Moving to a new state or country is a big decision. All across the world, you have so many climate options to choose from. We all daydream about summer days and gorgeous warm weather year-round. Colorful sunsets, potential beach trips, and fun family BBQs are just some of the benefits of living in a warm weather climate.
While we have all seen people who live in these areas on TV laughing and enjoying life, what we rarely see are some of the cons of living in a warmer climate. If you are considering moving somewhere with warmer weather, we want to encourage you to read our list of pros and cons before taking the leap.
Best Places for Warm Weather Living
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The possibilities are almost endless when you look at the world and all the beautiful warm-weather locations. Some are situated by the ocean and offer perfect coastal living while others may be tucked away in a peaceful desert land. Whatever your preferences are, here are a few locations to consider.
Some of Our Favorites
Santa Barbara, California
If you are looking for a gorgeous small-town California city by the coast, Santa Barbara is the spot. The amazing fragrance of eucalyptus, pine and lemon grass can be enjoyed on a daily breeze that rolls off the golden hillsides. The small town has 283 days of amazing 75-degree sunshine, low humidity and a brief winter in the high 40s at worst.
While Santa Barbara is a pure slice of heaven itself, the prices are some of the highest in the USA. Making this a paradise primarily for the rich.
The Canary Islands
Looking to enjoy slow-paced island living? The Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa, are a true delight. They are a Spanish territory and the islands' official tourism and travel site claim that the climate will make you feel "full of life." We don’t know about you, but that sounds amazing!
Due to unique currents and other tiny islands, the towns located along the southern and western coastlines have summer highs that barely reach 80 degrees. Their winter climbs into the low 70s. We are not sure if that can even be considered a winter, but we love the idea of summer vibes all day and every day.
Central Valley, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Central Valley region contains the capital San Jose and beautiful smaller towns that surround the main city. This area has been known for years due to its breathtaking scenery and warm weather. In addition to the sunshine, the government is stable; there are fascinating rain forests, mountains, and world-class surfing beaches.
The daily temperature averages 73 degrees year-round with a summer high of 85 and winter lows of 64. However, this lush wonderland has two rainy seasons that keep the surrounding rainforest thriving.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is nearly perfect with mild temperatures and an average, annual high of 71. This amazing city is a cultural joy, filled with wonderful food and music. Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities you can find if you don’t mind a little rain from time to time.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Looking for a majestic mountainous desert oasis? Then Santa Fe is it! This Anglo, Hispanic and Native town is a perfect place to enjoy. The air quality is superior, and the employment opportunities are plentiful.
While Santa Fe is a warm-weather city in the summer, it isn’t so warm in the winter. You have to take the good with the bad with Santa Fe, but we still included it on our list for those who may want a slightly white Christmas in December.
Loja, Ecuador
Ecuador is a country of extreme climates with its Amazon rainforest, mountain peaks and over a dozen active and extinct volcanoes. Have we sold you yet? The area we want to point out is a sweet spot in the middle of the country called Loja that is absent of all these intense features.
This region is known as the “region of smiles.” The 70-degree weather, colonial architecture, music, and arts make this Ecuadorian city an absolute dream.
Kaneohe, Hawaii
Kaneohe is a relaxing resort community along the alluring Kaneohe Bay. The charming town is located on the windward side, making it an excellent tropical choice for those looking for fantastic warm weather with little rain year-round.
Who hasn’t fantasized about living in a breezy bungalow on the Hawaiian coastline? While this location is a blissful paradise, a residence in Kaneohe will cost you a pretty penny.
Advantages
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While the majority of us enjoy the sun’s rays shining down on our freckled skin, we don’t often stop to think about why warm weather is so delightful. There are a few obvious reasons and a few that you may have never considered.
1. Your Health
While we know the sun makes us feel alive, what we may not know is that it actually does make us healthier and happier. Spending time outside in the sun allows your body to create Vitamin D. Vitamin D has been proven to have tremendous effects on self-esteem, mood and can even prevent cancer.
2. Outdoor Activities
For those who live in a warmer climate, they can’t comprehend the amount of boring, frigid days most of us spend inside during winter. In warm weather areas, people are out and about every day enjoying various activities. There are so many fun opportunities when the sun is out almost every day that will also keep you in tip-top shape.
3. It Gets Your Kids Outdoors
With modern technology and a colder climate, many children lose the desire to play outside and sit in front of computers, phones, or television sets during winter. This can go on for the entire season if you don’t push the little ones outside to play. In a warm climate, your kids can play sports, be out in the yard and do just about anything year-round.
4. It’s Beautiful
Warmer climates allow you to enjoy clear skies, sunrises, sunsets and the surrounding scenery without storms, rain, and snow blocking the view. You will be able to take in the budding blooms and the breeze whistling through the trees right from your window.
5. Less Home Maintenance
It isn’t cheap to keep a home warm during a frosty winter. You have to crank up the heat and make sure your home is properly insulated to lock in all of that heat you are paying for. Vehicles also need upkeep in cold climates, and there are not a lot of free activities to enjoy, such as a walk in a park or a dip in the spa during winter.
6. Warm Weather Is Safer
People who live in colder climates risk facing some dangerous situations in winter. Studies have shown that death rates are higher due to colder weather, especially for those financially struggling and do not have access to proper housing and heat.
Disadvantages
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While we have gone over a variety of the dreamy traits of a warm-weather climate, we haven’t yet touched on some of the downsides of making a warm-weather location home. While TV, social media and even advertisements make warmer weather locations appear to be an absolute dreamland, what they don’t depict are some of the low points.
1. Lack of Seasons
While most of us may be able to live without a long winter, we have to take into consideration that warmer weather climates have a very brief spring and an inexistent fall. These are two of the most surprising and anticipated seasons of the year. So, you may want to count the cost of living in a location with an extended summer.
2. Critters
The warmer the weather, the bigger and more abundant the bugs, insects, and spiders. Using bug repellants and having screened windows and doors to keep these pests away is vital. Not to mention a lot of these locations have other scary creatures, such as snakes.
3. No White Christmas
When we think of Christmas, we daydream about sitting by an open fire in our cozy clothes while the children make snowmen outside. In warmer clients sitting under palm trees on a porch may be your new Christmas tradition. Doesn’t sound very festive, does it?
4. Possible Heat Exhaustion
Although there are many advantages to living in a warm-weather climate, choosing a location wisely is key. Areas with extreme heat will make the possibility of heat exhaustion a greater risk. If you work outdoors, this will make your workdays more difficult and taxing on your body.
5. Cooling Expenses
Just how heat prices go up in colder clients during winter, cooling costs also rise in warmer climates during the summer. Having a functioning air conditioning unit is essential in some of these locations. While the average temperature of the locations we mentioned may not be extremely high, you have to remember that on rare days of extreme heat it is important to stay cool.
6. Cost of Housing
Almost everyone wants to live in an enviable location, and this is exactly why most of them cost a fortune. The cost of a home in Santa Barbara, California is higher than most of the cities in the entire country. Yikes!
Conclusion
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If you are considering moving to a location with warm weather, weigh the pros and cons. Everyone has different desires, needs and wants. So, what may be right for some may not be right for others.
The sunshine provides room for more fun and play, but the cost of living is normally significantly higher and squashing bugs may become a part of your daily routine. Try visiting the location you have been fantasizing about for an extended period of time and see if year-round warm weather is right for you and your family.
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