You likely have a lot more money than I do, from what you said. I did live in a couple of major cities in Texas over the course of 5 years. I'd recommend the Dallas area. Easily one of my favorite areas in the country, especially for someone starting off. Doing it all over again, knowing what I know now, I might have moved there long ago and stayed. It has also exploded though, but probably nothing near CA proportions. I also like Washington State but have only visited once. I took multiple trips to Oregon in consideration of moving there, but declined in the end. CA is where I'd live if money is no object.
I share your holistic view, I don't want everyone around me suffering and acting tense. Its been that way in most of the country for a couple of decades now. A lot of people must really enjoy that, but I don't really see a true benefit to holding everyone down in such a way. To get a fairer society means less profits for employers so there's a lot of effort to contain those costs. My spouse is a teacher so I know what you mean, though teachers are fairly compensated where I live for sure. She makes more than I do with better benefits by a longshot. Most public school teachers in big cities are bad because the families/students are bad, and they have no authority to discipline them. Most teachers that care don't last and go teach for less money in the suburbs.
I'm in Chicago and while dangerous in 80% of the city, if you lived in the suburbs and don't mind winter, I've never known anyone that doesn't like it here. It's my favorite city in the country, it's the only city that the times I've driven out to move or visit elsewhere that I felt heartbroken. The only other place I've lived where I felt that way was France. I've lived all over and multiple countries on top of it. Crime and undesirable weather for most people keeps costs down here. I like Florida but it's such a diverse state that each area needs examined by itself. Just some thoughts.
My thoughts on buying for you are the same for me: at least wait until January. There's just too many near-term risks. My conclusion has been if things are still the exact same as today in Q1 2022, then go ahead and buy, my crystal ball is broken. That said, I'm deal hunting so if I can get anything for 15% off going rate or more, I'll probably just do it. I'm looking at homes that are in blue collar neighborhoods.