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“Snowbirds” who migrate from cold climates to warm climates in the winter have long been in the United States, with many coming from Canada or most northern US states. Many people are retiring and moving to Florida or Arizona. This is still the case, although other cities have joined in – especially for retirees.
Here’s a look at the five best real estate markets for aspiring snowbirds, listed alphabetically.
Also see how much snowbird retirees spend monthly living between two homes.
1. Delray Beach, Florida
- Average home price: $338,995
- Cost of Living Score: 114.1
If you’re a snowbird looking for a good time and plenty of amenities, Delray Beach is the place for you, according to Florida-based CEO and broker Jeff Lichtenstein. eco fine properties. You’ll also find plenty of homes to choose from.
“Condos, town homes or single-family ‘monsters’ are all possibilities, but the city’s nightlife and weekly festivals are what people love,” Lichtenstein told GOBankingRates. “Moving further west, Delray and nearby Boca Raton have a series of 55+ communities filled with golf courses, pickle ball (and) card games. There are three options of airports within 45 minutes of your home.”
2. El Paso, Texas
- Average home price: $231,886
- Cost of Living Score: 81.9
The affordability of El Paso is one of the big draws for snowbirds. But it also includes many other things.
Neil Brooks, President Nude USA And a Realtor for more than 20 years cited El Paso’s dry climate and mild winters as well as its “strong health care infrastructure, cultural attractions, golf courses and outdoor activities.”
3. Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Average home price: $143,072
- Cost of Living Score: 83.5
This Gulf Coast city offers “mild winters, ocean breezes and beach living without the price of better-known coastal cities,” Brooks said.
“Retirees can find condos and single-family homes for under $200,000, and property taxes are typically low,” he said. “The lifestyle is on the laid-back side and includes outdoor activities like fishing, sailing and walking.”
4. Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Average home price: $381,910
- Cost of Living Score: 98.6
Port St. Lucie, located on Florida’s “Treasure Coast,” has seen a recent increase in the number of 55-plus communities, according to Lichtenstein. These aren’t even “your grandfather’s” over 55 communities.
Residents have access to cooking class rooms, an arts and crafts center, outdoor gardening, a fitness room and “endless pickleball,” Lichtenstein said. “It’s easy to meet others because everyone is coming from somewhere else. The price points are very reasonable.”
5. Yuma, Arizona
- Average home price: $298,369
- Cost of Living Score: 91
Snowbirds seeking sunshine will find plenty in Yuma, which Brooks called “one of the most popular destinations for snowbirds” in the Southwest.
“The city enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year and retirees enjoy warm, dry winters that are ideal for outdoor activity and comfortable living,” he said. “Unlike many Arizona markets, Yuma has largely avoided skyrocketing home prices. The combination of low housing prices and a fairly manageable cost of living makes it a realistic choice. It also offers accessible health care, a strong veteran presence and easy access to large medical centers in Phoenix and San Diego.”
Editor’s note: Listed are median home prices Zillow And reflect prices as of February 28, 2026. The cost of living score comes from an analysis best place And are based on an average of 100. Cities with scores below 100 are less expensive than the national average, while those above 100 are more expensive.