The 5 Best Real Estate Markets for Aspiring Snowbirds
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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“Snowbirds” who move from cold climates to warm ones over the winter have been around a long time in the United States, with many coming from Canada or the northernmost U.S. states. Many have also been retirees headed for Florida or Arizona. That’s still the case, though other cities have come into play as well — especially for retirees.
Here’s a look at five of the 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 value: $338,995
- Cost-of-living score: 114.1
If you’re a snowbird in search of a good time and plenty of amenities, then Delray Beach is a good fit, according to Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Florida-based Echo Fine Properties. You’ll also find plenty of homes to choose from.
“Condos, town homes or single family ‘monsters’ are all possibilities, but the downtown nightlife and weekly festivals are what folks love,” Lichtenstein told GOBankingRates. “Going farther west, Delray and nearby Boca Raton have an array of 55+ communities filled with golf courses, pickle ball [and] card games. There are three choices of airports all within 45 minutes of your home.”
2. El Paso, Texas
- Average home value: $231,886
- Cost-of-living score: 81.9
El Paso’s affordability is one of the big draws for snowbirds. But it also has a lot of other things going for it.
Neil Brooks, president of NewDay USA and a Realtor for more than 20 years, cited El Paso’s dry climate and mild winters, along with a “strong healthcare infrastructure, cultural attractions, golf courses and outdoor activities.”
3. Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Average home value: $143,072
- Cost-of-living score: 83.5
This Gulf Coast city offers “mild winters, ocean breezes and waterfront living without the price tag of better-known coastal towns,” Brooks said.
“Retirees can find condos and single-family homes for under $200,000, and property taxes are generally on the lower side,” he said. “The lifestyle is on the quieter side and includes outdoor activities like fishing, boating and walking trails.”
4. Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Average home value: $381,910
- Cost-of-living score: 98.6
Located on Florida’s “Treasure Coast,” Port St. Lucie has seen a recent spike in the number of 55-plus communities, according to Lichtenstein. These are “not your grandfather’s” 55-plus communities, either.
Residents have access to cooking class rooms, arts and crafts centers, outdoor gardening, fitness rooms and “endless pickle ball,” Lichtenstein said. “It’s easy to meet others as everyone is coming from somewhere else. Price points are very reasonable.”
5. Yuma, Arizona
- Average home value: $298,369
- Cost-of-living score: 91
Snowbirds who crave the sunshine will find plenty in Yuma, which Brooks called “one of the most popular destinations for snowbirds” in the Southwest.
“The city gets more than 300 days of sunshine per year and offers retirees warm, dry winters that are ideal for outdoor activity and comfortable living,” he said. “Unlike many Arizona markets, Yuma has largely avoided runaway home prices. The combination of lower housing prices and a fairly manageable cost of living makes it a realistic option. It also offers accessible healthcare, a strong veteran presence, and easy access to larger medical centers in Phoenix and San Diego.”
Editor’s note: The average home values listed are from Zillow and reflect prices as of Feb. 28, 2026. Cost-of-living scores come from an analysis by BestPlaces and are based on an average of 100. Cities with a score below 100 are less expensive than the national average, while those above 100 are more expensive.
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