By Shannon Petrie, FrontDoor.com | Published: 11/06/2009
OWNING A HOME
While shoveling snow and salting driveways may be a foreign concept for these homeowners, they still have to maintain their homes during the winter. Southwest Florida resident Karen Glaub says yard work is a year-round task, but she prefers mowing to dealing with snow and ice.
In Phoenix, a well-insulated home is crucial for surviving the city's hot summers, so keeping insulation maintained throughout the year is a must. People do use their heaters during the winter in Phoenix, when temperatures often drop to the 40s at night. Occasionally, temperatures dip below freezing, so Phoenix residents cover their plants to protect them from frost.
FINDING FUN
While winter in some cities is best spent holed up inside avoiding the cold weather, in these cities, it's the ideal season to explore the great outdoors. In Phoenix, where the average high in winter is 67 degrees, residents can partake in hiking, biking, rock climbing, golfing and horseback riding.
"I think we're pretty lucky because you're able to be outside and be healthier and physically fit, rather than having to stay inside all during the winter," MacKenzie says.
Still, a lack of wintry weather can leave some longing for a traditional, picturesque "white Christmas."
"I always envied those that had snow at Christmas and were able to be outside having fun in it," says Cathy Davis, who lived in West Palm Beach, Fla. for 40 years. While living in Illinois for nine years, Davis enjoyed having a real winter during the holidays.
"I love the snow and the changes of the seasons -- something I never had in Florida," she says.
Some cities find unique ways to bring a wintry atmosphere into a warm region. In Phoenix, MacKenzie says shopping centers bring in snow from Northern Arizona and have snow fight days. Plus, Flagstaff, home of the Arizona Snowbowl, is only two hours away, making it easy for Phoenix residents to don their coats and gloves and take a day trip for skiing and other winter sports.
TALLYING THE COST OF LIVING
The mild winter temperatures give residents of these cities a much-needed break from high energy costs.
"The winter electric and utility bills are easily one-third of what they are the rest of the year," MacKenzie says. "You don't have the air conditioning running, and the pools pretty much maintain themselves." While cold weather can cause the cost of living to skyrocket in some cities, warm weather keeps heating and home maintenance costs down in cities without winters.
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