Alternatives to South Florida in Winter

[RetSgt7114]

We are interested in alternative destinations to South Florida in the winter. It is just becoming way too crowded and expensive down here. Between the influx of people from the Northern United States and Canada, and the unchecked immigration from South America, the Caribbean, etc., South Florida has become less attractive for us. The roads have become parking lots and forget about getting into anywhere, like restaurants, without a long wait, and forget about the beaches too. Then again, it also could be that we've come here too often and the novelty just wore out. I don't know.

Anyway, I know that Texas is popular, as well as Arizona and the Desert Southwest, but how do these areas compare weather-wise? Also, are they very crowded? We're looking for somewhere with some elbow room and where the weather is warm, but elbow room is more important. What about New Mexico. I don't hear too many people talk about that state. Anyone have any knowledge?

Obviously, I'm just fishing for information at this time, but we really do want to get out of South Florida.

[arnko37]

We spent a winter around Deming New Mexico and liked the area. Not crowded, many interesting day trips to make. The only negative was the 4200 ft elevation which meant pretty chilly nights. As far as south Florida traffic is concerned, there are some areas where it is not too bad. In the larger cities its bad, near good beaches its bad.Middle of the state not too bad. Away from resort areas helps. We chose Port Charlotte because it is more of a blue collar area than luxury. Also we do have a smaller beach area but are within 35 miles of Fort Myers beach or Siesta Key in Sarasota(rated the best in the country). No traffic jams here but keep this info under your hat so everyone don't come here.

[Dog_Folks]

We lived in South Florida for 35 years and your complaints are valid. We found to equal the weather, and warmth of South Florida, you have to south to the Rio Grande valley. Texas is a great state and much more welcoming. Have fun.

[chris3403]

Sure Corpus Christi is a little cooler than Brownsville but not that much. A lot of days last winter it was warmer than the Tampa area.
Corpus Christi area RV parks $250 - $450, compare that to Tampa $550 - $850.
Unless there is a major accident than traffic never a problem in the Corpus area.
We wintered in the Rockport area in 2004 & 5, Tampa area 6&7, didn't go anywhere in 08 but every year since we've been back to Rockport and usually stay 4 months. Easy to get to the water if you like fishing, you can drive upwards of 100 miles on the beaches in the Corpus area.

[gmajs]

We are heading to TX in November South Padre/Brownsville/Weslaco area. No idea where we are staying just going to play it by ear when we get there.

We have heard good and bad about South TX so we are going to try it. If we like then we will stay, if not then we will be heading back to FL.

From what I can tell it looks like the weather in Brownsville area is similar to Tampa but gets cooler into the 60's by Corpus Christi.

That is why we are being flexible about Texas.