Picture this: You wake up as the sun reaches your face. You stretch your arms, your neck, and flip down the light, silk duvet. You step down onto a wooden floor — that's not freezing cold. You peek through the blinds to see the blue sky, green trees and maybe even a turquoise beach. You've done it: Turned your snowbird destination from a winter getaway into a 365-day life.
I sourced three fabulous homes from top real estate companies in the snowbird destinations of Savannah, Georgia; South Padre Island, Texas; and San Diego, California. Who says summer weather needs to end in the fall?
This is part of Kiplinger's new series "Listed." Be aware that due to the nature of real estate, property statuses may have changed by the time you read this.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
1. Modern comforts amid luxurious privacy in Savannah
Just outside the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, you can get a refuge of your own on Yam Gandy Road. This property is a 45-minute drive from Tybee Island and half an hour from the Savannah Historic District.
Address: 203 Yam Gandy Road, Savannah, Georgia (listed by Corcoran)
Price: $1,130,000 | Specs: 4 beds / 3.5 baths
Highlights:
- Those trees, those trees, those trees — and stunning windows to see them through from the 2-story foyer and atrium sunroom
- Located on Skidaway Island, which has a marina and a Publix
- Part of the Landings Club community, which has a golf course, and comes with a golf cart bay in the garage
- Modern, gourmet kitchen with large island
- Each bedroom has a private deck, and the primary suite has a spa-like bathroom
Not your scene? How about 117 West Gaston Street, a 3 bed/2.5 bath townhouse in Savannah for $1.45M?
2. Picturesque beach home near South Padre Island
Cute as button beach house complete with five ensuite bedrooms, balconies and a pool in the Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Community of Port Aransas.
Address: 133 Sunrise Avenue, Port Aransas, Texas (listed by Compass)
Price: $2,560,000 | Specs: 5 beds / 5.5 baths
Highlights:
- Multiple balconies to see views of the ocean and golf course
- Relaxing dipping pool with fountains with a covered patio space and a small putting green to practice your finesse
- Large open kitchen and living room with high ceilings
- Bunk room perfect for hosting family
- Comes with a full-home generator and your very own golf cart
- Fully furnished, and includes current bookings and future rental income
3. Mid-century compact home in San Diego
At just 1,200 square feet, this San Diego home packs a memorable punch. This was built as a J. Herbert Brownwell Compact Home in the 1960s (the listing even includes a contemporary writeup of the phenomenon) and has been well maintained and upgraded over the years. Leave the grandkids behind and enjoy your own California oasis.
Address: 1238 Agate Street, San Diego, California (listed by Compass)
Price: $1,795,000 | Specs: 2 beds / 1.5 baths
Highlights:
- Tesla Powerwall — rechargeable battery using solar energy
- Two-car garage and low-water landscaping
- Open and airy living and kitchen space with large, recently upgraded windows
- Cute, private outdoors space to sip your coffee in the sun, with refinished front deck
- 25-minute walk or 5-minute drive to Tourmaline Surf Park. Within Pacific Beach next to La Jolla
Not your scene? Try 3865 Ocean Front Walk, a $4.35M 2-bed/3-bath modern ~1,200-square-foot home literally on the beach.
Want more guidance on retirement savings? Sign up for Kiplinger's six-week series, Invest for Retirement.
Related Content
- Great Places for Snowbirds to Land
- Selling Your Home? Set the Right Price
- This Is How You Can Be a Snowbird in Retirement
-
How to Slash Kiddie Taxes on Your Child's UTMA AccountGifts to children can come with tax strings. To keep your child's gift growing and avoid tax bills for yourself along the way, consider this long-term strategy.
-
Your Family Money Values Matter: How to Get on the Same PageHow you grow up shapes you financially. That can make things tricky for couples and their kids, so follow these four steps to help establish your family values.
-
Your Family Money Values Matter: How to Get on the Same Page
How you grow up shapes you financially. That can make things tricky for couples and their kids, so follow these four steps to help establish your family values.
-
Social Security Retroactive Payments and 2025 Increases Are DelayedPublic sector retirees, spouses' or surviving spouses' benefits will be delayed until further notice. The SSA must manually adjust benefits for over 3 million beneficiaries.
-
What the Federal Grants Pause Means for Social Security and MedicareThe White House has ordered a pause on all Federal grants and loans but left Social Security and Medicare off the list.
-
Should You Take a Loan From Your 401(k) Before Retiring?You can take a loan from your 401(k) plan if necessary, but it runs the risk of jeopardizing your long-term retirement goals, so make sure to consider your options carefully.
-
How Much Fun Is Too Much Fun When You're in the Office?Having a work-should-be-fun atmosphere sounds great — until someone gets hit in the head by a basketball. What should companies consider about workplace safety?
-
On Medicare and Need Telehealth? You Have Three More Months to Use These ServicesAll Medicare patients still have access to telehealth services until March 31. Starting April 1, you must be located in a rural area for most telehealth services
-
10 Cheapest Small Towns to Live InThe cheapest small towns might not be for everyone, but their charms can make them the best places to live for plenty of folks.
-
You've Saved for Retirement: Now You Need a Safe Income PlanYou can't control the markets, but you can control how you withdraw your money. A comprehensive distribution plan can do wonders to help your savings last.
