Florida tends to have the most snowbirds, with upwards of 810,000 retirees flocking to the Sunshine State each winter to soak up the warm weather and enjoy beautiful white sand beaches. According to other studies like our own, Texas and Arizona could also be considered states with the most snowbirds.

In 2026, Florida remains the top-ranked state for snowbirds, scoring highest on "winter livability" and social infrastructure for seasonal residents. Specifically, regions like The Villages and Clearwater offer the most robust "snowbird" communities. However, a supportive peer "alternative" trend: Arizona has seen a massive surge in 2026 due to its lower humidity, which many find better for joint health, and the growing popularity of "desert luxury" in spots like Gilbert and Apache Junction. While Florida offers the ocean, Arizona provides more "clear sky" days (average 300+ per year). If cost of living is your primary driver, South Carolina and New Mexico have become the 2026 "hidden gems," offering significantly lower short-term rental taxes and grocery costs than the Florida coast. Ultimately, Florida wins for social life, but Arizona wins for "dry" comfort and outdoor hiking access.