We'd appreciate comments on great areas for snowbirds to winter over. We're considering Palm Springs, Fort Myers and Vero Beach in south Florida, and Scottsdale or Tucson.
Any pro and con thoughts on those places and any other favorite places also appreciated.
We're a couple mostly interested in the outdoors and active days wherever we are. Thanks very much in advance.

I prefer Scottsdale. The weather is ideal for me. Not too hot and cool at night. There are many hiking trails in the area also.

Tucson still has it's desert feeling, no artificial ponds, etc like Scottsdale, more laid back, canyons, mountains.

I find the traffic in Phoenix to be very bad. Scottsdale is great but the traffic takes it off my list.

In Arizona, I would choose Tucson over Scottsdale; it feels like a more authentic city to me, and I love the natural beauty south of Tucson. Scottsdale is more upscale and does have a more man-made feeling to it. It's closer to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, obviously, but unless you think you might want to visit Flagstaff often for winter sports, I don't think the drive from Tucson is that onerous.

Florida has a very different flavor, as I'm sure you're aware. I live in Florida, but I love Arizona. I suspect you already know which state you think would suit you best. Are you leaning toward one or the other?

The desert is beautiful, but I could not live for more than a couple of months without an ocean fix.

Thanks for those comments. No posts on Palm Springs or other places, yet. It's a tough choice between the deserts and the water. We love them both.

hate FLA - way too crowded esp in the winter when all the snowbirds fly down.

We visited Anna Maria Island in FL and found it charming and less crowded ( though not uncrowded) than other places in FL. This winter we are spending a few weeks in Tucson, hopin got be in a place that has a different feel and more cultural and economic diversity.

There is plenty to do in the greater Palm Springs/Palm Desert-Coachella Valley area - and that's why so many people flock there during the winter. From the Living Desert - to the tram up Mt. San Jacinto - to going up to Big Bear/Lake Arrorhead if you want - etc - and it's only 2 hours from here in San Diego and the beaches.

Here is one page and just google away: http://www.palm-desert.org/things-to-do

Well I'd pick California. But then I absolutely hate the desert (always have). Florida would be my 2nd choice of your choices.

Actually Mexico is my personal 1st choice for part-time retirement living, but not on your list I see.

If I had to live anywhere other than SW Florida, which is heaven in my book, I'd live in Palm Springs/Palm Desert.

Is cost a factor? And is this for this winter? Those may play into your decision.

We love SW Florida, too, and would like to know which areas there are your favorites.
Mexico is an old travel area of mine, but not for a while. What areas of Mexico do you like for part-time retirement living?

Puerto Vallarta is my own true love and where I plan to go. But there are lots of other areas popular in Mexico these days. Lake Chapala has a huge expat thing going on. San Migele de Allende is another popular one.

I think it all depends on what you like. I love the desert because it's such a sensory change from my everyday life. Both sets of parents have snowbirded in some of the areas you mentioned, Naples, FL, Tucson, and Cave Creek, AZ. My favorite has been Tucson. My parents have been staying in Green Valley, just south of Tucson, for a few years now and love it. There are enough activities: good golf, hiking, museums, and dining to keep them busy but with a low-key atmosphere.

You'll have mountains in Arizona and California but there will be the ocean or gulf in Florida. Not a bad choice.

One more consideration is will you be wanting to have family and friends visit you in your choice of places to spend the winter? If not, then it's what you want, otherwise look at if your family and friends would be able to come to the place you choose.

I don't like Phoenix - everything is brown including the physical landscape as well as the buildings. The traffic in Phoenix is a problem and it's flat and uneventful.

Tuscon is a much better choice if you want to be in Arizona. It has beautiful mountains, and a cute downtown area. There is a world famous resort area outside of Tuscon.

http://www.canyonranch.com/visit/off...FUdxQgodIXsAQw


If you want to be near the Pacific Ocean with temperatures in the high 60's and low 70's I would recommend San Diego. There is a lot more to do and see.

nanabee- do have the names of any of the snowbird parks in the San Diego area- preferably N county- Carlsbad, Del Mar etc- I have never seen any when I am down there but likely don't know where to look

I'll throw in Hawaii. I love it there too.