While I have never lived anywhere outside Michigan and am a proud Michigander through and through, I do have close friends and family members who have lived in many southern states. Because of them, I got the privilege of experiencing different Southern living styles. Some of the best southern states they live/lived in include the following states:
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Florida
- South Carolina
When my aunt was first married, she and her husband moved from her home state of Michigan and his home state of Ohio, not too far away, to Chicago, Illinois. Then they moved back to Cleveland, Ohio, for a very short stint. Her husband was then transferred to a small town outside Atlanta, in Griffin, Georgia. They loved the warmth and low cost of living in that southern town.
I enjoyed visiting her and my cousins when they lived in Georgia – it was so different than Michigan or even its southern neighboring state of Florida. Where she lived reminded me of a scene right out of the movie “Gone with the Wind.” Griffen, Georgia, was like the quintessential southern town: accents, sweet tea, country music, and all the rest.
However, they were only in Georgia for a couple of years when my aunt’s husband was transferred to a small town outside Greensboro, North Carolina, called Ramseur. Even though both she and her husband were raised in the north-eastern Midwest towns, they did not take long to adjust to the North Carolina lifestyle.
The temperatures were a smidge cooler than where they lived in Georgia, but it was still warmer than Ohio or Michigan. Unfortunately, they experienced far more severe storms than we normally see in Michigan, including hurricanes, flooding, and ice storms. Yes, we have winter storms in Michigan, but we do not normally get the type of ice storms North Carolina can experience. Furthermore, we have the resources and companies that can address winter storm impacts that North Carolina does not have.
For example, when North Carolina gets an inch of snow, towns literally shut down! In Pure Michigan, we get five inches of snow, and it’s business as usual! Unless the bulk of the snow falls right at the time of morning traffic, even the schools stay open.
According to the experts at World Atlas, the best southern states to live in include, “Four of the eight towns below sit in states with no state income tax (Florida, Tennessee) or with one of the more retiree-friendly tax codes in the country (South Carolina). Two are college towns built around major universities (Oxford and Charlottesville).
- Oxford, Mississippi
- Fairhope, Alabama
- Naples, Florida
- Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Americus, Georgia
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Brentwood, Tennessee,”.
In my humble opinion, The Outer Banks in North Carolina is my favorite place in the South, as we can visit my family there, as they have a vacation place there. Their place is located in a resort campground with a pool, water slide, game room, and boat launch. My sons spent many summers swimming in the pool and playing in the game room on rainy days.
One of my closest friends lives in Simpsonville, a small town near Greenville, South Carolina. I really like visiting South Carolina, and my friend enjoys living there, although she would prefer to be back in Florida because it still gets cold where she lives, and she’s used to that southern Florida heat.
What is the average age of a snowbird?
My ex-father-in-law lives in Cape Coral, Florida, and initially started as a snowbird but has made it his permanent residence. When my sons’ dad and I were still married, we had many years of family vacations to Grandpa’s house in the middle of February, when it is too cold and we are sick and tired of winter in Michigan – ready for sunshine, warmth, and a break.
What is a snowbird anyway? A snowbird is a person who has retired and fled the cold weather to live in a warm climate for the winter months. The average age of a snowbird today is between 50 and 69 years old.
Snowbirds typically travel to Florida, Arizona, or California to escape the winter weather. Some retired people become “full-time” snowbirds and permanently live in their second homes. However, most snowbirds return to their primary residences during the spring and summer months.
Every year, millions of Americans travel south to escape the cold winter weather. These so-called snowbirds typically come from states in the north-eastern and midwestern United States, where snow and ice can make life difficult to impossible for several months out of the year, especially for the elderly or seriously injured.
Florida, the Sunshine State, is a popular destination for snowbirds, offering warm weather and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. In fact, Michigan is the second-most-popular native home for Florida snowbirds, second only to New York, followed by Ohio.
The vast majority of Michigan snowbirds head to Florida’s Gulf Coast, where they can enjoy the sunny beaches and mild temperatures. Whether you’re looking to escape the winter blues or want to experience a different part of the country, spending a few months in Florida is sure to be a memorable experience.
Best Midwest state to live in
Pure Michigan, of course! I adore our Mitten, Great Lake state, and plan to stay here. Although I do enjoy getting out of dodge, so to speak, in the coldest winter months. But the rest of the year is very pleasant for living, playing, and working.
When discussing the best Midwest state to live in, Livability shares, “The Midwest is affectionately – and accurately – known as “America’s Heartland.” This region draws people in with its unique blend of down-to-earth attitudes, affordability and surprisingly diverse opportunities.
Don’t let any nostalgic description fool you: the Midwest offers everything you could want. You’ll find it all here, from water sports and vibrant coastal towns along the Great Lakes to the architecturally awe-inspiring streets of major cities like Chicago. The region successfully mingles deep-rooted small-town charm with robust industrial and agricultural economies, providing both career opportunities and a balanced quality of life.
- Carmel, Indiana
- Naperville, Illinois
- Fishers, Indiana
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Troy, Michigan (and 11. Ann Arbor, Michigan),”.
They actually have twenty places on their list, but for our purposes, I just shared the top five and the number eleven spot.
Best southern state to live
In conclusion, whether you’re drawn to Georgia’s charm, North Carolina’s beauty, or South Carolina’s warmth, the South offers something for everyone seeking sunshine and a slower pace.