All I can add is once you make your mind up don't look back or second guess yourself.
I did it back in '08 at youngish 51. Been loving it.
In your situation I might recommend decide where you want to go and rent to get the lay of the land.
Then, when the bottom falls out of housing in a couple years get the best place you can.
I did it in '12 because I was not going anyplace in '07 instead I put a new roof high end windows, kitchen and bath remodel and went on a 2.5 yr search for the right place.
Bought in '12 and kept old place empty for 2 yrs and sold it, paid off the new place that was nicer than last place and started doing the same repairs.
Believe it or naught you and I are more of the same cut than you'd think. Sure I post some provoking to downright insightful stuff, but anyone that listens to Robert Earl Keen is o.k in my book.