Why Be a Snowbird?

Have you ever wondered why some people pack everything up and move to a different place every winter? Do you have neighbors whose homes stand empty all winter, while everyone else decorates their homes for the holidays? Sometimes, those of us who stay put over the winter wonder, why be a snowbird?
There are actually all kinds of reasons why people choose to live the snowbird lifestyle, and you might be surprised by some of them.
Comfort is probably at the top of the heap when it comes to deciding to live this lifestyle.
For some people, winter is very unpleasant. They don't tolerate cold weather, and they may find it difficult, impossible, or just plain aggravating to scrape snow off of their cars and shovel their driveways. Snowbirds find warm temperatures and sunshine far more comfortable, and it may be for reasons that go beyond personal preference. For instance, people with chronic conditions like arthritis may really suffer in the cold, as do those who have surgical metal rods in their bodies. And then there are those snowbirds who just prefer warm weather.
Physical Health may not allow for the rigors that come with cold weather and snow removal.
Back in the days when tuberculosis was a significant scourge and there were no antibiotics available, patients were sometimes sent to a different climate to cure their ailment. While most snowbirds don't have TB, many of them do have health reasons for going to a warmer climate during the winter. As noted above, some people have metal in their bodies due to surgery to repair a broken bone, and metal conducts cold and makes for a painful winter. Other snowbirds want to escape the cold and flu season, especially if they have compromised immune systems.
Emotional Health as in not seeing the sun for more than 3 months.
Most of us know about SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder/Depression. This is not something to take lightly - SAD can be debilitating for some people. Moving out of the winter darkness and spending the season in sunshine and warmth is a great remedy. Even if they don't have SAD, some snowbirds just really feel happier and more content when they are in a warmer place with lots to do and people to see.
Need for Change as in change of surroundings and not just change of furniture.  Some people just don't like to be cooped up. They want to get out, meet new people, and have adventures and new experiences. It's sometimes hard to do that when everyone is holed up for winter. Moving to a warmer climate provides opportunities for snowbirds to have cookouts, attend picnics, and go sight-seeing. For elderly folks, being snowbirds means helping keep the mind sharp, too, with new experiences and people to see.
Making new Good Memories. Do you know anyone who has lost a loved one during the holidays or winter months? Such a loss can make you dread wintertime and the memories it conjures up. Sometimes, a personal loss can occur at any time of year, but the holiday season is too hard to celebrate without that person. So families, individuals, or couples move out of the home and climate that reminds them of their loss and head for somewhere that's not associated with the late loved one.
These are just a few of the reasons that people choose the snowbird lifestyle. For you it may be something else. Maybe you just want to try out the life on the road in an RV? Maybe you just want to experience life in a different location in the USA? Many people have found they can make a living from the internet. Some are working with Amazon using FBA or affiliate. Some have found employers that allow employees to telecommute full time. In this age of the internet its just up to you.