If you’re a snowbird looking to escape the winter freeze or simply want an affordable retreat without ever leaving Florida, a national ranking of the most underrated snowbird cities has revealed one quiet, Old Florida hub as the perfect alternative to the state’s most expensive cities.
Located about an hour north of Tampa, Brooksville is a nature-lovers’ haven and the top secret destination for snowbirds, according to self-storage marketplace SpareFoot.
Why Brooksville took the #1 spot
Beating out Florida mainstays like Sebring and Destin, Brooksville earned the top ranking by excelling across all practical and lifestyle metrics. It attracts a demographic seeking value, ease and a quieter alternative to bustling cities, with its main draws including plentiful restaurants and bars, access to health care and self-storage, according to the study.
Established in 1856, the city is known for its gorgeous Victorian-era architecture and well-preserved history, which you can see for yourself at museums like the 14-room May-Stringer House and 1885 Train Depot.
And you don’t need the hustle and bustle of a metropolis to stay active! Brooksville is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with tons of kayaking, bird watching and moss-draped scenic trails. It’s also home to what is ranked as one of the best state forests in the country, Withlacoochee State Forest, which features a 46-mile paved trail.
How the best under-the-radar destinations for snowbirds were determined
To determine the ranking, SpareFoot evaluated 93 warm-weather cities (with populations over 10,000) based on dining access, urgent care availability and self-storage affordability. A survey of over 850 snowbirds also found that off-season storage costs are an ultimate deciding factor, with 62% of seasonal travelers worrying about storage fees and 46% citing logistics as a top barrier to the lifestyle.
The top 10 hidden-gem destinations to spend the colder months
- Brooksville, FL
- Carpinteria, CA
- Sebring, FL
- Destin, FL
- Gold Canyon, AZ
- Myrtle Beach, SC
- Vero Beach, FL
- Covington, LA
- Fredericksburg, TX
- Gulf Shores, AL
Find the full analysis here.
