Search
 

New Study Says Valley's Snowbirds Are Changing Their Migratory Habits

PHOENIX-Many snowbirds landing in the Valley in search of sunshine are trading in their gypsy lifestyle in RVs for more permanent accommodations, reports researchers at ASU.

By D. J. Burrough | Updated on February 05, 2001

PHOENIX-The gaggle of retirees that flock to the Valley during the coldest months are no longer packing RV parks, but instead are looking for second homes–not always in age restricted communities–and some are buying condos, staying with friends or renting apartments. The retirees, known as snowbirds, are also favoring areas outside the Valley that are cheaper, less polluted, lower crime rates and fewer people, according to a new survey by Arizona State University.

East Valley’s RV parks, which have been favorite roosts of snowbirds for years, are seeing less and less demand. In fact, more than 25% of RV spaces at five of the East Valley’s largest parks are currently vacant or for sale. Just nine of 25 parks surveyed by ASU expect that the number of winter visitors to their parks to be higher this year.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.