Arizona vs Texas
 

Read an article about 2 years ago in Phoenix Magazine stating not as many snow birds are going to Phoenix because of high prices; but are now going to Texas. Anyone recall the article or know what destination in Texas they were referring to?

Can't tell you about that article but the major snowbird mecca in Texas is from McAllen to Brownsville. A lot like Mesa, AZ in winter. And yes, cheaper.

Snowbirds have been in Texas for a LONG time. There are lots of RV parks in the South Texas/ Rio Grande Valley area that cater specifically to them with bingo games, dances, etc. I was in the Valley this past winter, and I was just amazed at how many of them there were!

This reminds me of an old saying: there is hardly anything in this world that a man cannot make of lower quality and thus sell for less. The person who judges by money alone is that man's lawful prey.

We went to Corpus Christi and South Padre a few years ago and there were tons of snowbirds. Many were retired from the military. I can't remember which branch, but there is a large base there. <BR> <BR>The RV park on South Padre Island was the only one I've ever seen that could remotely tempt me to purchase an RV - great location.

Thank you for your responses. My husband and I have vacationed in Carefree, Scottsdale, and Sedona approximately 10 times. I love the area and also the art communities. I am inquiring about Texas as my husband said he would like to visit there. I am not retired, looking for a cheap place, or looking for an RV park. I am looking <BR>for an area similar to Scottsdale in Texas. Can anyone help?

Quite possibly something in the Texas Hill Country would come close. There are lots of unique artisans and fun, funky places in the area. Fredricksburg is a personal favorite, and Boerne is also nice.

I'm glad you clarified, Karen. <BR>I can say with great confidence that you will not even THINK of Scottsdale or Carefree when in the tip of Texas region. <BR>I used to live in Scottsdale and really liked it there. There's nothing in Texas that reminds me of the area, though, as the above poster mentioned, there are some very worthwhile areas in and around San Antonio, but still different from the feel of Scottsdale. <BR>I assume you've been to Santa Fe/Taos? Bisbee?

Yes, Gwen - We've been to Santa Fe, Taos, Bisbee, and Tubac. Thought since the article stated people were going to Texas, there was a similar-type area there. <BR>We like a "laid back" kind of vacation with a nice quiet place to stay and "good, gourmet food." We are not limited to any particular part of the states. I appreciate any suggestions anyone may have

I am from the part of Texas that you are discussing and let me tell you that it is NOTHING like Scottsdale. The Hill Country is beautiful and the San Antonio River Walk is a must but South Texas... A lot of people come down here and enjoy it but it is cheap in every sense of the word.

Many of the Phoenix/Scottsdale snowbirds are from Canada and they are finding it more difficult to be here because of the Canadian dollar exchange, otherwise I wouldn't think the prices of food/lodging are any more expensive than other years.