OT: Snow birdie thoughts and/or recommendations for Myrtle Beach or Florida?

[saturdaysarebetter]

I have recently retired (THANK YOU GOD!) and thinking about doing my first test trial of a one-month snow birdie thing and was thinking either Myrtle Beach or Florida. Most likely either January or February to get away from a Pennsylvania winter although last year was the mildest winter I can remember in terms of cold temperatures (other than around Christmas) and snowfall. I know every winter isn't going to be as mild as last year though. Any thoughts and recommendations on doing the snow-birdie thing to either Myrtle Beach or Florida?

Quite a few years ago, I had an elderly neighbor couple that always went to Myrtle Beach and stayed in a hotel. They loved it. He golfed and she said they had maid service and plenty of things to see and do and it wasn't that far of a drive away from home.

Thank you in advance. Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

[nittanymoops]

What would Cael recommend? Has either place honored him appropriately?

In all seriousness, I lived in Myrtle for 10 years. I was a golfer and my job allowed me to play most every mornings and weekends. It was heaven. When I visit now the biggest change I see is the population increase, the crime increase and the price increases. However, those winter months, January especially, were very reasonable on prices and very kind to locals if you have a residence. Of course, it's the coldest time as well. Keep in mind that it's rare, but there have been a few major snow events along the coast. They aren't immune.

I've visited Florida probably 50 times in the last 25 years, both when I lived in MB and back here in PA. To me, Florida is a place best visited, IMO. Same problems as MB. Of course, it depends on place and time. Florida clearly has the edge on weather and you can usually guarantee temps in the 60s-70s, perhaps warmer, for the time of year you mentioned.

Your mileage may vary. Love both places.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

Congrats on your retirement. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but IMO FL > SC. Better roads, infrastructure, and more things to do overall. The population increase is all over so that will be a wash.

 

[massimoManca II]

Can’t ski in Florida or Myrtle …
No thanks

 

[MrTailgate]

Just some thoughts-

1- Assume you’re driving as opposed to flying and renting a car. That will shape your decision as Myrtle v. Florida is still a sizable driving difference. I’d definitely drive and maybe do a stop at a place of interest. Car rental can be expensive; you will be glad you drove.

2- There will still be a big potential temp difference depending how far south in FL you go. If you want warmth, FL is a better choice. If you have a specific interest, than you will seek out what maximizes that.

3- If its Florida, you have to pick GULF v. Atlantic Coast. They are very different. If you want Gulf and Clearwater, St Pete, or Sarasota is your choice, I can get into the weeds with you.

Most important don’t do a hotel. Rent a condo or townhouse. You’ll get more space, have a place for visitors, and be able to cook. You’ll save $$ as well.

 

[Big_O]

Stay away from Florida, especially the west coast. We have way too many snowbirds.

 

[northwoods]

What would Cael recommend? Has either place honored him appropriately?

In all seriousness, I lived in Myrtle for 10 years. I was a golfer and my job allowed me to play most every mornings and weekends. It was heaven. When I visit now the biggest change I see is the population increase, the crime increase and the price increases. However, those winter months, January especially, were very reasonable on prices and very kind to locals if you have a residence. Of course, it's the coldest time as well. Keep in mind that it's rare, but there have been a few major snow events along the coast. They aren't immune.

I've visited Florida probably 50 times in the last 25 years, both when I lived in MB and back here in PA. To me, Florida is a place best visited, IMO. Same problems as MB. Of course, it depends on place and time. Florida clearly has the edge on weather and you can usually guarantee temps in the 60s-70s, perhaps warmer, for the time of year you mentioned.

Your mileage may vary. Love both places.

I lived in Little River, on the coast just north of Myrtle Beach, for 18 years and we never had even a "minor" snow event (of course the locals considered a mere dusting of snow a major event).

The two big differences between renting a condo for a month in Myrtle Beach or Florida are the weather and the cost. The weather in Florida in January is much warmer than in Myrtle Beach which can be a big advantage, but the cost of an equivalent two bedroom condo in Myrtle Beach for the month of January is much less than one on either Florida coast. The other costs of living (golf, restaurants, etc.) are also less in Myrtle Beach as many businesses cater to snowbirds. As has already been mentioned, crime has become an issue in Myrtle Beach as the area attracts more than its share of bad actors. Personally, I'd pay the additional money and chose Florida --- the key determinates being the warmer weather and, dare I say, "nicer" coastal towns.

