The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines it as follows – “A northerner who moves to a warmer southern state in the winter.”

Today that definition is partially true – but there is so much more to their current flight to our region.

Today’s snowbirds are an evolving breed of bird.

Those seeking quality of life and an active lifestyle in a desirable year-round climate has always been appealing, but today’s snowbirds are also seeking an enjoyable remote work environment as well as a quality place to raise a family. This motivation has only grown due to the pandemic.

Nearly 1,000 per day are leaving their urban nests in the northeast, mid-west and west – for the open spaces and bluer skies of the Sunshine State – where they can find a bigger, better nest near Palm trees.

Where before the nest was temporary to escape harsh winters up north – today’s snowbirds are making a firm decision to move. Arriving earlier, these birds are flocking together and fleeing in unison from high taxed areas like New York, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and California to arrive in the tax-friendly state of Florida. With no state income tax, no estate or inheritance tax – many view the tax breaks as “a gift” allowing them to get more in terms of value.

The main reason people are relocating here is the amazing lifestyle. They are not contemplating a flight back to the north except to visit friends and relatives.

We are seeing a different flight pattern for homebuyers.

They love the open spaces and floorplans of the Florida home and a setting that is more suburban than urban. Even our downtown areas are considered walkable neighborhoods.

Some have taken their gains from a generous stock market and have decided to make the move earlier while for other birds – sitting on a fence – the pandemic forced the issue and the perfect nexus was created for a move south.

The desire to come to Florida has always been here. But it’s more than a great vacation destination, it’s a great place to live.

Many have noted that retirement to Florida was always planned but are now making the move 20 years earlier. As seen in the newly released U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live &

Retire 2020-21 rankings, Sarasota came out not only on top in the Best Places to Retire category, but 16th in overall Best Places to Live. We couldn’t agree more!

This lifestyle acceleration is quite possibly a direct result of having more time to reflect on one’s surroundings during an incredibly challenging year. Compounded by remote work capabilities, historically low interest rates, and a lack of space, the question undoubtedly became “why wait?”.

A study conducted in August showed 20-25 percent of people are limiting international travel and no longer planning business travel but are seeking to relocate to a resort area where they can work remotely, raise a family and live a very energized life. They want to live where they vacationed, and it shows in the record number of sales and the record lows of inventory across our region.

More space. More value. More sunshine. More opportunities. More joy. More happy residents.