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Old 12-21-2014, 11:26 PM   #1
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Florida vs Arizona in winter

Apart from the obvious difference of desert vs ocean proximity, what are some of the main differences between wintering in Arizona vs Florida? Is one costlier than the other? Volume of people? Humidity...wind...amount of sunshine?
We are pretty much dead center, straddling the MN/ND border so distance to either area is pretty much a coin toss. We are quite familiar with the Yuma,AZ area as well as have some familiarity with areas around Palm Springs, CA, but have never been to Florida.
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Old 12-21-2014, 11:36 PM   #2
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Temps and humidity higher in FL, best to chose south FL. For warmth.
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Old 12-22-2014, 12:01 AM   #3
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More people in Fla.
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Old 12-22-2014, 12:12 PM   #4
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If you have never been to Florida, I would go! Cost of living shouldn't be much different, lot rent maybe a little more in Southern Florida, below Palm Beach. If you go to Northern Florida you can expect cool weather. I went to collage for four years and spent many winters in Southern Florida. There is nothing wrong with AZ, but you have been there. I would bet that you will be happy to get away from the Red River Valley in Winter? Good Luck
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Old 12-22-2014, 01:22 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WFD View Post
Apart from the obvious difference of desert vs ocean proximity, what are some of the main differences between wintering in Arizona vs Florida? Is one costlier than the other? Volume of people? Humidity...wind...amount of sunshine?
We are pretty much dead center, straddling the MN/ND border so distance to either area is pretty much a coin toss. We are quite familiar with the Yuma,AZ area as well as have some familiarity with areas around Palm Springs, CA, but have never been to Florida.
I would say "it depends on which part of each state you want to stay in". Both states have entirely differing climates North and South. In northern Arizona there's plenty of cold and snow to go around during the winter months - while in the southern part of the state it can be quite pleasant during the day (although the temp difference day/night can be as much as 50 deg). In northern Florida, it depends on whether you're in the panhandle or the Atlantic Coast - panhandle tends to stay a bit warmer and the First Coast has about six actual weeks of winter temps. Doesn't matter too much where you go in southern Florida, it's mostly always balmy once you get south of I-4.
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Old 12-22-2014, 02:04 PM   #6
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I vote for AZ. Plenty of free camping (BLM Land) and/or RV Parks. Less HUMIDITY and PEOPLE. Anyway, enjoy wherever you go. It is better than MN/ND in the winter!!!
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Old 12-22-2014, 02:09 PM   #7
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Forgot to mention, a group of us RVer will be in Quartzsite, AZ during January 17-24 and you are welcome to join us, if you chose AZ.
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Old 12-22-2014, 02:26 PM   #8
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We have found the cost to be a higher in Florida especially for camping, Food seems to be a bit higher also, Easier to get spots in AZ, Florida is so booked most of the time. private and state campgrounds. We do stay in the Florida area more due to family. But enjoy the west to.
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Old 12-22-2014, 06:20 PM   #9
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Panhandle to Gulf coast to the Keys reviewed

The panhandle and West coast of Florida can be pretty crowded and difficult if not impossible to get a state park campground spot (generally about $26-30 a night) unless you reserve up to 11 months in advance. Florida panhandle weather through February can have a few freezing night temps, but usually tops in the 50's to very low 60's during the day. The panhandle is where the best chance is to be near unspoiled beach. St. Joseph Penisula SP near Port St. Joe has miles of gorgeous beach readily accessible to the campground. The same is true of St. George Island SP... multiple beautiful beaches for miles adjacent to the campgrounds. There are a few inland state park campgrounds that are not nearly as crowded as the beach area spots. there are also a number of small National Park camp sites between Tallahasee and Apalachicola. There are also a few private camp spots on the "Forgotten Coast" east of Port St. Joe, FL.

As you turn the corner going south, to around the Tampa area, there are few if any campground State Parks near the ocean; all are inland. There are beaches, but there is a lot of development near them. The weather generally stays in the 40-50's at night and 50-60 during the day and is generally sunny in January and February.

As you get further south to Fort Meyers and Naples, there are only a couple of State Park campgrounds. The weather is generally 60 at night and up to mid-80’s during the day. Public beaches are few and far between south of Ft. Meyers. There are a number of private campgrounds in this area. As you go further East into the Everglades there are a number of no-service primitive campgrounds with limited reservability from the National Park Service. There is a lot of wildlife in this area. The winter months are by far the best time of the year to visit this area, as warmer months have high humidity and high pesty bug rates.

Travel further east and south into the Keys and you will find two Florida State Parks. Both are nearly fully reserved 11 months in advance. The Keys do have some private campgrounds. The weather is always balmy at this time of year.

At 8 AM 11 months in advance of your planned arrival, have a good internet connection to Reserve America dot com and try to get a maximum 14 day reservation at Florida State Park campgrounds in the spot that you are looking for. You may get lucky and get a great spot for next year.

I hope this helps you make your decision.
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Old 12-22-2014, 07:06 PM   #10
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Did FL one year, did AZ another, this year S TX. Well see which is best.
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Old 12-22-2014, 09:05 PM   #11
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There is no right answer! We like them both but spent more time in Florida. If you go to Florida you need to be south of Orlando to get the best weather.
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Old 12-22-2014, 10:21 PM   #12
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Fla vs Arizona

It really depends on what you want to do if you are looking for something to do Florida has an endless selection. We were full timers for 3 years in fl. and we absolutely loved it most of the campers were retired and they were a joy to have as neighbors. We were staying in Beverly hills for a while and near Kissimmee for the rest of the time, lots and lots of things to do and see. Never been to Arizona but we will someday, mom got sick and we came back to Delaware 2 years ago we will be back in Fla. someday to once again become full timers. Happy Camping!
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