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
-
Ask the Editor — Tax Questions on Inherited IRAsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the rules on inheriting IRAs.
-
I Asked Experts When It's Worth Splurging on Beauty and Skincare — and When You Can SaveSmart Shopping Experts agree that while you don't have to spend three figures on your products, some higher-priced items have value.
-
When It's Worth Spending Money on Beauty and Skincare — and When You Can Save
Smart Shopping Experts agree that while you don't have to spend three figures on your products, some higher-priced items have value.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
The Retirement 'Rule of $1 More'The 'Rule of $1 More' explains how to plan for critical retirement thresholds. Because "you don't want to step off a cliff just because of $1 more."
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Self-Employed Attorney, 75, Coast of WashingtonEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Retiring Early? This Strategy Cuts Your Income Tax to ZeroWhen retiring early, married couples can use this little-known (and legitimate) strategy to take a six-figure income every year — tax-free.
-
Ditch the Golf Shoes: Your Retirement Needs a Side GigA side gig in retirement can help combat boredom, loneliness and the threat of inflation eroding your savings. And the earlier you start planning, the better.
-
The $33,000 Retirement: One Man's Surprising Path to Financial Freedom at 61Forget what society tells you, even with less than $1 million, you can be happy in retirement.
-
Walmart Takes on Prime Day With Competing July Deals EventWalmart is launching its own multi-day sales event to rival Amazon Prime Day — and it could be a smart time to shop, even if you're not a member.
