by Donna Carroll Batton

Created on: February 02, 2009   Last Updated: March 10, 2009

About this time of year thoughts of folks in the north begin turning to migrating south. In fact, the number of "snowbirds," people who summer in the north and winter in the south are increasing by leaps and bounds. Some of them nay even start thinking of making their year-round home in the sunny south. To move or not to move, that is the question.

This decision is usually contemplated more by the senior population than by the younger generation. The reasons for this are two-fold. First, of course, the seniors are retired and free to live where they choose, without having to make a big career move. Second, it seems age changes the body to the extent that it no longer tolerates the cold as well as it did when we were younger. While the cold didn't seem to bother us as much in our younger days, as we age we find our ability to deal with the cold temperatures of the north seems to wane.

As thoughts of living in perpetual spring and summer conditions swirl in our heads, we may begin to contemplate a permanent move south. However, as with any major life-altering decision, there are pros and cons to consider before calling the realtor.

If you are a "snowbird" and have already been wintering in the sunny south you are privvy to the vast diversity in styles of living in the sunshine state. If you've only visited briefly you may want to spend a little time traveling through the state and thinking about what style of life suits you best. Do you enjoy swimming and sunbathing? Do you prefer city life to country life or vice versa? Do you want a private home or a work-free condo? Florida is very diverse in its lifestyle offerings. There is, indeed, something for everyone.

Is Florida really warm all year round? Well, it truly deserves its designation as the Sunshine State. The rainy season is from about May through September, which is also hurricane season, by the way. But rainy days in Florida are different from those in northern summers. It may cloud up and pour down buckets for a half hour and then, suddenly, the sun comes out and within minutes everything is dry again. Unless there is a thunderstorm few outdoor activities are disrupted. Of course, Florida is also known as the "Lightening Capital" of the country too. So you need to heed thunderstorm warnings. The local weathermen tell you if you can hear thunder, you are in danger of getting struck by lightning. Keep that in mind.

In the north you have winter and summer, with a little spring and fall thrown in for good measure.

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