How to speak Snowbird:

Snowbird - Simply defined as a seasonal resident of a warmer climate.  Many snowbirds keep a home up North.  After a while many also transition into living in a warmer climate year-round.

Synonyms: Seasonal resident, winter resident, Northerner

55+ Community - These communities are specifically designed and marketed for adults 55 and older only.  The result is often a unique atmosphere of adults interested in friendship and social events--an ideal situation for snowbirds!

55+ communities are legally allowed to exclude families and younger people.  (See HUD’s “Housing for Older Persons” law).  There is some leniency in the law where communities can allow certain people who are close in age.  There is also a similar law that requires residents to be 62 and over.

Note that most 55+ communities are typically for healthy and active adults who do not need assistance.  (They are NOT assisted living, etc).

Synonyms: Active adult community, Senior Community, Senior Park, 55 and older park, 55+ Park, Adult community

Social Activities and amenities - These often include the following: Clubhouse, Shuffleboard, golf, swimming, water aerobics, dances, barbeques, beach parties, horseshoes, darts, pool, billiards, swimming, tennis, ice cream socials, crafts, and more!

Amenities in a community will affect the price of an accommodation.  Look for a balance between amenities and price.  Remember that you can always travel to a nearby rec center if there is not a certain amenity on property.

In the next section we will help you decide whether to Rent or Buy and what type of housing best suits you.