We realize being grateful for ordinary things and events in life contributes in a profound way to happiness. And I try regularly to feel — and express — gratitude. At this time of year, it’s easy for Glen and me to feel grateful for our second home in Arizona. Just when grey skies and near daily precipitation envelop Vancouver, we go south to Scottsdale for five months.
It’s not ordinary to be a snowbird, although increasingly boomers (by some estimates, more than one million Canadians) spend winter months in warm climes. According to a survey by the Canadian Snowbird Association, the vast majority visits the US: Florida (48%), Arizona (28%), California (8%) and Texas (4%). 49% are between 60 and 70 years of age; 42% are older. 54% spend five or six months at their destination. 61% own a house or condo.
We remain forever grateful to two close friends, lamentably no longer a couple, who sent us on this annual ritual of seasons in the sun. While attending a conference in Scottsdale, they fell in love with the city, the landscape, the blue sky, the heat. On their return to Lennoxville we poured together over brochures, maps, real estate listings. They persuaded us to buy a condo in Scottsdale, even though we neither knew the City nor had yet retired. In June 2008, Glen, Brandon and I (plus our friend Lynne for a few days) flew to Phoenix.
We entrusted a rather flaky realtor to find us an appropriate condo given the parameters of budget, size and dog-friendliness. She toured us around the geographically large (477 sq km/184 sq mi) City of Scottsdale, showing us many units, none of which proved suitable. I actually found the winning one online and, shortly after, we took possession of a lovely condo in North Scottsdale. The better acquainted we became with our new City, the more we valued our right location — chosen largely by luck.
AGE-FRIENDLY LIVING
With the benefit of hindsight, I identify clearer parameters to set when looking, at this stage of life, to occupy a new home — in any area.
- Choose a locale to satisfy current pastimes but bear in mind these may change in later years. For instance, I played tennis up to seven days a week but am less inclined to play that often now. Similarly, I used to enjoy golf but no longer want to turn a beautiful game ugly. In retirement I allow time for other diversions, some yet to be discovered.
- Pay attention to the walkability score of the neighbourhood. Although we assume we’ll always drive, living longer means we may eventually face vision problems, physical ailments or cognitive impairments that prevent us from getting behind the wheel. Ideally most everything of daily need lies within walking, or cycling, distance. Besides, walking enhances our well-being at any age!
- Find a place where you can develop, maintain or reestablish social relationships. Look for community centres, volunteer possibilities, activities involving like-minded people. One researcher on the subject of aging says, “social isolation is quite literally deadly.”
- Check into life-long learning opportunities at universities, colleges, arts centres, libraries to augment leisure pursuits. While online learning provides necessary mental stimulation, it doesn’t get us out of our homes into educational and social settings.
- Ensure accessibility to adequate health and social services.
Soon to depart for our eighth season, Glen and I know our arrival in the south will be greeted warmly, not just by merchants eager for our CDN dollars but also by friends. Among other advantages, living in (rather than visiting) two different places throughout the year opens the door to more social encounters and puts us in a privileged position of claiming two sets of friends, three when we include our Quebec set.
Given our immersive experience in Arizona, I reject the label of “snowbird” or even “sunbird.” Call us “winter residents” instead. •
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Linda W says
You guys are so lucky. I am very jealous. Have a fabulous time down south and I will see you in the spring.
Pam McPhail says
Don’t be too jealous, Linda, as you’re scheduled for a vacation in Mexico in winter 2018. Let’s all enjoy our time in the warm climes.
Marie McLean says
Glad you are able to go down there again this year. Have a great time.
Pam McPhail says
Yeah. We resolved some issues about travelling to the US (although the political climate vexes us) so will now relish the next five months.
Rick & Linda, Victoria says
I draw your attention to your paragraph #3. I am curious as to why Lynne was your friend for only a few days. Linda and I have met Lynne and she seems like a very nice person to us.
