Winter Home Away From Home

[edbulthuis]

Hello, We are new to the snowbird get aways. We own a Motor Home and looking for a few good places to spend the time away. Looking at leaving in December and coming back home in May.

Any good ideas out there?

Ed

[tbutler]

Welcome to the Forum!

I'm sure you will receive many suggestions. There is a topic for Full Timing on the Forum. I looked there and found only one post and following discussion about travel patterns. There are comments in a few of the responses that relate to winter retreats.

In part it depends on where you are traveling from and how far you want to go to escape the winter. Some people are happy to have a coastal cool temperature for the winter and others are seeking the warmest weather they can afford to get to. You will find snow birds all along the southern border of the US. Many east coast residents go south to Florida. Others find the Gulf coast warm enough and stay in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and northern Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. Many, including Louise and I, find extreme south Texas to be an ideal spot to spend the winter. Latitudes are comparable to Florida with Brownsville having a latitude about the same as Miami, FL. Temperatures there aren't quite as warm generally but the cost of living is quite reasonable. The cost of living difference makes it worth the distance traveled for many east and west coasters. The desert southwest, southern Arizona and California have a large gatherings of snow birds. There are some who travel on across the border and winter in Mexico.

In all these places, you will find full service parks with many luxuries and a premium price. Some sell lots for prices near $100,000. There are also many parks which have seasonal rentals, rates per month can run from a few hundred dollars and up. Frequently these seasonal parks require you pay for your electric which is separately metered for your site. In the desert SW, there are people who park in the desert with no hook-ups. They pay the Department of the Interior a fee of about $250 for the whole winter. They have to deal with how to get electric, water and sewer service.

If you will share your location, your interests and preferences for the type of park and services you are interested in, I'm sure you will get responses with some good specific suggestions.

[bizsmith@yahoo.com]

We like the state parks in Florida.

[migrantdawgs]

We winter the early winter in Silver City, New Mexico - a month at an RV Park is only about $330, plus electric. We do mid-late winter in Patagonia, AZ - very sleepy town, eccentric, lots of bird hunters, great produce and (surprisingly) restaurants, very affordable at about $400/month. We found the RV parks in Tucson and Phoenix way too overcrowded and more like huge parking lots. We're thinking of trying out the south Texas region soon.

You could also try out Quartzite, AZ - LOTS of snowbirds around there and lots of activities in the winter.

Mostly, though - HAVE FUN!!

[Guest Wayne77590]

We have plenty of campgrounds in the Galveston County area that are less than than most other places. One in particular that I suggest is Green Caye RV Park, in Dickinson, TX. About $370 a month and it includes Electricity.

About 20 miles from Galveston (historic town) and 35 miles South of Houston. Lots to do in the area.

[John503]

We have been spending the winter in South Florida around Ft. Myers area for a number of years. There is a good many things to do and see in this area and if you just want to kick back and do nothing, this place is great. It gets kinda full of snowbirds during the winter but for us, this area is fine. Reservations are a must if you want to stay in a nice location. Costs are a little high but not so much as to turn us against the area.

[beamer704]

If you are looking for an Arizona park, we stay at Meridian Rv Resort in Apache Junction. Lots of activities &

it is 100% RV's. Check out their web site. They have new management this year & a new activity directer.