Florida Snow Bird Help!

[nkereina]

My parents have recently retired and would like to become "snow birds" starting next winter. Ideally, they'd like to go to Florida in January and stay in one area for the month of January and then move to a different area of the state for the month of February. They're not looking to purchase anything, just a monthly furnished rental. They've asked me to help them find some good areas and potential rentals for them because they aren't sure where to start - but I'm not either!

First, any location suggestions? They do not golf and aren't beach people. They love going out to eat, finding a good happy hour, walking, and shopping. They'd like to be in walking distance of stuff so they can venture out on foot.

Second, any web site suggestions for rentals? I'm familiar with VRBO and sites like that, but wasn't sure if that was the best option for snow birds on somewhat of a budget - trying to keep the monthly rent around $2500 or less (ish).

Appreciate any help, tips, and advice!

 

[DisAuntie]

http://www.villagershomes4rent.com/ This is the site for long term rentals in The Villages, which is a popular snow bird community.

 

[soccerdad72]

My MIL is a snowbird (in Fort Myers). She has a number of friends who rent on a monthly or seasonal (3 months, typically) basis.

Location-wise, I suppose the main question is which coast? Typically, the east coast (Lauderdale, Boca Raton, etc.) is populated by northern east coasters (New England, New York, etc.) and the gulf coast is more midwesterners and Canadians. We've been down in Fort Myers once or twice a year visiting since my MIL moved there about 12 years ago, but don't know much about the east coast.

I might narrow things down to a general area, then research a few cities around that area for what they have to offer. Do a couple Google searches for snowbird or monthly rentals and see what they have to offer. I found a couple with a quick search, like http://www.floridasnowbird.com/ or http://www.snowbirdcondo.com/listings/search/state/Florida

 

[nkereina]

Thanks for the replies. As far as which coast, they are open and have no preference. They've thrown out Clearwater/Tampa area and Daytona Beach area, but I think it's only because they have a picture in their minds of a bustling strip of restaurants and shops they could walk to.

They Villages are very nice but are they secluded? On the map, there doesn't appear to be much around. Walking distance and/or a quick Uber ride to popular areas is probably first priority. Trying to narrow down areas based on that.

 

[wilkeliza]

@soccerdad72 pretty much hit the nail on the head. I only am familiar with the east coast (Lauderdale/Boca). There are a few communities in Boca specifically where you can walk or bike to a few restaurants and places to hang. I don't know anything about monthly rentals but I imagine with the sheer number of snow birds down there it can't be that uncommon.

 

[Christine]

My parents LOVE visiting Naples. They haven't done the full-up snowbird thing but they've gone for a few weeks at a time and have often used Naples as their base.

 

[jt'smom]

I've lived in Jupiter and St. Pete Beach, and an above poster is completely correct in that Boca/PB draws Northeasterners/Canadians and the gulf coast is a mecca for the retired Midwesterners. Tampa/St. Pete has great areas, but are still fairly expensive during the winter months for snowbirds. The more reasonable monthly rentals will be in areas that aren't very walkable, in terms of resort like, walk out the door and be in the thick of things. They will probably still need a mode of transport. The coastal towns/barrier islands on the St. Pete side do have a Jolly Trolley that runs regular schedules though, so even if they don't love being out on the beach, if they stay within a couple of blocks of the strip, they have access to all kinds of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. It's going to be super tough though, finding something walkable on a $2500 budget in the Tampa/St. Pete area. South Florida on the east coast will be virtually impossible on that budget, but up around Melbourne or Daytona would probably be their best bet.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I've only visited once (on a dine-around as part of a work trip, oddly enough), but The Villages has a reputation as being -- how can I put this? -- sexually free. Google it if you're curious.

I've lived in Naples and now live in Sarasota, and though I'm not familiar with what snowbird rentals cost, both have areas with lots of dining/shopping/etc. within walking distance.

 

[mousefanmichelle]

My inlaws used to snowbird from MI to Zephyerhills FL. It's near Tampa, I guess. They liked it. They started out renting a monthly condo then in a mobile park community and ended up buying into a park. They ended up buying because my mil was grossed out by cleaning up someone elses mess each spring when they rented. She is a bit of a clean freak lol.

