is within a 2-hour drive of Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, making it a relatively easy destination for snowbirds to reach. With an average high temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, Victoria is a welcome escape from the colder temperatures of the north.

8. Punta Gorda, Florida

With nearly half the population over the age of 60, along with low crime rates and winter temperatures in the mid-70s, Punta Gorda is a dream snowbird destination for many. Set along the Peace River where it meets the Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf Coast of Florida, this remarkable "Old Florida" town is a hidden gem. However, if you're a snowbird lucky enough to have discovered it already, you know that it's home to a friendly community, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets, and calm canal waters for sailing. A favorite hangout for retirees is Fisherman's Village, with an array of shops and restaurants, along with a resort and marina.

9. Naples, Florida

One of the best cities for snowbirds is, of course, Naples. Self-proclaimed as the "Golf Capital of the World" (although other destinations claim the same title), Naples is home to nearly 100 golf courses. If golfing is a top interest of yours as a snowbird, there's certainly no better place to be. However, Naples offers much more than golf, including luxury shopping districts, the historic Naples Pier, and stunning white-sand beaches along the Gulf Coast. Who wouldn't want to be a snowbird in Naples, one of the best beach towns in Florida?

10. Laredo, Texas

Due to its proximity to Mexico, Laredo, Texas, is known as "The Gateway City" and offers a unique blend of Texas and Mexico that you can't find anywhere else. One of the most enticing aspects Laredo offers snowbirds is its affordability, where retirement dollars can stretch further than many other sunny, warm winter destinations in the U.S. It also provides a dry heat that many snowbirds love during the winter months. For nature lovers, Laredo, due to its location in the Rio Grande corridor, is along a major migratory path, and those who are in town in February can partake in the annual Laredo Birding Festival.

These are just 10 U.S. cities that snowbirds love, and there are many more! For those of you who consider yourselves snowbirds, what are your go-to escapes during winter? If you haven't decided yet, try planning your own trip to the sunny and warm southern destinations of the U.S. using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.