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Which state has the most snowbirds?

What state has the most snowbirds? 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.



Florida remains the undisputed state with the most "snowbirds"—seasonal residents who move south from colder northern climates and Canada to spend the winter months. In 2026, it is estimated that Florida welcomes over one million snowbirds annually, with the largest influx occurring between December and April. This seasonal population surge increases Florida's total population by approximately 5% during the winter peak. Key regions like Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, and the Villages are primary hubs for this demographic. While Arizona (specifically the Phoenix and Mesa areas) is a strong second, attracting over 300,000 snowbirds from the Midwest and Western Canada, Florida's massive coastline and established retirement infrastructure keep it at the top of the list. In 2026, the "snowbird" trend has evolved to include younger "digital nomads" who work remotely from the Sunshine State to avoid the northern winter, further cementing Florida's economic reliance on this massive seasonal migration that supports over 1.6 million local jobs in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

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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.

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Downsize a Current Home Moving to a one- or two-bedroom home can save money. Snowbirds looking to stay on a budget may choose to spend more money on a new home in a desired area and downsize a current home. Downsizing means moving to a smaller home, which generally costs less, both in price and maintenance.

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WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE US TOURIST VISA VALIDITY? The B1/B2 Visa is valid for 10 years after issued, but for each entry, you are allowed to stay in the United States of America only for 180 days Per Entry or 6 months** (at most).

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Massachusetts topped 2023's list, scoring 61 out of 100. New Jersey came in second. New Hampshire, New York, and Wyoming fill out the rest of the top five states to live in, in that order. Several Southern states – Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, among others – rounded out the bottom of WalletHub's rankings.

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