Living in Northern regions can be beautiful during the summer months, when the days are long and the temperatures are just right. But when winter hits? That’s a different story. If you’ve lived in the North for many years, it may be time to say goodbye to blizzards and hello to a warm, tropical island to call home! At least, for half the year.
More and more North Americans are becoming “snowbirds” and spending their winters in warmer climates. Below, we’ll discuss the appeal of becoming a snowbird and why Casa Linda’s community in Cabarete, DR, has become the go-to locale for expats! Keep reading to learn more about choosing the Dominican Republic for your second home investment.
Why North Americans Are Trading Snow for Sunshine
Anyone who has spent several months a year knee-deep in snow and at -35°C knows that, eventually, it gets old. Several older adults who have spent decades enduring cold winters now spend them in warmer climates, with many taking the leap to move abroad for the winter.
These part-time expats earned the nickname “snowbirds” as they migrate to the southern hemisphere just like birds fly south for the winter.
Prolonged exposure to harsh winters and low sunlight can cause adults to develop a variety of health issues, such as seasonal depression, heart problems, and vitamin D deficiency. Moving to a warmer climate can drastically improve these issues, allowing older adults to fully enjoy their retirement years in good health!
Tips for Becoming a Snowbird
So, are you ready to pack it all in and fly south for the winter? Before you do, there are a few things to check off your list to be as prepared as possible!
Do a Test Vacation: While many of us like the idea of living in a hot climate during the winter, it’s still a good idea to test the lifestyle to see if it works for you. Book a vacation to your chosen destination, spend a few weeks with the sun and surf, and see whether you can acclimate to a winter without snow.
At Casa Linda, we offer a Fly & Try program for those considering purchasing a winter home in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. You can come try us out and get all the information you need about buying a villa in the Caribbean!
Count the Cost: Next, determine whether buying a second home abroad is a practical option for you financially. Consider additional costs, like property taxes, home insurance, and maintenance costs. If you choose to buy in a gated community, you also need to account for monthly subdivision fees.
Many snowbirds offset additional expenses by listing their summer and winter homes for rent when they’re away. At Casa Linda, many of our villa owners list their homes as vacation rentals through partnered rental hosts to generate additional income!
Take Care of All the Logistics: Before you close on a luxury villa and move your life abroad for the next six months, make sure you’ve tied up all your loose ends so that you don’t run into any logistical problems while you’re away. These tasks include the following:
- If you decide to leave your summer home vacant, turn off the water, lower the thermostat, unplug appliances, and suspend unused services like trash pick-up.
- Have a friend or family member check up on your house every few days.
- Forward your mail to your winter address.
- Put your vehicle into storage.
- Make and pack copies of all important documents (driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.)
- Set up healthcare services abroad (you can learn how to do this on our Expat Information page!).
- And other important tasks.
Why Choose the Dominican Republic for Your Winter Retreat?
Are you ready to pack it all in and move abroad for the winter? Many retirees have chosen the Dominican Republic for a second home investment, and it’s easy to see why! The DR offers beautiful weather year-round, affordable real estate prices, and a cost of living that’s over 50% lower than in the United States.
The DR North Coast is a particular hot spot for North American expats! Cabarete, Sosua, and Puerto Plata are tourist-friendly destinations that welcome North American expats with open arms. The North Coast is also completely hurricane-free, so you can enjoy the full spectrum of island life in comfort and safety.
If you’re considering the Dominican Republic as your winter retreat, partner with our team at Casa Linda to secure your very own luxury villa or townhome!
Make Your Second Home Investment with Casa Linda!
Casa Linda is home to hundreds of snowbirds and full-time North American expats, and we’re excited to welcome you to our vibrant community! In addition to a private luxury villa or townhouse to call home, you’ll also get access to our gated community’s on-site amenities and events calendar.
Visit our Community page to learn more about why Casa Linda may be the right place for you, and check out our Villa Floor Plans & Prices page to start planning your dream tropical home!
