Snowbird rentals in Arizona

Scottsdale is one of Arizona's top snowbird spots thanks to its social scene and walkable neighborhoods. Old Town's restaurants, cafes, and wine bars are ideal for meeting fellow snowbirds. Be sure to look online for community events or group classes. The best areas of Scottsdale to stay depends on your tastes. The Gainey Ranch area offers gated communities with heated pools and mountain views, while McCormick Ranch boasts waterfront condos close to walking paths and coffee shops. For something even more mellow, check out Mesa's desert-edge communities or Chandler's family-oriented neighborhoods.

As Arizona has a desert climate, there's a big swing between day and night: While winter days warm up to 75°F (24°C)—perfect T-shirt weather—nights cool down to about 45°F (7°C). The dry air means no sticky humidity, and the predictable weather is actually a good thing: You can plan a morning hike before the sun gets strong, cool off with an afternoon dip in the pool, and enjoy dinner on the patio as the mercury starts to drop. Blue skies rule most days, but pack layers. You'll want a coat for those crisp mornings and starlit evenings.

Here are some tips to start snowbirding in Arizona:

• Embrace the desert. Book a villa in Tucson or a condo in Sedona and mix morning trail walks with afternoon cooking classes so you can go home with fresh recipes. Be sure to check out the Native American cultural sites and learn about desert spirituality.

• Choose a roost with distinct Arizona flavor. Look for homes with natural stone floors that stay cool, big kitchens for entertaining, and private yards facing Camelback Mountain. Bonus points for adobe walls, desert skulls, and cacti.

• Focus on wellness. Start with sunrise yoga or tai chi in community parks, explore meditation gardens, or join local art groups. The year-round dry climate makes outdoor fitness a way of life in Arizona.

• Explore the southwest. Plan some road trips: Head to Jerome's historic mining town, explore the Grand Canyon, and venture to Flagstaff. Las Vegas is less than a 5-hour drive away.

You'll find affordable snowbird rentals in Arizona, particularly in the East Valley cities near Phoenix. Pick spots like Apache Junction or East Mesa—they're close enough to grab dinner in Scottsdale but far enough to keep costs down. Plus, if you're open to staying a few miles from popular spots like Old Town Scottsdale or North Phoenix, you'll often find similar amenities at lower prices. On Vrbo, set your maximum price and look for homes with the “New listing discount” tag to find more affordable rates.

Thanks to Vrbo Affirm*, you can pay for your snowbird rental in bitesize installments spread over 3, 6, or 12 months rather than writing one big check. This means you can lock in your first choice of Arizona home. Just remember that you'll need to pass a quick eligibility check through Affirm's lending partners first.

*Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.

Vrbo gives you great savings when you book monthly rentals. In fact, you could shave off an average of 19% from your long-stay vacation home*. There are weekly rental discounts, too. This is especially handy if you're testing different spots before committing to somewhere, and if friends and family from home want to come and visit for a week. Best of all, you don't need any special discount code—the price is automatically applied when you enter your dates.

*Based on analysis of Vrbo booking and occupancy data for 2024 stays.