A “snowbird” is a term for someone from the freezing climates of the East Coast or Canada who decides to move toward the warmer western states. Many of these snowbirds are retired or close to retiring and want to spend their winters in sunny weather.
Many snowbirds now prefer living in Phoenix, AZ for its proximity to all the urban conveniences like shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment hubs while enjoying the pleasant sunny weather. The city’s easy access to other regions like California, Nevada, and Mexico also works in their favor.
The perfect home and community
When looking for the perfect second home, it’s important to consider factors like lifestyle, maintenance, and location. Snowbirds usually prefer smaller properties such as town homes, condominiums or small single-family residences over bigger homes with many rooms. Maintenance is easier when you’re only using it a few months a year.
There are several communities in the Greater Phoenix area that give snowbirds a perfect home away from home. Quite popular are communities like Mesa and Gilbert.
Mesa, a suburb found in the in the East Valley, is a haven for snowbirds from Western Canada. Fascinating historical and cultural attractions abound here such as the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and Mesa Historical Museum. Numerous bodies of water are also within its periphery like the Apache, Canyon, Roosevelt, and Saguaro Lakes, as well as Salt River, allowing opportunities for activities like fishing or tubing.
Gilbert meanwhile is perfect for active snowbirds with a flair for nature-tripping. Go biking, hiking, trekking,camping or exploring the equestrian trails at the Riparian Preserve. The preserve is also a great bird-watching venue in the whole Phoenix area and it also has the valley’s only astronomy observatory. Its proximity to beautiful outdoor sites like the Superstition Mountains, Saguaro National Park, and Tonto National Forest is also a big plus.
Consider the costs and taxes
Once you’ve decided on the kind of home to buy and where,the next step is to think about the most cost-effective means to finance your purchase. Study your savings, income, and debt for you to come up with a budget. Include the cost of furniture, appliances, insurance, monthly utility bills, and property taxes when figuring out your price range.
The tax rate in Arizona depends on the city, schools, water districts, and other factors. Different counties and cities may have different tax rates for properties. Second homes or rental properties don’t qualify for tax reduction in Arizona.
Want to know more about living the snowbird lifestyle and homes in Phoenix, AZ? Give Scott Semer a call today at 1.480.353.0299 or send him an email to scott(at)scottsemerrealestate(dotted)com.