I currently reside in Massachusetts & after this season's record breaking snowfall I've decided I'd like to winter elsewhere. What is the closest U.S. destination (to MA) that doesn't get snow in the winter? I'd love to be able to go swimming next winter!
Specific city suggestions would be great, as opposed to just mentioning a state.

I'm in my late 40's, do not have any children & might need to bring my pets. While I don't necessarily want or need an adult community, I also don't want to live in a busy tourist area.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Puerto Rico

Key West

Do you want to drive somewhere or fly? How many critters do you have?

The easiest answer is So. Florida or one of the territories (USVI, PR). The south (above Florida) got sleet and some snow.

Even South FL doesn't have guaranteed swimming weather in winter. If you want that you need the carib or hawaii.

If you just want warmer weather with little chance of snow or ice (no guarantees) FL should do it. North of that can get ice storms -which wreak havoc since there is no preparation for them. (I have seen Atlanta petrified for up to 3 days - including widespread loss of power due to ice.)

We get ice storms where I live in NC, but I lived in Charleston for years. The ocean is too cold for southern locals to go in without a wetsuit, but surfers do it. It rarely gets below freezing and the sun is strong. Look there, and south to the GA sea islands if you don't want to go all the way to Florida. I love the Gulf Coast.

It isn't clear whether you just want to get warm or whether you want to spend the entire winter. It's the pet quote that is confusing. You would bring them for the winter, right?

Also, are you outdoorsy (walk, run, bike, golf, tennis, kayak) or do you want to lay out and read by a pool?

Budget?

The further south you go, the warmer the ocean for swimming. Key West is as far as you can go in the US (without flying to Puerto Rico or the USVIs.

A lot of places will have heated pools for swimming.

Coastal SC, GA and FL are popular winter locations for snowbirds. Only you can figure out the right mix of location, amenities and cost. Walking the beach in winter is fabulous when the temps are 50- 70. Swimming in the ocean during winter is less so.

There's a whole lotta difference between "no snow" and "swimming", if swimming means the ocean.

There's a world of difference somewhere that doesn't get snow and somewhere you can swim.

Starrs is right--go as far south as you can. I don't think swimming in the Atlantic is comfortable at any time of year, at least north of Fort Lauderdale.