Hi Kathy,
and thanks to the others!
I'm in the Philly area too.
about little more than 15 years ago, I was determined to move to the FLA Keys.
What a lifestyle, and the temp changed only about 10 degress/day!
I had to go through a relocation "trial" for that, because I had possession of my children.
We checked out the schools, and all that. I got the report for the "government people", which had evacuation routes in case of hurricane, etc.
We visited many times. My parents, live(d) in Port Charlotte, on the West Coast, about 95 miles S of Tampa. A nice ride.

Anyway, that didn't work out, and, I've come to notice, that the weather has become more, and more "Finicky".
Call it Global Warming. Call it what you will.
But, it's getting weird.
The FLA KEYS, are, and remain, my favorite place in north America.
Yet, now I have doubt's wether I'd buy there.
Maybe get a giant Airstream trailer, and go for the winter, or, rent something for the winter.

Here's what is driving me nutso (amongst other things).
I don't react the same as I did many years ago, to the temp and humidity / barometric change.
Back then, I was only a dozen years "in", with RSD.

Now, I have rsd, and TBI, (amongst other things), and the barometer / humidity CHANGES, effect me much more than Temperature!
I've had RSD for 26 years now.
I would NOT buy a house on it's whim's!

Kathy, if this is a lifelong investment, I'd surely go spend time at a hotel at the two coasts you're thinking of.
Then, try the Keys.
And, do it at least twice in a year, opposite seasons. (Remember, and Never forget, Hurricane Season!).
There Ain't No Tryin' to Reason, With Hurricane Season....(Buffett). (You're safer in the Tampa area).

I would buy a house, where I'm comfy, and the values are likely to go up.
Simple.

Like Old School Real Estate.

If I want to move in 5 years, that's what I want to do!

So, I wish you the best, and best of wishes!

Pete
asb