Same boat -wanting to go back to the South, but not really sure where anymore. Lots of friends in TX, lived outside Austin (don’t go there). Atlanta is a mess, I feel like FL will be a trap with many flooding in and more pressure put on the state to comply. I think, if you can, rent a place for 2 months (Airbnb- negotiate long term deal?) and get a better idea- or even go just for a couple weeks. Neighbors left northern CO here for SD and love it, but it’s real winter there and we’ll like many places, they don’t want people pushing in thinking they’ll change things (I don’t blame them). SC -lots of New Yorkers in the Charleston area- it’s pretty full. TN - what about what was passed last Friday? Some had questions about phone psych evaluations and use of Guard. Not sure what’s what with all that. North of Dallas has a lot of tornadoes and storms seasonally- maybe not with changing weather patterns though.
Hope you find your spot. Don’t base your choice on fear- liking the people in the area is key and feeling comfortable. Maybe even look at lots and tiny homes for more of a less permanent type scenario? You could relocate them if needed to another state- buy, lease a lot? Just thinking of flexible scenarios.