 

[adisneyaunt]

Naples has many many cultural events, beautiful blocks filled with restaurants, shops, bars and so much more. Tho they may not like the beach, they will love the Naples Pier. A very long boardwalk which has security, benches, bathrooms, free fishing areas and juts into the Gulf of Mexico... with daily sightings of dolphins, fish and birds. People watchers visit daily as do people that watch the sunsets and just love the walk...
Many Free museums, a wonderful small zoo, an amazing Botanical Garden and shopping areas galore ( mercato, waterside shops, vanderbilt Shoppes and then typical moderate priced mall types) art shows, broadway type shows and weather that is UNbeatable. As a bonus Marco Island is nearby ( as are Everglades) for even more to do/see.
Many visit for the Jan/feb High season and its a typically Expensive rather than average cost place year round...but worth a visit. Tripadvisor it too see the myriad opportunities for visitors. Paradise!

 

[PollyannaMom]

My folks own a place in Tavares, and stay from November to April, but they started out renting and kept adding another month each year. They love it, and so do we! (It's less than an hour from Orlando, so we do "visit + theme park" vacations, where we spend half the week with them, and half in Disney or Universal.) It's lake country, so you have water views without being on the coast, and it's touristy but not too touristy, if you know what I mean. I'm not sure about which areas are walkable, as they take their car down, but here is the town's website if you want to look:

http://www.tavares.org/

 

[soccerdad72]

Naples is a great location, but I think the OP's $2,500 a month budget might be way too low for anything within walking distance of shops or restaurants. It's probably too low for any community within Naples, I think. They'd be better off looking at something like Bonita Springs or Punta Gorda for cities near that area.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My parents are in Bonita Springs and love it. They live in a golfing community though. Naples is a half hour away, so I have been there. It does seem like it would fit what your parents want but maybe too expensive.

 

[DVC-Don]

I have friends that live in The Villages and there is quite a bit going on within without leaving. It's huge.

 

[ols386]

I have friends that live in The Villages and there is quite a bit going on within without leaving. It's huge.

My step sister lives in The Villages. According to her, The Villages used to be wonderful, but over the past couple years has gone down hill. She said there appear to be many units where apparently the owners have just left and their units have not been resold, so those particular units have not been kept-up, maintenance wise, with tall grass growing, landscaping over-grown, that type of thing. One of those units is right next to hers. She is concerned about what might be in the over grown grass, etc, like maybe an over abundance of snakes, rats, that type of thing. She also said there is starting to be acts of crime in the area, and they used to never have any crime. I've never been there, so this is according to her. She has lived there for quite a few years, so has seen things going down hill with her own eyes.

Not trying to dispute you Don, just going by what my step sister has told me. She's not usually known for over-exaggerating things.

 

[nene0182]

I have friends that live in The Villages and there is quite a bit going on within without leaving. It's huge.

My in laws moved from ND to The Villages in 2011, and in 2013 my parents went to visit them for a few days and ended up buying a house under construction. They moved there full time in 2014. All 4 of them love it. There always seems to be something going on in the town squares and various clubs and activities.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

My in-laws are MA to Clearwater snowbirds - in fact, they leave on Monday. They live in an over-55 park on US 19. It's mostly car dealerships right on their side of the highway, but LOTS of shopping and restaurants in a very short driving distance, usually less than 10 minutes.

 

[nkereina]

OP here - thanks a million for all the replies. I've taken notes on everything mentioned!

Spoke with my parents last night and they've narrowed it down to the greater Tampa/St. Pete area, to start at least. They feel it's a good location for them to figure out which areas they like best, as they plan to take day trips or overnight trips to other cities/areas while they're to do some exploration. They've also upped their monthly budget, now trying to stay under $3000/month.

So my next question for those familiar with Tampa: what areas are dangerous or best to avoid? I've only been to Tampa once and we went to Ybor City, so I looked up some rentals in that area and it didn't appear to be the best neighborhood. Where should I steer clear of in my search?

Thanks again!