The opposite of a snowbird is called a sunbird. Just as snowbirds head south in the United States (U.S.) to escape the harsh, cold winter weather in places like my home state of Michigan, sunbirds head north to avoid the extreme heat, humidity, and hurricanes states such as Florida constantly face during the summer months.
The opposite of a snowbird, explained by Yale University Climate Connections, “For over 50 years, Florida and other sunny Southern states have experienced a migration pattern: the influx of the snowbird, a not-so-rare breed of Northern-state dwellers seeking to escape winter by flocking south to join their sunbird counterparts. But now a reverse trend is taking shape: Some sunbirds are moving out, spurred by the escalating impacts of climate change.
New research is shedding light on population changes across the South, especially in places already significantly impacted by climate change like Florida and Texas. Heat seems to be playing a role in this northern migration, but that doesn’t tell the whole story – people are also relocating on a smaller scale within cities, out of communities that are flooding with increasing frequency.
Places like Miami, Tampa, and New Orleans aren’t just experiencing a little more heat than they did in the 1960s when AC first moved to town. They’re experiencing more than eight additional heat waves each year. Not only that, those heat waves are lasting longer and the season they occur in has increased by more than 80 days,”.
They concluded that, “Whether climate change impacts are forcing people from their homes due to flooding or they are leaving by choice for a cooler future, the migration patterns in the U.S. are changing – with profound potential consequences for Southern communities if climate change goes unchecked,”.
*Yale Climate Connections is an initiative of the Yale Center for Environmental Communication, directed by Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz of the Yale School of the Environment at Yale University.
What is the average age of a snowbird?
The average age of a snowbird is between fifty and sixty-nine years old. Gen X’ers and the younger Baby Boomers are known to be very active, and they tend to be wealthy, well-educated, and adapt to the snowbird lifestyle very well. Wow, I am officially included in this age group! How did that happen?
When I envision retirement, I see myself in a palm tree-lined RV park with saltwater pools, hot tubs, saunas, and a clubhouse where all of us seniors have potluck parties each month. What’s even better is the park where my beautiful RV will be camping out, which sits right next to a marina where my very large cabin cruiser stays docked during the cold winter months in Michigan. Hey, a girl can dream, right?
Snowbirds typically travel to Florida, Arizona, or California to escape the winter weather. Some retired people become “full-time” snowbirds and permanently live in their second homes. However, most snowbirds return to their primary residences during the spring and summer months to escape the heat and hurricane season, as we mentioned earlier.
Every year, millions of Americans (including those in the U.S. and Canada) travel south to escape the cold winter weather. These so-called snowbirds typically come from states in the northeastern and midwestern U.S., where snow and ice can make life difficult, if not impossible, for several months of the year, especially for the elderly or seriously injured.
For those of us who live in colder climate areas such as Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, we typically like to head south for warmer weather during our winter months, that is, of course, if we are in a financial position to do so.
Florida, the Sunshine State, is a popular destination for snowbirds, offering warm weather and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. In fact, Michigan is the second most popular native home for Florida snowbirds, second only to New York, followed third by Ohio.
The vast majority of Michigan snowbirds head to the west side of Florida’s Gulf Coast, where we can enjoy sunny beaches and mild temperatures, which is exactly where my ex-father-in-law settled as a snowbird from December to April. The rest of the year, he travels the globe or is in Michigan for our unmatched summer and fall seasons.
What is the best Great Lake to visit in the summer?
Well, that is a trick question…all of them, of course! If Southerners are considering becoming Sunbirds, I would highly recommend my home state of Michigan as the quintessential place to stay, as four out five Great Lakes surround us:
- Lake Erie
- Lake Huron
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Superior
Michigan is a phenomenal place to live and vacation because we are the only State in the Union that is divided into two peninsulas, completely surrounded by fresh water (no salt, no sharks) of the Great Lakes.
In fact, data about Pure Michigan’s water wonderland, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), reports the following: “Natural resources at a glance:
- Michigan is home to 10,899 inland lakes (five acres or more).
- Michigan has 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, the longest U.S. freshwater coastline.
- Michigan has more total shoreline than any state except Alaska.
- Michigan has 52,053 miles of streams.
- In Michigan you’re never more than 6 miles from a body of water or 85 miles from a Great Lake – which means you’re never more than six miles from great fishing!,”.
Furthermore, we have some of the most beautiful natural landscapes, state parks, and national forests to explore. As a proud, lifelong, born and bred Michigander, I have had wonderful camping and outdoor experiences all over the Mitten State, but specifically in the Lower Peninsula’s two national forests, which include:
- Huron Manistee forest in Oscoda, on the Au Sable River
- Manistee National Forest, Manistee, footsteps from Lake Michigan
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Upper Peninsula has the following forestland, “The one million acres of the Ottawa National Forest are located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The forest extends from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. The area is rich in wildlife viewing opportunities; breathtaking views of rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls; and spectacular fall colors,”.
Opposite of snowbird
In conclusion, whether you’re a snowbird chasing warmth or a sunbird seeking cooler summers, migration is evolving with our climate. One thing’s certain — Michigan’s stunning shorelines and fresh water make it a perfect destination either way!