You have a wonderful outlook and plenty of time to make the decision. Definitely apply to the schools you are interested in, both closer to home and in the South and make the decision when the time is nearer and you've analyzed the pros and cons.
Please keep us posted! I personally think you'll have a wonderful experience, sorority or not, no matter where you go to college.
It is all what you make of it, and you're absolutely right-- you don't know if you don't try.