The Social and Economic Implications of the Future of "Snowbirding" in the U. S.

Stephen K. Happel, Arizona State University
Timothy D. Hogan, Arizona State University

This paper brings together research on snowbirds, permanent elderly-migration, changing generational attitudes and aging concerns to gain insights into the evolution of the snowbird lifestyle and its economic impacts on various states and specific sectors over the next two decades. The first section discusses three major U.S. generations since the beginning of the 20th century and their behavior relating to retirement and retirement migration in particular. The second section describes our research on the snowbird industry in Arizona along with work done for other Sunbelt states. The third section reviews recent economic literature and findings on the baby boom generation, housing markets, and the motor home industry. The final section then offers some speculations and conclusions about the snowbird lifestyle for the next twenty years.