First timer -where to snowbird - not Florida

[cvbdsl]

I'm retiring in 10 days and we want to spend the winter down south. Looking at Texas or Louisiana maybe. Maybe Arizona(bit further drive)? Coming from Ottawa Canada down through Ogdensburg NY.

Looking for a place that is not packed side to side(we like a bit of privacy) and I also want my own internet connection, not a park wifi. Price could be up to around $700 per month (give or take).

Anyone have any favorites or know of good places in these areas?

Thanks

P.S nothing against Florida but it seems everyone goes there.

[powerboatr]

south texas,

harlingen, la feria, mccallen most of the small cities there have decent parks for winter, better call now for a spot
and for a real treat, north east texas, tyler, sulphur springs, only 2 hours to dallas and lots of nice people.
winter does have its cold spell..but its not to harsh

[gbstewart]

I'm on the Ottawa valley , in the same boat, looking where to snowbird, thinking Arizona , will be watching your thread
gbstewart

[Ret Syntst]

We are also from Ottawa. We've been going to Yuma, AZ for the past 6 years. Park prices are $325/month plus electric. Local internet company provides secure cable access (unlimited through your own router) for $35/month - no contract, cancel when you leave. It's a bit of a drive (5000 km) but we site see on the way down and back - take our time (usually 10 -14 days depending on weather). We leave in the middle of Oct and return in April. Climate is warm and dry (desert environment) and there aren't any bugs. It rained twice last winter. There is also BLM land to boondock, which we have done a few times (Quartzite RV show in January). It's like living in paradise.

[grindstone01]

If you want warm weather, go as far South in Texas as you can for Jan. We spent Feb in Louisiana State Parks as camphost (Tickfaw S.P.) and still had some frosty mornings. Most LA state parks have elec/water and you can stay 14 days.
We stayed in Gulf Shores, AL in Jan and they had a ice storm that shut down I-10 mid month.

[JJH3rd]

How about the gulf coast of Mississippi? New Orleans is less that an hour's drive if you stay in Bay St. Louis; Mobile if you stay in Ocean Springs or Biloxi.

[DGBPokes]

We retired a few years ago. Our plan was year 1, Arizona. Year 2 the Rio Grande Valley, Year 3 Florida then decide which we liked the best. We did Arizona the first year. The second year RGV. We are on year 4 this coming winter in the RGV. Never got to Florida ( been there numerous times on business and vacations)

1. The people in the valley are as friendly and glad you are there.
My trips to Florida, they wish you weren’t there.
2. Prices are more reasonable, for rent, food, entertainment etc.
3. Weather....probably a negative because it’s always windy.
4. Mexican border, lots of bargains dental, prescription meds, coach work
5. We can get home on one tank of fuel and a real long day if we need to.

[CampFire Junkies]

Just curious and don’t want to hijack, but does anyone go to Southern California? San Diego approximately?

[Pepper2]

Mission TX in the Rio Grande Valley. We will be returning for our second winter there this October.

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by CampFire Junkies

Just curious and don’t want to hijack, but does anyone go to Southern California? San Diego approximately?

Don't see it mentioned very often. I was going to say cost and space. I did a quick Google Map search for campgrounds and found a few places. You might want to check monthly rental cost and availability for the winter months.

I'd also check how long you can be in CA and not be declared a citizen by the state. They are one of the heaviest taxed states in the country thus have an interest in enforcing residency laws and grabbing a large tax bite.

[tizzyfit]

Originally Posted by CampFire Junkies

Just curious and don’t want to hijack, but does anyone go to Southern California? San Diego approximately?

Compared to the rest of the states mentioned in this discussion, EVERYTHING is more expensive in Southern California. I spent a month in the San Diego area 2 winters ago, campsite plus electric was over $900. The site was very narrow and mariachi band music played 24/7. Gas for the toad, food, and diesel was out of sight compared to the other southern tier states. Left there for the eastern side of Yuma where the monthly rent was $325 plus electric, large sites and reasonable food, diesel, propane, and gas prices.

[CampFire Junkies]

Originally Posted by tizzyfit

Compared to the rest of the states mentioned in this discussion, EVERYTHING is more expensive in Southern California. I spent a month in the San Diego area 2 winters ago, campsite plus electric was over $900. The site was very narrow and mariachi band music played 24/7. Gas for the toad, food, and diesel was out of sight compared to the other southern tier states. Left there for the eastern side of Yuma where the monthly rent was $325 plus electric, large sites and reasonable food, diesel, propane, and gas prices.

Thank you for the enlightening information!

[mbridinger]

$900 for southern Cali is a good price!

[cvbdsl]

Thanks for the all the feedback. DW and will start and check out some of the places mentioned. 9 days to retirement!

thanks

Chris