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Np. I had to move around a bit (military). Moving to a new area can always be daunting. It's hard enough even when you know you'll have camaraderie waiting for you. I don't envy your position - if you're not well traveled and may not have an extensive support network at a new place.

However, you may be able to take it a bit slow. If you own now and can sell - it may be worth selling and moving to PA and renting. (If you're comfortable with PA). Yes, you're lining someone else's pocket when you rent. But, consider it as a research expense and you don't have to worry about direct impacts to a drop in the real estate market.

Once you get somewhere outside of your current circumstances - maybe consider taking short "vacations" to new areas that have work in your field. Consider staying at AirBnBs or Home Aways (generally houses someone else owns) that should give you a feel for the area/neighborhoods. You can experience something new and maybe get a feel for - is this "home?"

I had previously been stationed in this area of VA for several years. A lot had changed in the 3-4 years I was gone (and I suffered through the market collapse). When I came back I/we rented for almost three before my wife and I bought a place - just to be "sure."

I found two things to be either true, and/or sound advice:

#1 Easier to find a job when you have one

#2 Renting in an area before committing to buy can ease some anxiety and assist your decision making

-- The wife and I have been considering eventually moving to Florida. We know nothing about Florida other than the vacations we took. It just seems like a nice place we could settle. If/when we decide we're serious about considering Florida - we already agreed on the AirBnB route before determining if the state/areas are for us -> then rent -> then maybe buy. If it doesn't seem for us, we won't go through with it, and can feel out somewhere else before we're stuck.

Your mileage may vary.