Snow birds permanent locations

Understand, I am not criticizing anyone for buying a rv lot, I thought about it but quickly sobered up. I don't want to go to the same place year after year, I want to see new sights and I want to meet new people. There is so many nice people in this world and I want meet them and learn new things and enjoy their company. Besides, I have seen folks buy a lot, one passes away and the other can't sell the place and is stuck paying on it with taxes and all the other costs. Not for me.

rockhillmanor what part of Florida?
sorry to interrupt the discussion hope its ok

2gypsies wrote:
If you've never tried out different winter spots, I'd highly recommend doing so before you put a lot of money into a lot and find out you don't really like the area.

That's excellent advice!

We looked at a couple of lots in the past, one in Mexico and another in the Yuma Foothills. I'm glad that we spent some time renting or staying in RV parks in both locations, decided after spending time that both locations were not what we wanted. After you sink the $$ in a lot you feel compelled to use it, if it doesn't suit that's a problem.

If you've never tried out different winter spots, I'd highly recommend doing so before you put a lot of money into a lot and find out you don't really like the area.

We paid a one month permanent deposit on our AZ spot 6 years ago. It's there for us 4 months every year. If we ever decide we don't want to stay there the next year we get that original deposit back or use it for a month while we're there.

I am moving this thread to the Snowbirds forum for more input.

In the Foothills of Yuma, AZ. there are RV lots in residential areas. Quite a few folks that own the lots stay on one side and rent the other side. Usually $300-400 a month. Some include electric, they usually have two 50 amp services, city water and sewer. Go to Craigslist for Yuma, AZ. under "vacation rentals". Most include pictures. Hundreds available and signage all over the Foothills. And with the Canadian dollar what it is there may be many more. Cancellations in our park are coming in everyday.

How many snow birds own their southern spots.

Yup, I did it last year during the housing crash. Foreclosure prices where just too unbelievable on homes in Florida not to look into it as a permanent spot for the winter.

I picked up a 3/2 on 2 acres no neighbors at close hand, for less than what a new truck would cost.

Ahhhh, MH parked out back and I've got the whole place to myself. What a BIG diff from being packed in like sardines at a CG just to get some sun during the winter. :C

Ivylog wrote:
Reading between the lines, is your question about creating your own RV spot... not in a RV Park? In many places it's called Zoning and unless it's rural or zoned agricultural... 5+ acres it's not going to be allowed.

Of course you'd have to do your home work on what is allowed by local building code. that doesn't mean you couldn't find a place and build what you like.

FYI: A friend bought an RV lot in a gated, RV resort quite a few years ago and liked using it for a few winters but then, boy did he have trouble unloading it. He found that the value had dropped lot's since he purchased; yet he had to keep paying high fees annually. Occasionally he rented it but not nearly enough to pay expenses. Eventually he sold but at about half what he originally expected.