 

[Nitwit]

The east and west coasts of Florida have much different vibes. I prefer the east coast because of the diverse Cuban, South American, and Jewish communities and international influences in restaurants, beaches, and attractions. It’s very Caribbean like with lots of European tourists. Think tres leches cake. The west coast to me is more laid back and boring full of old Midwesterners, except for maybe Venice which is upscale. Think - early bird specials and white bread.

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

Can’t ski in Florida or Myrtle …
No thanks

To me snow is a four-letter word and any sport that has an ambulance waiting at the base of a mountain for the best skiers in the world during the Olympics and world championships is a no from me.

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

The east and west coasts of Florida have much different vibes. I prefer the east coast because of the diverse Cuban, South American, and Jewish communities and international influences in restaurants, beaches, and attractions. It’s very Caribbean like. The west coast to me is more laid back and boring full of old Midwesterners, except for maybe Venice which is upscale. Think - early bird specials!

Del Boca Vista!

 

[Bwifan]

Del Boca Vista!

I live in Delray Beach and love it

 

[nittanymoops]

I lived in Little River, on the coast just north of Myrtle Beach, for 18 years and we never had even a "minor" snow event (of course the locals considered a mere dusting of snow a major event).

The two big differences between renting a condo for a month in Myrtle Beach or Florida are the weather and the cost. The weather in Florida in January is much warmer than in Myrtle Beach which can be a big advantage, but the cost of an equivalent two bedroom condo in Myrtle Beach for the month of January is much less than one on either Florida coast. The other costs of living (golf, restaurants, etc.) are also less in Myrtle Beach as many businesses cater to snowbirds. As has already been mentioned, crime has become an issue in Myrtle Beach as the area attracts more than its share of bad actors. Personally, I'd pay the additional money and chose Florida --- the key determinates being the warmer weather and, dare I say, "nicer" coastal towns.

I moved there in 92 and left in 03. When I got there, they were still talking about the Christmas blizzard in 89 (Post Hugo) when 14 inches was on the ground. When I was there, nothing major. A few years ago, relatives who moved down there posted pics on FB when about 6 inches fell.

Interestingly enough, I was there for about 1-2 inches on a golf trip in the late 80s and we were snowed out that day. The interesting part was that we spent the day golf shop hopping until the bars opened. And once it got above freezing all the courses turned on the sprinklers to "wash" away the snow. That was the second day of our trip and the rest of the trip was beautiful.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

When we had the condo down in Myrtle Beach, we loved renting to these snow birds. It was guaranteed income for anywhere from 2 - 4 months during the winter season. They were older so we didn't have to worry about things being damaged in the condo. To be honest, they would get a pretty good deal, as well, since the rent isn't very high during the winter months. It would work out well for everyone.

 

[Metal Mike]

First thing - enjoy retirement.
We have a place in Naples Florida where we do the snowbird thing from Dec to May. Naples is on the Gulf (west) coast. We enjoy the Gulf Coast as there is less people, less traffic and it is more laidback. Naples is almost the southerner end of the Gulf Coast, we are close to Marco Island and the Everglades. The problem is expense. Renting a condo or some place for the month of Jan or Fed will be high and hard to find. We live in a golf community where the golf course is part of the ownership. It is getting hard to find places in Jan. Most folks want to rent for the season (Nov to May) to get the max income. There are places with out golf courses that will be cheaper, but will still be high because folks want to rent for the season and they will ask a lot to make up for not renting for the season. But if you golf getting on a course in season will also be expensive. We bought our place 18 years ago when I was still working and paid it off before retirement.

 

[Georgia Peach]

I have recently retired (THANK YOU GOD!) and thinking about doing my first test trial of a one-month snow birdie thing and was thinking either Myrtle Beach or Florida. Most likely either January or February to get away from a Pennsylvania winter although last year was the mildest winter I can remember in terms of cold temperatures (other than around Christmas) and snowfall. I know every winter isn't going to be as mild as last year though. Any thoughts and recommendations on doing the snow-birdie thing to either Myrtle Beach or Florida?

