- Real Stories & Key Drivers
Dale and Tracy McMullen, longtime snowbirds from Alberta, sold their winter home in Buckeye, Arizona. They cited President Trump’s rhetoric and policies—such as trade tariffs, border restrictions, and threatening comments toward Canada—as making them feel unwelcome and unsafe.
“We no longer felt welcome nor safe.”
Similarly, a Quebec couple in Pompano Beach expressed disillusionment, saying:
“We didn’t want to keep investing and giving our money to a country that is led by a fool.”
- Broader Trends & Catalysts
Surge in Listings: Realtors in Arizona report a dramatic increase—now seeing up to 18 Canadian-owned vacation homes for sale per quarter, compared to 2–4 previously.
Main Triggers Behind the Sell-Off:
Political Tensions: Trump’s tariffs, annexation remarks, and derogatory comments, including labeling PM Trudeau a “governor.”
Border Policies: New immigration rule requiring Canadians staying over 30 days to register and fingerprint raised alarm—even after exemptions were clarified, trust was already undermined.
Economic Pressures: A weak Canadian dollar, rising property costs (insurance, HOA, upkeep), and desire to take advantage of favorable returns by selling.
- Economic & Market Impact
Impact Area Effect of Snowbirds Selling U.S. Properties
Real Estate Increased inventory may soften prices in snowbird hotspots like Arizona, Florida
Local Economies Decline in tourism leads to lost revenue—restaurants, hotels, services affected
Travel Volume Canadian travel to U.S. dropped sharply—down 70% in flight bookings; 13–23% drop in trips overall
Shift to Alternatives Canadians exploring destinations like Mexico, Portugal, France instead of the U.S.
- Cultural Sentiment & Community Response
On Reddit, a poignant reflection echoes this sentiment:
“I’ve been vacationing in Arizona for years… It has changed. They won’t miss us. Go to Southeast Asia, the weather and the dollar value is much better. The hell with the US right now.”
Arizonian reply: “Thank you for coming here and the economy you brought… Thank you for selling and taking your economy elsewhere.”
This exchange encapsulates the evolving disconnection and emotional fracture in once-close cultural and economic ties.