I agree with you, those who insist on a multi-week, month, year visit, are giving the best advice FOR THEM. It does not necessarily apply to the rest of us. I disregard it totally & I sure wouldn't blame you for disregarding it either. For you, a lifestyle visit & another vaction visit probably are enough. You know you. You know your likes & dislikes & no one on this site, however well meaning knows you.
The bond cost does need to be taken into consideration. As do the property taxes.
I don't know about Santiago vs Fernandina - never lived in either. When I was looking for a house DuVall had a bad rep. Snobby women. -I still don't know if it's true or not - I didn't buy in DuVall. But, I think it is one of the largest villages & therefore probably does have a decent amount of lemons, but probably has many more friendlies.
& finally yes, you are right, if your wife wants a job in a healthcare facility NOW then up north (of 44) is for you. There is a lot of talk about new facilities being built, but how long will that take?
If you are careful in your house shopping, (there are a lot of houses always coming on the market) then you can find: low bond, new roof, new HVAC, updated facilities. Or some combination.
One thing that is often not mentioned is with a preowned purchase you can get a lot of improvements. Improved landscaping, enclosed air conditioned lanai, with updated fans & floors. Improved garage flooring, painted or improved driveway, added birdcage. With a newly built house all of this is on you & it is not inexpensive.
TLDR: Location is always important in real estate. Good Luck!
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