Remote working in Florida is becoming a good option for the digital nomads of Gen Z during thw winter months. (Photo by Erika Cristina Manno/Shutterstock)

The US winter city housing landscape is undergoing a transformation as the rise of remote work continues to redefine the traditional notion of seasonal migrations. The allure of warmer winters, once reserved for retirees seeking respite from the harsh northern climates, has now expanded to include a new breed of wanderers – the Gen Z “zoombirds.”

remote working in Florida
Remote working in Florida is becoming a good option for the digital nomads of Gen Z during thw winter months. (Photo by Erika Cristina Manno/Shutterstock)

This term, coined in a new data report, encapsulates the wave of remote workers migrating south for the winter, leveraging technology, especially online collaboration apps like Zoom, to redefine the winter escape experience.

The remote work revolution: Florida’s dominance and beyond

The pandemic-driven surge in remote work has catalyzed a seismic shift, with the work-from-home trend tripling from 2019 to 2021, encompassing over 24 million Americans. This paradigm shift has given birth to the so-called zoombird phenomenon, enabling professionals to enjoy a change of scenery without sacrificing work productivity.

Florida emerges as the ultimate haven for snowbirds and zoombirds alike, boasting 42 cities in the top 100 destinations. Texas and California follow suit with 27 and 18 cities, respectively, showcasing the widespread appeal of warmer climates and remote work flexibility. The report delves into the top ten cities, showcasing a diverse array of options beyond Florida, including Arizona and Texas.

The top 10 snowbird and zoombird destinations

The report goes into detail on the top ten cities that emerge from its data. However, it is debatable whether activities such as golf appeal to snowbirds and zoombirds in equal measure, though admittedly boomers’ RVs and digital nomads’ van life do have some crossovers.

  1. Venice, Florida: A haven for all ages with a blend of amenities, beaches, and a lively cultural scene, Venice boasts an 87% share of housing units for seasonal use, making it an attractive option for remote workers.
  2. Vero Beach, Florida: Offers quiet beaches, budget-friendly housing options, and a strong golf culture. The city has high internet speeds and a revitalised historic downtown that enhances the remote worker experience.
  3. Fort Pierce, Florida: Nicknamed Sunrise City, Fort Pierce offers diverse attractions, including fishing and birdwatching, and has affordable living with 30% lower median rent compared to the state’s average.
  4. Naples, Florida: Known as the Golf Capital of the World, Naples caters to those appreciating the finer things in life. It also has the highest share of vacant housing units for seasonal use (89%).
  5. Lake Wales, Florida: A unique destination without beaches, but with access to Lake Wales and Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales offers quirky attractions like Spook Hill and a revitalised main street with 1920s architecture.
  6. Mission, Texas: With a comfortable winter temperature, diverse recreational opportunities, and an RV-friendly environment, Mission may be ideal for nature lovers with attractions like the National Butterfly Center and World Birding Center.
  7. Apache Junction, Arizona: Balancing urban amenities and outdoorsy activities with 80% of vacant housing units allocated for seasonal use, Apache Junction leads in the number of RV parks, catering for RVs/vanlife.
  8. Tarpon Springs, Florida: Known for its Greek heritage, white sandy beaches, and accessible urban excitement in Tampa and St Petersburg, it offers 63% of vacant housing units for seasonal use.
  9. Fort Myers, Florida: The largest Floridian city in the top ten blends beach life with urban excitement and van-friendly options. It also boasts good-looking natural landscapes, including the Everglades.
  10. Clermont, Florida: Inland location with access to Orlando’s attractions and surrounded by pristine lakes and rolling hills, it has nearly three-quarters of vacant housing stock designated for seasonal use.

Beyond Florida and Texas: exploring other winter retreats:

While Florida and Texas dominate, other states like California, Louisiana and Arizona provide alternatives for those seeking warmer climates. Small Californian cities, such as Indio, Newport Beach and Palm Springs, offer diverse experiences, combining beaches, parks, and fast internet for remote workers.

Louisiana presents Slidell, Lafayette and Hammond as affordable and culturally rich options, providing a possible winter escape. Alabama’s Fairhope, Northport and Alabaster showcase hospitality, cultural amenities and outdoor activities, according to the report.

In Nevada, Mesquite, Boulder City and Las Vegas stand out, offering well-known views, outdoor adventures and vibrant urban experiences.

While sought-after destinations often come at a premium, budget-conscious remote workers can find affordability in lesser-known places like Mercedes, Mission and Apache Junction. Georgia’s Warner Robins also presents an affordable cost, while self-storage availability in top destinations adds practicality to the migration choice.

[Read more: Multigenerational households dominate city living across the US]