RC, before making any decisions, I'd come out here and take a cavern class. Then dive some of the caverns in the panhandle. I'd be happy to show you around. If you're considering Panama City, you'll be close enough that you will eventually dive them. Once you dive them, the bug might get you and you might end up doing more spring diving than ocean diving. Even if you move to S. Florida, you may eventually head north for some spring diving. Living in S. Florida doesn't lend itself to spring diving as easily as living in PC. And there's definitely lots of decent priced houses in and outside the PC area that you'll be able to get into.