Snowbird Stories: Nancy and Tom
A lifelong camper and 8-year snowbird, Nancy finds technology helps to be so far away from her grandkids.
Nancy grew up camping with her parents in Minnesota. She and her husband Tom owned several different recreational vehicles before finally buying a park model in Phoenix.
How did you become a snowbird?
After my husband retired, he and a friend drove to Phoenix to check out the area. They found a spot at Desert Shadows RV Resort, so we used our RV for the first couple of years. I was still working so the first year I was probably there for only 10 days. By the next year, I started getting involved in some of the activities and made friends. We thought about buying a house, but a park model made more sense because I was still working, and we have our Minnesota home.
What do you like about being a snowbird?
I love spending the Minnesota summers on the lake with our family, but I don’t have to worry about driving in the snow or on black ice. So I have the best of both worlds!
At our park, there are activities all the time in the winter, like water aerobics three times a week, poker nights, pool tables, card games, golfing, talent shows, regular entertainment, a dance every Saturday with a live band, and Bingo every Thursday. There’s always something going on, sometimes it’s just getting together to do Diamond Dotz. I can be by myself as much as I want but socialize when I want to.
Our park is near two freeways, so we have quick access to get anywhere in the Phoenix area. Arizona is so beautiful…we can go north to go skiing or south if we want to get warmer. It’s a big state with a small-town feeling.
What do you dislike about being a snowbird?
The dryness of the air is hard sometimes. The traffic gets really busy, but it does in Minnesota too. There are crazy drivers everywhere.
What are some of the things people should think about before becoming a snowbird?
Think carefully about where you want to live. I’m on the water in Minnesota so being near the ocean isn’t important to me. You have to visit different parks personally to find a place that fits you, where you feel comfortable. Just because the park is nice, doesn’t mean it’s the right place. You need to pay attention to the rules too. We can’t rent out our place, but you can in other parks. You also have to take access to doctors and medical services into consideration.
Parting Words
Being a snowbird isn’t for everyone, and I’m not sure I could do it if it wasn’t for FaceTime because I’d sure miss those grandkids.
Nancy and Tom live in northern Minnesota in the summer and winter in Phoenix.