This Is What Happens When Snowbirds Flock to Arizona

Winter in Arizona is a unique experience. If you live in the Grand Canyon state year-round, you know the winter migration changes everything the moment the thermometer dips.

No, I'm not talking about the geese or butterflies traveling south for the winter. I'm talking about a bird of a different feather - the Arizona Snowbird.

Get our free mobile app

The annual migration of human retirees fleeing their home states begins in October and continues through December, with the largest numbers landing in Arizona. They nest here from colder climates like Ohio and Oregon and stopover in sunny Arizona to wait out the cold winter months.

READ: What will the winter weather be like in Arizona?

The Snowbirds Overwintering in Arizona

Arizona winters generally mean mild temperatures and clear skies, and this year is no exception. Snowbirds, typically retirees from colder states, then flock to Arizona for the warm weather and slower pace.

It wouldn't be so bad having throngs of retirees here. After all, they bring additional tax revenue and consumer spending to our communities.

Please Do Not Feed the (Snow) Birds

However, there is a downside. The added population brings a ton more traffic, clogging roads with extra cars. Extra SLOW cars.

READ: Do You Know How to Spot an Arizona Native When it Gets Cold?

When the posted speed is, say, fifty-five miles an hour, our delightful snowbirds have a habit of ambling along five or even ten miles and hours below the speed limit. On our smaller, single- or double-lane roadways, this bottleneck slows traffic.

A Friendly Reminder to Arizona's Temporary Visitors

Here's a reminder to the snowbirds landing in our state: you're here to overwinter and escape the cold. We get it. By February, winter is just gross and overrated.

However, some of us live here year-round, and we're NOT retired. In fact, we're still trying to get to our jobs, to the school to pick up the kids, and trying to stop at the grocery store - all before WE hit retirement age!

Could you do us a favor and pick the pace - just a little bit? Thank you, and enjoy your stay in sunny Arizona!

Sources: ADOT | 55Places | InDearizona | Arizona Republic