Pam McPhail says
Oh, the grammar guru weighed in with a correction. You’re right — about my grammar and Lynne being a nice person. As you know, three years later she and Drew bought their own condo in our community, so her few days — and our ten — in AZ left an indelible impression.
Glen Wickens says
Great post, Pam. We did indeed get lucky with our Scottsdale location: we can walk to numerous restaurants, several grocery stores, a branch library, and even a hospital.
Pam McPhail says
Plus our own tennis court, the green belt, a community centre and, for you, Home Depot!
Tim McPhail says
Pam and Glen introduced us to the wonderful community they live in, and we were fortunate to find a condo nearby. I hope that qualifies me to make some additional points about the benefits of buying instead of renting.
– We already have a set of summer clothes in the closet, along with sporting equipment, personal care products, sandals and such. So we travel back and forth with just our carry on luggage.
– The deals on just about everything in the US are substantial. Glen has taken us on some very prudent and productive shopping expeditions.
– When we are still in Canada, we can easily give access to our condo to family and friends. (Let me know if you want to do 110 F in July or August 🙂
– We do not have to search the web every winter to find deals on accommodation, only to arrive and find it’s nothing like the website displayed.
Also, we have the best condo association ever !! Possibly because Glen is on it.
Pam McPhail says
We recall the inadequacies of your house rental years ago that bore little resemblance to its appearance on the website. You even contacted the BBB about that adventure. Now you just call Glen!
Grant says
Your place in Scottsdale has had an influence on us.Dale and I are renting a place a few blocks from you. We will be there mid Jan to mid March. Thanks for the trailblazing.
Pam McPhail says
No one mentioned the abundant joints offering Happy Hour in our vicinity. We’ll meet you and Dale at a nearby one in January.
Linda Richardson says
Rick and I have also been very lucky to have in-laws like Pam and Glen and Tim and Nina who share their beautiful condos with us when we visit them in Scottsdale. That is another benefit of being “winter residents” in the warmer climes – your family and friends come to you – you do not have to travel to them!
Linda
Pam McPhail says
Yes, our Aventura community has become a centre for mini McPhail reunions. Always fun! We look forward to a maxi one in July 2018 on Vancouver Island.
Bruce Stevenson says
I continue to tell people about the wonderful lifestyle in Scottsdale and the beauty of the Sonoran desert, even though I haven’t been back for a visit in almost five years. And it looks like I’ll be spending another winter living vicariously through you and Glen. Any posts on life in Arizona are always welcome. Thanks Pam.
Bruce
Pam McPhail says
We’ll miss you again this season!! C’est dommage.
Patricia Young says
And now we have the answer, a full and enjoyable one too, to the question posed on the second last cold, rainy night of your Vancouver stay. Now you are enjoying the warmth of your winter residence. Cheers to you!
Pat
Pam McPhail says
Cheers to you too on your winter vacations. There’s more than one way (escaping to the sun) to enjoy a Canadian winter. Going to ski destinations offers much pleasure, I’m sure.
Ian Wallace says
An excellent post, Pam. In Scottsdale, you and Glen have found the perfect place to escape the Canadian winter!
Pam McPhail says
Just as you’ve found the perfect way to embrace winter — through your ski trips!
Sonya Bardati says
Ok, this comment might be 2 years later, but do you still go to Arizona? I have been coming to Yuma, (ok, it is somewhat culturally constipated) but it is the sunniest place in the world, since 2005. Roberto and I came down because of the cycling club, when Roberto died I sold my place but came over as a renter for 3 years then bought again with Ken, my new husband, we do stay 5 months and we do enjoy the community, cycling, golf, pickleball, dancing. In fact, this year I am volunteering as a ballroom instructor, it is very joyful and rewarding. Have a great time in Arizona, just forget about the political scene, we have too and no one ever talk about politics in our resort park of 1290 sites.
Pam McPhail says
We’ve been coming to Scottsdale since 2008 and, like you, stay for five months. It’s a great life here as long as we disengage from the politics. Have a great season!