I have arthritis also and moved back to TX a few years ago.
But I hate the heat; lowers my BP and get really grouchy. I’d rather be cold and in pain (maybe).
I’m just north of philly in the delaware valley and lived in NC and Spfld, MO. The humidity coming from the gulf in MO was the hardest to get used to because I didn’t use AC until last year in NC. I just soaked my head and had fans going. I get sick to my stomach at 80 and love the cold, too, good thermometer.
Maybe a dry cold or North Dakota cold would be ok, but haven’t been up there yet. I was in south TX around 45 years ago and was shocked at the dry desert heat. I loved it. Like the dry Chicago cold. Loved chicago. I can adapt to anything if I have to, I guess. Just having a choice now and prioritizing the list. My kid and new wife are in NC. ;-)