Hastings & Hastings Speaks on Snowbirds

    PHOENIX, AZ, September 23, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The average high temperature for the month of December in Phoenix is 66 degrees. For that reason, Phoenix sees a massive influx of seasonal residents come fall and winter. These residents are often referred to as "snowbirds."
The exact number of snowbirds who settle into Phoenix during the fall and winter months is difficult to establish exactly. Most recently, during a study held by the Center for Business Research and Arizona State University, it was estimated that 300,000 individuals migrated into Phoenix during the 2002-2003 winter.

Snowbirds have a huge beneficial impact on the economy of Phoenix. Stephen Happel, economics professor at Arizona State University estimated they generated $1 billion in 2002-2003 alone. These winter travelers also introduce a large amount of additional traffic, as many as 150,000 possible vehicles, to Phoenix roadways.

In the early 2000s, the snowbird demographic was composed largely of RV drivers who settled en masse into mobile-home parks in Mesa and Apache Junction. The large RVs and trailers introduced additional large hazards to Phoenix streets. The modern snowbird demographic is largely composed of homeowners and condo renters. These residents are typically car drivers, which means the impact on Arizona streets is seen in a larger quantity of vehicles rather a smaller quantity of large vehicles.

More vehicles on Phoenix streets means more traffic. More traffic almost always means more collisions. This traffic spike spans across the entire Valley. Where previous snowbird populations were focused primarily in Mesa and Apache Junction, modern snowbirds have settled in every corner of our great city. They bring richness and diversity to our population and additional congestion to our streets.

Hastings & Hastings welcomes and values all the seasonal residents who make Phoenix such a unique, vibrant, and diverse city. It is important to extended caution to these residents as well. It is everyone's responsibility to take care on the roads. Hastings & Hastings asks permanent residents and snowbirds alike to drive courteously and safely.

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