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Thanks for the info on Phx winter weather. I noticed when I was there it could also be a bit chilly in the AM too, but warming up nicely by noon with that warm abundant sunshine.
To get a truly 100% warm winter (75 degree+ days and warm nights) the only choice is to leave the U.S mainland (Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Australia, Costa Rica, etc...). Even when I was in St. Pete last January I needed a sweatshirt at sunset. Even Miami and the Keys have some chilly days and nights.
What are you considering a warm night, by any chance?
Anyone up for expounding more on why St. Pete area is the #1 choice?
There's a beach and the water is warmer.
COL is reasonable.
It's a short trip south to reach even warmer weather and waters of South Florida and the Keys.
If it's a surprise to you that Tampa Bay is leading the poll, why not share why you think it shouldn't be?
Tampa Bay has the warmest average winter conditions and is extremely affordable compared to San Diego. It's worth noting that winter is the relatively dry season in Florida, while most of southern California's annual rainfall occurs in the winter or adjacent months. Greater Phoenix is the driest location and generally sunny, but can get rather cold at night - being landlocked has an impact, although the urban heat island may keep it a little warmer than the surrounding desert.
Coastal California's cost of living is a huge challenge for many, and it is not really much of a retirement or seasonal destination for people from elsewhere in the US. Unless there is a specific draw to San Diego, Tampa Bay or Phoenix would work better as a seasonal residence for most people. And for water access and a lower frequency of even moderately cold weather, Tampa Bay has a sizable edge over Phoenix.
Tampa Bay has the warmest average winter conditions and is extremely affordable compared to San Diego. It's worth noting that winter is the relatively dry season in Florida, while most of southern California's annual rainfall occurs in the winter or adjacent months. Greater Phoenix is the driest location and generally sunny, but can get rather cold at night - being landlocked has an impact, although the urban heat island may keep it a little warmer than the surrounding desert.
Coastal California's cost of living is a huge challenge for many, and it is not really much of a retirement or seasonal destination for people from elsewhere in the US. Unless there is a specific draw to San Diego, Tampa Bay or Phoenix would work better as a seasonal residence for most people. And for water access and a lower frequency of even moderately cold weather, Tampa Bay has a sizable edge over Phoenix.
Good points in general. And that is a good point that SD's rainy season is Dec-March where it's Tampa Bay's dry season.
I guess the cost is the main reason then St. Pete area is trouncing SD. Because outside the costs SD has a lot of attributes....much hillier with 6,500 ft peaks 45 min from downtown, more striking views (as you go up and down the hills in SD you can often see the ocean from 20 mi away and distant mnt views - where FL is flat, flat, flat - only views are when you go over bridges), better hiking, access to desert hiking, beaches are backed by cliffs and beautiful surf to watch, beaches don't have high rises blocking them (not a fan of how FL blocked so many of its beaches with high rises). And you probably don't swim in the water in Tampa Dec, Jan, Feb anyway because too cold outside (average temp around 70). But March and April you could where SD water is still cold.
I like no state income tax in FL, CA is very high.
Anyone up for expounding more on why St. Pete area is the #1 choice?
I believe the state of Florida has over 15 million people. The state of Arizona has 7 million. So when you do a survey, homers will almost always vote their state. What you have to do is find out which state leads in actual snowbirds.That would be Arizona. Which state surpassed Florida for most Canadian snowbirds.That would be Arizona.
Which state is the most desirable for snowbirds in the country. That would be Arizona. Actually when you talk about snowbirds, take S.D.off your list. That is a summer vacation spot so that leaves St Pete vs Phoenix. ..................your decision.
I believe the state of Florida has over 15 million people. The state of Arizona has 7 million. So when you do a survey, homers will almost always vote their state. What you have to do is find out which state leads in actual snowbirds.That would be Arizona. Which state surpassed Florida for most Canadian snowbirds.That would be Arizona.
Which state is the most desirable for snowbirds in the country. That would be Arizona. Actually when you talk about snowbirds, take S.D.off your list. That is a summer vacation spot so that leaves St Pete vs Phoenix. ..................your decision.
I believe the state of Florida has over 15 million people. The state of Arizona has 7 million. So when you do a survey, homers will almost always vote their state. What you have to do is find out which state leads in actual snowbirds.That would be Arizona. Which state surpassed Florida for most Canadian snowbirds.That would be Arizona.
Which state is the most desirable for snowbirds in the country. That would be Arizona. Actually when you talk about snowbirds, take S.D.off your list. That is a summer vacation spot so that leaves St Pete vs Phoenix. ..................your decision.
SD is not a traditional snowbird spot because of the cost of housing compared to FL and AZ. But other than housing costs, it has the mild sunny winter weather, golf, amenities that would make it just as good for snowbirds. In fact I think SD slightly edges Phoenix/Scottsdale for better weather Dec, Jan, Feb. Palm Springs is a more traditional snow bird area that is 1.5 hrs east - I would take SD all day over Palm Springs though. I'm also not a traditional snowbird age being mid 40's vs. say mid 60's to 70's.
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Yes....sheer numbers.
