RV Snowbirds: Who Are They and Where Do They Go?

RV Life

Fall is here. This is a big time of year for RV snowbirds, as they are all getting ready to make a major move.

Not sure what exactly I mean by that? Well you’re in the right place, because I’m an RV snowbird of sorts myself, and I’m here to explain exactly what it is that makes us snowbirds and why we do what we do. I’ll even include some tips on how to join our flock in case the idea sounds appealing to you!

What is a Snowbird?

First, let’s discuss what exactly an RV snowbird is. These are people who typically spend the summers in the northern part of the country to avoid the worst of the heat, and then use an RV to migrate south for the winter season just like birds do. They chase good weather and avoid ice and snow.

Some snowbirds have a house up north and only spend winters in their RV down south. Others are in their RV all year long. Some leave their RVs in storage in the south for summer; others take them home with them.

Many RV snowbirds head south beginning in October and November. Others wait until after they’ve spent the holidays with family. Some meander south slowly, stopping to see things along the way, while others rush south, their only goal being to get away from the cold.

There aren’t really many rules surrounding how to be an RV snowbird. The only real requirements to fit into this category are that you live in an RV in the south during the cold months.

Where Do Snowbirds Go for Winter?

What does it mean to head south, exactly? Where do these RV snowbirds spend their winter months? Honestly, there is no one place that all snowbirds flock to for the winter season. That said, many snowbirds like to head to Florida, Arizona, south Texas, and southern California to take advantage of the relatively warm weather in these places.

Specific cities that see a lot of RV snowbirds include:

Gilbert, AZ
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Fort Myers, FL
Bradenton, FL
Naples, FL
Sarasota, FL
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Desert, CA
Desert Hot Springs, CA
San Diego, CA
San Antonio, TX
Galveston, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
South Padre Island, TX

Tips for Becoming an RV Snowbird

Ready to join the flock and become an RV snowbird yourself? Here are my top tips for getting started.

Choose Your RV Wisely

First, make sure you choose your RV wisely. Pick something well-built that can withstand chilly temperatures, because some snowbird destinations do see freezing temps on occasion. If you plan to sit in one park for the whole winter, a towable RV might be your best bet. Those who move often might prefer a motorhome instead.

I recommend going to an RV show so you can actually get a feel for each RV’s build quality and layout before you decide what’s best for you.

Set a Budget

As a snowbird, it can be easy to overspend during the winter months. It’s important that you set a budget for your months away from your sticks-and-bricks home and stick to it. Fortunately, there are tons of ways to cut costs and still have a good time down south.

Know How to Prepare

If you plan to keep your sticks-and-bricks house, you will need to prep it before you leave it sitting for 3–6 months. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

Carry any loose items (lawn decor or furniture) inside.
Clean gutters so melting snow can flow.
Replace worn weather stripping.
Fill any gaps or holes in the exterior of your house with steel wool.
Shut off your water.
Perform furnace maintenance, including changing the filter.
Turn the heat down, but not off.
Turn off the water heater.
Unplug all appliances.
Clean out the fridge.
Put all food in pest-proof containers.
Open the dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge to prevent mold, mildew, and smells.
Close the fireplace flue.
Open all interior doors to allow air to circulate.
Stop paper delivery.
Set up call forwarding from your home phone to your cell phone.
Let the bank know you’ll be traveling.
Talk to your insurance agent about your plans so the proper changes can be made to your policy.
Set up online payment options for all bills.
Make a plan for medication refills with your doctor.
Arrange for a house sitter to check on things, water plants, etc.
Set up timers for interior lights so they come on in the evenings.
Hire a snow removal service.
Secure valuables in a safe deposit box.
Install a home security system.
Set up a temperature monitor that will alert you in the furnace isn’t working properly.

Figure Out How to Get Mail

Even if you pay all bills online, getting mail is still important. Make a plan for how you will receive your mail while you’re away. Most post offices will hold mail while you’re out of town, but many will only do this for up to 30 days. If you’ll be gone longer, you can have someone pick your mail up from the post office and ask for another 30 days each month.

It’s also possible to request that the post office forward your mail to your southern address—or to an address with a service such as Escapees, which can then forward the mail to you wherever you happen to be.

Book Your RV Spot Early

There are thousands of snowbirds that make their way south each winter. Because of this, the most popular snowbird destinations book up early. Make sure you research RV parks and make a reservation (or series of reservations) wherever you want to be as early as possible. Failing to do so could leave you with nowhere to go.

If you do miss out on booking an RV park, there is the option of boondocking with other snowbirds in Arizona or SoCal. Just make sure you and your rig are ready for long-term boondocking before you head out.

Ready to Roost?

RV snowbirds are a clever breed. They’ve figured out a way to have the best of both worlds so they can enjoy endless summer and adventures. Why not join them this winter to see if the snowbird lifestyle is for you?