Quite a few years ago, I had an elderly neighbor couple that always went to Myrtle Beach and stayed in a hotel. They loved it. He golfed and she said they had maid service and plenty of things to see and do and it wasn't that far of a drive away from home.

Thank you in advance. Any and all advice is appreciated.

Well, first enjoy a well-earned retirement. I moved to Georgia from up north and love it here. The winters are not exactly Florida but I sure don't have to worry about snow or ice.

The problem with Florida in the high season (January to March) is the crowd of people doing what you want to do. These folks eat at restaurants, golf, drive, and visit the touristy areas. So you will encounter heavy traffic, higher prices, lack of tee times, waits for tables, and overcrowding to the point that you will be as frustrated as you might have been on your job. No way to spend retirement. Just my .02.

Consider snowbirding in areas less popular but just as nice. Gulf Coast all the way from FLA to Texas has great weather and plenty of golf and other activities. Retirement communities are now popping up on the Alabama and Mississippi coasts as people look for alternatives to FLA. Less rent for condos, cheaper golf on very good courses, less hassle eating out, are the draws. You could bounce around on the gulf coast and see plenty in the coming years.

The Georgia coast (Tybee Island, Savannah, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, etc. offer plenty of condo options and recreational opportunities. You can stretch it out from Hilton Head to Jacksonville, FL.

You have options and time. Explore and in my opinion be prepared if going to FLA. Beautiful areas but as Don Henley sang, "call some place paradise, kiss it goodbye".

 

[PSU87]

First thing - enjoy retirement.
We have a place in Naples Florida where we do the snowbird thing from Dec to May. Naples is on the Gulf (west) coast. We enjoy the Gulf Coast as there is less people, less traffic and it is more laidback. Naples is almost the southerner end of the Gulf Coast, we are close to Marco Island and the Everglades. The problem is expense. Renting a condo or some place for the month of Jan or Fed will be high and hard to find. We live in a golf community where the golf course is part of the ownership. It is getting hard to find places in Jan. Most folks want to rent for the season (Nov to May) to get the max income. There are places with out golf courses that will be cheaper, but will still be high because folks want to rent for the season and they will ask a lot to make up for not renting for the season. But if you golf getting on a course in season will also be expensive. We bought our place 18 years ago when I was still working and paid it off before retirement.

I guess it depends what you're comparing. I personally find the Gulf Coast from Tampa down to Naples to be too busy.
If you're comparing Naples to the Palm Beach- Broward-Dade corridor....sure. But personally the stretch of Florida I love most and chose to live in is the East Coast from about Stuart up to Cape Canaveral.
More laid back than Naples area for sure, and while we certainly have some snowbirds, we do not get inundated with them like some other spots. Higher percentage of permanent residents here.
And because of the Gulf Stream, on the barrier islands we enjoy a mostly subtropical climate. In the 20 years Ive lived here i can count the number of times we dropped below 35 on one hand.
North of Cape Canaveral can't say that.

 

[Bwifan]

I guess it depends what you're comparing. I personally find the Gulf Coast from Tampa down to Naples to be too busy.
If you're comparing Naples to the Palm Beach- Broward-Dade corridor....sure. But personally the stretch of Florida I love most and chose to live in is the East Coast from about Stuart up to Cape Canaveral.
More laid back than Naples area for sure, and while we certainly have some snowbirds, we do not get inundated with them like some other spots. Higher percentage of permanent residents here.
And because of the Gulf Stream, on the barrier islands we enjoy a mostly subtropical climate. In the 20 years Ive lived here i can count the number of times we dropped below 35 on one hand.
North of Cape Canaveral can't say that.

When I finally pull the rip chord that is where I am looking to retire. I currently live in Delray Beach, FL but Stuart and Hobe Sound are both in my sales territory and I really enjoy going to both places and retirement all the more. I would like to keep a condo or townhouse in Delray Beach though I really enjoy the town and Atlantic Ave.