Will the snowbirds still come this Fall? (Orlando, Fort Myers: apartment, vacation)

[gfplux]

Given the bad economic news we hear every day, what are the opinions of people on this forum whether this will affect snowbirds this Fall.
A great many business's rely on the extra business they bring to the area.

[DailyJournalist]

Most snowbirds are well off financially so I do not think that it will affect anything.

[Crane's Rooster]

I agree, since they can afford to own a second home or vacation home I don't think a slow economy is going to stop them from traveling. Snowbirds in general are immune to the economic slowdown and changes in gas prices that the rest of us are more sensitive to.

[cwaz]

I concur...there will always be snowbirds since most of them are retirees with a nice stash of cash!

[iuki001]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

I agree, since they can afford to own a second home or vacation home I don't think a slow economy is going to stop them from traveling. Snowbirds in general are immune to the economic slowdown and changes in gas prices that the rest of us are more sensitive to.

Not true.

Due to the cost of diesel, our friends sold their $600,000 motorhome at a tremendous loss. They traveled to Florida every year for the Daytona races and no longer go there.

We know of other couples who have also curtailed their travels due to rising costs of gas, health care, food, etc., because they are on a "fixed" income, and they get their social security payments reduced if they go back to work.

Retirees have to make their investments last for 20 to 30 years.

iuki001

[AaronS]

Originally Posted by cwaz

I concur...there will always be snowbirds since most of them are retirees with a nice stash of cash!

Since retirees live on a fixed income, and with the cost of nearly everything rising dramatically over the past year, I highly doubt that anyone will see a significant uptick in business. Everyone is cutting back right now to conserve funds. In my opinion, a lot of retirees will be staying home this winter.

[Crane's Rooster]

Snowbirds aren't the average retiree. Most snowbirds have had very successful working lives and were able to save up a fairly decent nest egg. The average retiree does not own a beach home on Sanibel.

Pardon if my analysis is wrong. I'm not sure about snowbirds here in Central Fl where I really don't see them. I see alot of tourist here, but hardly ever see snowbirds who make Orlando their winter homes. I'm more used to seeing that down in Fort Myers area where most snowbirds were pretty well off. I say this because the snow birds are a distinct species in southwest Florida easily identified by their shorts and Hawaiian shirts in the winter time, doesn't matter if it's 80 or 40 outside, they will dress tropical. They can also be spotted driving around in their Cadillacs. They have an affinity for straw hats and and knee high socks.

[ItsAboutTime]

LOL! You just described half of Boca!

[LoveBoating]

People, snowbirds or others, will spend the money to go places and do things no matter how much gas and other things cost!! If they have the money, when many do, why not spend it and enjoy it!! One thing to remember, retireees DON'T have the expense of raising kids!

[Fnix]

My grandfather has owned a house up north for 30 years and rents an apartment at a senior living building for $300 a month in Orlando.

I know he doesnt make over $30,000 a year and he travels up and down at least twice a year on the train. I wouldnt go and say that anything would effect these so called snow birds.