Snowbird recommendations ?

[jodann]

I've had it with the winters in the N.E. & am considering the purchase of an RV site, or perhaps a park model (overall condition not too important)somewhere in Fl. - doesn't matter, east or west coast, but has to be North of Tampa. Don't want to be in Fl. in Jan, Feb. & have to use my AC as in a recent trip to Ft. Myers. I don't mind cranking up heat at times.

I had spent some time at Hawaiian Ilses in Ruskin Fl. I could do that! I guess what I need to know is where should I be looking in order to do research. I am on a limited budget, w/a pension & SS. Any help would be appreciated.

[jodann]

I've had it with the winters in the N.E. & am considering the purchase of an RV site, or perhaps a park model (overall condition not too important)somewhere in Fl. - doesn't matter, east or west coast, but has to be North of Tampa. Don't want to be in Fl. in Jan, Feb. & have to use my AC as in a recent trip to Ft. Myers. I don't mind cranking up heat at times.

I had spent some time at Hawaiian Ilses in Ruskin Fl. I could do that! I guess what I need to know is where should I be looking in order to do research. I am on a limited budget, w/a pension & SS. Any help would be appreciated.

[GaryKD]

There ae so many RV communities to choose from it is hard to know where to begin. So much of this decision depends on how you want to spend your time. The best recommendation I can provide is to rent while you look over a specific area. Once in an area you will find hundreds of choices. Based on your OP, I would look at these areas:
1. Crystal River/Homosassa. This area has a lot of nature, wildlife and fishing.
2. Lakeland/Zephyrhills/Winter Haven. This are has lots of golf, shopping layed back and chill out atmosphere.
3. Lake Okechobee(not North of Tampa)(North & North East side of the lake). This is a great fishing area.
4. Clermont. This gets close to Orlando, with all that is available there.

You biggest decision may be just making a decision. There is every type of RV related lifestyle you can imagine, in these areas. I am sure there are additional areas North of Tampa, but these are the ones I have personal knowledge of.

[Jestme13]

take a good look at So Texas, the Rio Grande Valley. Many, Many Great RV parks w/ own yer own lots. Winter Texans !

[Pusherman]

Check out Traveler's Rest Resort in Dade City. It's a self-contained RV park w/ 9-hole golf course and much more. 30 minutes north of Tampa on I-75.

[Dirtman]

Done Florida, Arizona, and Texas. The Rio Grande Valley of Texas is far and away the cheapest place to stay. I can spend the winter here for the cost of a month in Florida

[DonavonP]

http://www.retirementliving.com/RLtaxes.html

This web site will give you an overview of the taxes by state.

[ncason]

We spent two winters in South Texas (Rio Grande Valley)look in your camping directory for campgrounds in Benson, Mission, Donna, Harligen, and Westlaco, Texas. We stayed at Victoria Palms in Donna it is very nice (5 stars) and about half what a similar resort would be in Florida. Florida is nice but very crowded. There are some cheap campgrounds near Ocala (Marion County) but they are NOT RV resorts. They are fish camps. There are lots of lakes in this area and fresh water springs with canoeing/swimming etc. Look in your directory for Silver Springs, Lake Dora, Ocklawaha (Passport America). Lake City area also. You can still camp cheap in Florida but entertainment is not cheap. Texas is much better for cheap entertainment and inexpensive resturants.

[jodann]

Rio Grande Valley ?? Uhm?? No thanks. After looking at the locale - just across the border from Mexico - & all the illegal problems the US of A. is having I'll take a pass. I wouldn't feel comfortable. Sorry !!

The rates, despite what folks are saying, are pretty much in line w/comparable sites in Florida & at 10 miles per gallon - with the wind at my back & at 55-60 mph - I'll continue to look for a site in N. Fl. or S. Ga.

Am looking to escape the northeast but without having to resort to AC in Jan/Feb. I don't mind supplementing with some additional heat,whenever necessary. Will put on a flannel shirt as needed. Ocean views would be a plus. Any ideas??

[Miles]

Fla Panhandle around Navarrre beach and Destin is a nice area. Cooler for sure.

[Gary RVRoamer]

There are lots of reasonably priced manufactured homes in the Ocala, FL area. Bth near the city and out in the Ocala National Forest and surrounding small towns, so you can choose city or rural. We have our home base there, about 13 miles from the city in a rural, forested area we like.

[rtex]

Sounds like most go to Florida or S.Texas. What about Arizona. I am new to RVing and was interested to know what it cost per month in each one of these states

[GaryKD]

jodann,
Try here

I've been here many times. Quite park and no pool. Very reasonable rates. RV or park model, it matters not. They usually have some already on a site, for sale.