Palm Beach County, Florida - Snowbird destinations

"With the Jewish holidays over, the first wave of snowbirds in the adult communities are back in their winter quarters in the western suburbs of Palm Beach County. And although seasonal condo rentals may be off elsewhere, most snowbirds in these developments are owners, so no one expects this year's migration to be affected by the weak economy." Marci Shatzman of the Palm Beach County western communities says in an article for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel at the end of October 2008..

"People are selling their homes up north and becoming full-time residents," the article says. "They want the tax breaks or they're just tired of schlepping back and forth."

Dave Epstein, president of the Valencia Isles Snowbirds Club in western Boynton Beach, foresees one impact of the economic slowdown as his members return for the season:

"Snowbirds may become full-timers if the economy doesn't improve" he said.

Arlene Munter runs the programs for the snowbird club in Whisper Walk in West Boca.

"Quite a few snowbirds have moved down permanently, but they're grandfathered in, so they can stay in the club," she said. "We have renters and we accept them in the snowbird club. Two or three couples have been renting here for years."

She expects most of her members to be back for the first club meeting of the season on Nov. 20, but the club's Welcome Back luncheon isn't until Dec. 5.

"Ninety-eight percent will be back after Thanksgiving," she said.

More snowbirds may become fulltimers? What do you think? - add your input below.

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Jenny

We're doing exactly as this article says and selling our home in the east and moving fulltime to Florida. We've been schlepping back and forth for 12 years and at last we're ready for the big move. Fulltiming has been our ambition for years and I can hardly believe we're going to do it at last.

stu

Many canadians are coming to FLA. If you live here on a lot that you rent or own stay 6 months. Have your RV on BLOCKS, tied down, have sewer, electric, legal mobile Home. If you own a lot, buy a RV establish residence as a floridian, etc. Pay no sales tax. rv considered real property (RP sticker) pay property tax.

Madge Champy

We've snowbirded in Florida for the last 3 years but this year will be our last. In April we're going to return to Michigan and sell our house IF WE CAN and if house prices go up again and prepare for fulltiming. We're tired of schlepping back and forth and the cost of a house we only live in part of the year. Fulltiming is very attractive now and several of our retired and RVing friends are thinking this way too.

Jane A

We've been snowbirds in Florida for 4 years and I wouldn't want to do it fulltime. But if our finances worsen it's not a bad idea.

Ann

I was stressed out at work after hurricane Katrina. The company wanted more from the remaining employees. After a year I turned 62. I owned a home and a condo. I sold both and paid off every bill I had. I bought a used Class C cash and I am now a fulltimer. I haven't done any traveling yet, but that is still to come. I never felt better. Much, Much less stress. Florida here I come.