FLA vs AZ

steveh27 wrote:
I spent 6 weeks in FLA 2 years ago and am planning on making it 8 weeks this Feb + Mar. I read another thread where many switched from FL to AZ & like it better. I like FL because I fish and the ocean is right there, and AZ is further from me. But, I am interested in learning more about AZ (I have relatives & friends in Tuscon). What is better about AZ?

1. Feb. and March is the high seson for snow birders because of the weather and spring training baseball. Reservations have to be made 6 or more months in advance for the larger rv parks offering a lot of amenities, pool, golf, tennis, pickle ball etc.
2. Ariz. typically around the 75 deg. mark.
3. There is some fresh water fishing in Ariz.
4. the nearest ocean fishing is in Rocky point in Baja Mex. about 8 hrs. away.
5. Ariz. has many points of interest i.e. museums, botanical gardens , many shopping malls for the wife and of course about 11 Spring training baseball parks allowing you to see MLB teams play every day.
6. a numer of Casinos

I would search for either one in the Snowbirds category and read on.

Stayed at both...like both. Biggest difference is water (a real pro for FL) and cost (AZ is much cheaper). AZ has a lot less traffic too.

We towed the condo to FL last Feb and folks were shocked that we didn't stay in AZ. Apparently they thought AZ was no different than FL for the winter. Me? I live in Tucson (not Tuscon) and prefer FL.

If ocean fishing is your thing then you wouldn't like Arizona. If hiking and enjoying far off vistas without buildings or people around, you'll love Arizona. Arizona has many golf courses, tennis and now, pickleball is a big thing at most parks.

The weather is awesome in Feb/March but can be very nice in other winter months - today will be 80 but the weekend will drop to the 60's. However, it is rare that the sun doesn't shine and that's important for winter. It can be in the 30's at night but by 9-10am you could be in shorts.

Winter is not typically a windy season nor is it the rainy season. Snakes are hibernating so you won't see one. You won't be bothered by bugs. Birds are plentiful.

We're from Michigan but Arizona is now our favorite state. Our last trip to Florida was one November and we planned to stay the season. We couldn't stand the bugs and humidity and we left within the week. We've tried Florida other times but it's just not for us. Obviously, many like it because it's crowded.

There are lakes in southern Arizona and they are stocked with trout in the winter. The state parks are awesome - scenic and clean. Big rigs fit in them with no problem. The greater Phoenix area has many Maricopa County parks with campgrounds and electric/water. They're extremely popular so reservations now are a must. They have lush vegetation. You won't find better surroundings and camping in the Phoenix area than Lost Dutchman State Park with lakes nearby. Tucson has Catalina State Park - beautiful.

It just boils down to what kinds of activities you want.... and if you want SUN and no bugs. :)

Best reply award goes to 2gypsies. Only thing to add is Florida is Humid and AZ is dry.

We lived in FL for decades and retired from Florida. You don't have enough money to get us back there even for the winter, but we enjoy Arizona and spend winters here now. Other than ocean fishing or beaches, AZ has everything FL has and at 2/3 the cost. Things AZ does NOT have are bugs, humidity, traffic, oh and did I say bugs :) Here you are welcomed and treated in a friendly manner, unlike the way the locals treat you in Florida. Here, you pay the same price as the locals, NO such thing here in AZ as a locals card or locals menu, which there is in Florida. Did I say there are no BUGS in AZ :) You will see for yourself, if you try both.

I fish and theres plenty of lakes in az and crappie hitting 2#. bass over 5#

Do not forget the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, warmer than AZ and 3 times less costly than FL
Nearly 500 parks to choose from.

Well since you've spent time in FL no need to talk about that. We've never spent a whole winter in AZ, but spent many vacations there. The biggest difference for me is my joints feel better, and things don't rot away like they do in FL.

What we didn't like about AZ is the feeling that it's the Elephant graveyard. Also, we're water people and the "when the hills turn pink it's time to drink" lifestyle wasn't enough for us.

FWIW, if you like salt water fishing (and cheaper prices then FL) there is a lot of shoreline miles on the Gulf of Mexico to explore if you're a mobile RV'er.