Much of the south is more economical, so some probably wind up there without a serious decision to go there.

The thing is, there's always a reason when an area is more affordable: It's less in demand for a reason: It's less safe.

Plus, it feels like home to you. The southern culture is a way of life. But you need to have the emergency resources, or you're putting yourself at risk.

I'd be leaving every time a storm threatened: I have nothing to prove.

I lived in the south. I know they're nothing to mess with.

That is something I have questioned too.
But I think that there are many different reasons as to why they stay, For many and maybe the vast majority, I think it comes down to economics. It costs money to relocate each and every time a hurricane heads your way and you can experience 2,3,4 or more in one season. For others it is a matter of same old same old. They live through these things year after year after year and I think complacency sets in.