Snowbird Life in Ave Maria, Florida: Meet Jim and Karen Sievert

From New Hampshire winters to Southwest Florida sunshine, discover how one couple is embracing retirement, friendship, and the snowbird lifestyle in Ave Maria. For many snowbirds and seasonal residents, the dream of spending winters in Florida is about more than trading snow for sunshine. It's about finding a place where life slows down just enough to enjoy the things that matter most: family, friendship, new adventures, and a welcoming community. For Jim and Karen Sievert, that place is Ave Maria, Florida. After more than four decades of calling New Hampshire home, the couple now splits their time between the Northeast and their home in The National Golf & Country Club, a golf community in Ave Maria, just east of Naples in Southwest Florida. Married for 55 wonderful years, Jim and Karen recently celebrated their anniversary surrounded by friends in Ave Maria. It's a fitting example of what makes seasonal living in this growing Florida community so special. Finding a Second Home in Southwest Florida Originally from Pennsylvania, Jim and Karen spent more than 40 years building a life in New Hampshire. Today, they've discovered the joys of having two places to call home. Like many seasonal residents who head south for the winter, the Sieverts appreciate the opportunity to enjoy Florida's warmer weather while maintaining their northern roots. Their home at The National Golf & Country Club offers a lifestyle centered around recreation, relaxation, and community. And for a couple who has traveled extensively, Ave Maria has become more than a winter destination. It's a place filled with familiar faces, friendships, and opportunities to enjoy each day. An Active Retirement Lifestyle in Ave Maria One of the biggest attractions of retirement living in Southwest Florida is the opportunity to stay active throughout the year. For Jim and Karen, there's certainly no shortage of things to do. Karen enjoys her daily walks, taking advantage of the Florida sunshine and the beautiful surroundings of their community. Jim, meanwhile, has a passion for cycling. He's logged more than 600 miles in a single season and typically enjoys playing golf two to three times a week. Living at The National provides convenient access to the golf lifestyle that makes Southwest Florida such a popular destination for retirees and seasonal residents. When they're not out walking, cycling, or golfing, the couple enjoys relaxing by the pools and spending time with friends. It's the kind of lifestyle many people imagine when they dream about retiring or spending their winters in Florida. Favorite Things to Do in Ave Maria, Florida Of course, life as a snowbird isn't all about golf courses and swimming pools. Jim and Karen enjoy getting out and experiencing the local community. Two of their favorite traditions are attending Taste of Ave and visiting the Saturday Farmers Market in Ave Maria Town Center. These local events bring residents and visitors together, offering opportunities to discover businesses, enjoy the atmosphere, and connect with neighbors. For seasonal residents, events like these are often what turn a winter destination into a genuine sense of home. And that's part of the charm of Ave Maria. Even as the community continues to grow, there's something special about recognizing familiar faces while enjoying everything town life has to offer. Favorite Restaurants and Local Discoveries Ask Jim and Karen about their favorite places to eat, and their answer begins close to home. Their preferred dining spot in Ave Maria is the clubhouse at The National Golf & Country Club, where they enjoy the convenience of dining within their own community. When venturing beyond town, the couple enjoys visiting Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant. As wine club members, they appreciate the opportunity to enjoy different wines along with the benefits and savings of membership. For snowbirds exploring the Naples area, discovering favorite restaurants and local gathering places is all part of the Southwest Florida experience. Exploring the Everglades and Old Florida With Ave Maria situated near some of Southwest Florida's most remarkable natural landscapes, a day trip can easily become an adventure. For Jim and Karen, one of their favorite destinations is the Florida Everglades. They particularly appreciate the historic architecture and character of Old Florida. When family or friends come to visit, they make a point of taking them to Everglades City, including a stop at the historic Rod & Gun Club. It's an experience that offers visitors a different side of Southwest Florida, away from the beaches and busy shopping districts. For anyone spending the winter in Ave Maria, the nearby Everglades offer opportunities to discover wildlife, history, and the natural beauty that makes this corner of Florida unique. From 40 Countries to a Favorite Place Called Home Jim and Karen are no strangers to adventure. Together, they've visited more than 40 countries and 48 states, collecting memories and experiences from around the world. Yet after decades of exploring, their current preference is simple: enjoying their two homes and the freedom that comes with their seasonal lifestyle. They also look forward to a family Disney cruise in February, an adventure that will give their loved ones another opportunity to visit Ave Maria. For the Sieverts, retirement isn't about slowing down. It's about having the time to enjoy life, explore new places, and create memories with the people they love. Why Snowbirds Love Life in Ave Maria, Florida There's a reason Southwest Florida continues to attract snowbirds, retirees, and seasonal residents from across the United States and Canada. The warm winters, outdoor recreation, golf courses, local attractions, and opportunities for an active lifestyle are certainly appealing. But for many residents, the real attraction is something that can't be measured in sunshine or amenities. It's the feeling of belonging. Jim and Karen's story reflects what makes the snowbird lifestyle so rewarding. After years of working, raising families, and building lives elsewhere, seasonal living offers an opportunity to enjoy a new chapter filled with friendships, activities, and adventures. Whether it's an afternoon on the golf course, a visit to the farmers market, or an anniversary celebration surrounded by neighbors, it's often the simplest moments that become the most meaningful. And in Ave Maria, those moments are never far away. More Than a Winter Destination. A Community. At Snowbird Living, we love sharing the stories of the people who make Ave Maria and Southwest Florida such wonderful places to live and visit. Jim and Karen remind us that paradise isn't simply a destination on a map. It's a place where friendships grow, memories are made, and every season brings something worth celebrating. After 55 years of marriage, countless adventures, and a lifetime of memories, the Sieverts are still finding new reasons to enjoy each day. And that's what snowbird living is all about. Thank you, Jim and Karen, for sharing your story with the Snowbird Living community! Share Your Snowbird Story! Are you a seasonal resident, retiree, or year-round neighbor living in Ave Maria, Naples, or Southwest Florida? We'd love to hear what makes your community special! Whether you've recently moved to paradise, have spent decades escaping northern winters, or simply love the Southwest Florida lifestyle, your story could inspire someone else to discover their own little piece of paradise. Nominate yourself, a friend, or a neighbor for an upcoming Meet the Snowbirds feature. Email snowbirdlivingam@gmail.com. Discover more local stories, restaurants, events, attractions, and things to do in Ave Maria, Naples, and throughout Southwest Florida at Snowbird.club. Snowbird Living — Your Passport to Paradise.