I would imagine in this climate of anti-1031's, that this might be the first to go- but something that should be looked into.I used to be in the @Brian Bennett and others school of thought.

Of course you will have to keep in mind climate differences, however, the theories behind different alternatives should apply regardless of the climate.

It's like musical chairs and this will keep driving prices until the market finds an equillibirium between supply and demand, which all free markets will do over time, but since supply and demand are not that flexible it has to be price that will reduce demand until we are balanced.Milwaukee is also seeing a little bit of an increase in imigration due to climate change: smoke, fires, drought, hurricanes, floods, fresh water - in combination with remote work and low cost of housing compared to most of the country.

This also means less climate-changing emissions for your house than other forms of heating would produce because it doesn't release any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when used correctly.  

Is it towards colder climates, warmer, moist or dry?

4 - What would you estimate for average monthly power, gas, water, and trash (I know, this is going to be a wide range depending on # of occupants, climate sensitivity factors, etc)?

I know in places like Florida that tile is the standard because it is a warm wet climate with no basements.

Lots of families, retirees, college students etc. great climate close to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Vegas, mountains, sand hollow reservoir and so on.

Huge components, particularly in Florida where Insurers are starting to see the climate risk and adjust policies and premiums accordingly.

Personally, I solely focus on my area right now because I know the surrounding towns in terms of demographics, average wealth, crime rate, climate, flooding issues, and so forth.