Moving south vs. becoming a 'snowbird'

[christinej990791]

I did a lot of research, rented for the first 7 seasons and finally bought a condo in Playas del Coco.  I went down by myself the first year for three months...after the first few weeks I arranged to rent the next year for 6 months.  It's a warm, welcoming ex-pat community with tons of things to do, great weather most of the time and cheaper cost of living than in Connecticut.  The Ticos are wonderful (that's what hte Costa Ricans call themselves), the medical and dental care are excellent and way cheaper than back home, the scenery is specatcular and the wildlife fabulous.  It's a wonderful country and I'm grateful to be able to call it home for half the year.

[TravelLynn]

How did you choose St Petersburg? I have yet to visit there but I love the Sarasota area. Do you own down there or rent?

[TravelLynn]

How did you decide on Costa Rica? Do you own a place down there or rent?

[TravelLynn]

Do you drive between MA and FL or fly?

[TravelLynn]

How is the Dallas area in the summer?  How hot does it get?  Is it a dry heat or does it get humid?

We really like TX.  Esp the area between Austin and San Antonio.  Also considering Sarasota FL area. 

[TravelLynn]

I have never spent a full summer in Florida but I have been there in the summer.  I think I may prefer all year in Florida despite the heat to all winter in the northeast because the snow/ice/cold is worse IMHO.  Having said that, snowbirding seems like the way to go.  Best of both worlds. 

[ct2604]

We were Massachusians for many years. I retired @ 58. Bored stiff. Went back to work at the same job part time. Bought a small condo Wynmoor in Coconut Creek in 2007, because freinds said the time and price was right. Never looked back.

We fully retired in 2014. Now we are snowbirds, spending 6 months in MA with family and 6 months in FL.with freinds and family!  Love it.  We became Floridians a few years ago as it has advantages financially in FL over Taxachussets. We outgrew the condo and are in the process of buying a home in a 55+ community. I reccomend doing the same for anyone.

[auntiena]

For health reasons, I'm planning to move from Lake Tahoe (mountain lake/ski resort) to Southern California. I do plan to come back for visits in the warmer months, but they will probably be short as the high altitude doesn't work for me. We have a business here, so my husband will stay, visit me in the winter (he can't tolerate hot weather). I guess we do what we have to do.

[christinej990791]

I truly have the best of both worlds!  I spend half the year in Costa Rica and the other half in a Connecticut lake community.  It really doesn't get much better.  Pura Vida!

[toolmaker898]

My advice? Do it. Never would have imagined it would be so nice getting down to florida from Michigan winters.not a winter fan myself. I dont ski or do anything else winter related.