Choosing a Snowbird Home near Walt Disney World

Choosing a Snowbird Home near Walt Disney World

It’s getting close to snowbird season, and for those seeking to escape the harsh winters of the northern states, becoming a Florida snowbird often offers the perfect solution. The term “snowbird” refers to individuals, typically retirees but now including those who work at home, who migrate to Florida during the winter months to enjoy its mild winter climate, abundant sunshine, and an array of leisure activities.

Related – Things to Think about when Relocating to Live near Disney World

With so many Disney Lovers working from home many are considering If you’re considering joining the ranks of these seasonal residents, here’s a guide on how to be a Florida snowbird and make the most of your winter escape. Central Florida offers some great benefits for snowbirds as well: Shelter from the storms that mainly affect the coast, access to preeminent golf courses, and of course Disney World and the other Central Florida amusement parks.

There are benefits to each category. 

Orlando is a metropolitan and tourist area. Many Florida travelers are not familiar with the residential areas surrounding Disney World. There are several different types of homes one can purchase.   Residential, over 55, Short-term rentals, Golf course homes, and Villas just to name a few. The next few paragraphs will show you the diverse areas, communities, and types of homes available.

Residential homes offer the ability to have a full home for yourself which you can stay in at will when you visit Disney. If one was to reside at the property for six months and a day or more you can Homestead, making Florida your primary residence and virtually lock-in your property tax (not increase over 3%) and Florida does not have state taxes.   But always do your own tax research. Snowbirds tend to seek out under 4-bedroom homes such as these.

If you don’t wish to rent the home out Residential homes in Winter Garden, Windermere, Sections of Clermont, and more offer great options. Residential areas include golf community homes, communities with extended amenities, and townhomes, perfect for snowbirds because they, like condos, can be more “lock and leave.”

Snowbirds tend to seek out under 4-bedroom homes such as these.

Central Florida short-term rentals (ala VRBO/AirBNB) aren’t as seasonal as other Florida vacation towns (the slow periods are just May and September).  Which offers the ability to rent the property out during those periods when not in use by the snowbird.   I find that renters are more interested in the number of bedrooms than the size of the home.   Owners can keep their personal items in an owner’s closet when not residing in the home. 

Here are a few samples of short-term rentals.

Golf communities can be the best of both worlds. A home where you can drive your golf cart to the first tee. Then at night take a walk through World Showcase at EPCOT.   For the Golfing Snowbirds, it’s a win-win! 

Here are some examples of listings in Golf communities.

Over 55 communities, while you will not find an over 55 community that will allow you to rent out when you are not there ie: short-term rental. It would be against HOA rules to rent for less than a year or seven months (depending on the community).  There are several with 2 types of homes, Single-family which start at 2 bedrooms.

Here is an example from a recent listing.

Villas (sort of like a townhome but you share just one wall with another unit, also called a 1/2 duplex) offer the ability to Lock and Leave since maintenance to exterior and landscape is covered by the HOA.

Here is a current listing of mine.

There are several different over 55 communities near Disney World, The newer the home the newer (younger) the residents. I equate it to Coming into High School as a Freshman or a Senior, why not be at the same point in life?  If you wish to be with people closer to your own age a new community would fit that bill. 

The snowbird lifestyle is unique. You can visit when you need to or stay for several months.  “Escaping” the cold weather of the north is a dream for many, I can make it a reality.

Our good friend Victor Nawrocki shared this very helpful article with us.

Victor is the official Realtor of the Chip and Company Website and Podcast! So if you are thinking about relocating to Florida, reach out to Victor and let him help you! Just fill out the form here and he will be in touch.

Did we mention he is a HUGE Disney Addict as well? He likes to do live streams from available homes and communities in the Disney World area on his YouTube channel so check him out!

Finally, If you’re “just looking” visit Victor on Facebook for more details or follow him at CelebratingFlorida.com

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

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