Leaving during burning season… start renting now or wait until I’m back? Also seeking advice on areas to live

Hello! Been coming on and off to CM for years and finally decided to stop nomading and set up a "home base" for a bit now that I have the DTV.

I'm overwhelmed with the choices and agents bombarding my inbox.

I plan to leave during burning season from mid Feb. I'm wondering if I should start a yearly contract now (and leave the place empty for 3 months) or just hop around short-term rentals and then come back in June for a longer term contract.

I imagine June there will be more places available since high season is approaching, right? I can't move in until mid Nov.

Short term rentals cost more so it might just even out with the cost of leaving a room empty. Plus I am sick of carrying my shit around and want to feel settled with nice pots and pans, a bicycle, etc.

Staying in short term rentals until February might also be good so I can get a better feeling of diffeent neighborhoods before committing.

While I'm here, would also love advice about areas to live.

So far, I've stayed in Old City & Nimman (first time as a tourist), Mae Hia, Nong Khwai (these two are my favorites), Wat Ket, Chang Khlan, Saraphi.

I'm curious about Pong Noi, Chang Phueak, San Sai, Mae Rim.

I love nature and want a simple but spacious house with a big garden.

I used to never go to events in the city but now that I'm in Wat Ket, I find myself going to events every day since it's easy to walk places and it's nice for a change. So I'm also open to a condo with a gym and pool. I can't decide!!

When I stayed further out, I couldn't bother going to any events (I don't drive a scooter and Grabs add up). I just kept to myself in nature, cycling around, hiking, hanging out with local friends, etc. I liked it at the time but now wondering if it's better for me to be more social and stay closer to the city to build connections the first yea, and then move out to a suburb after exploring more.

I suppose everyone's opinion will vary based on preferences but would love to hear advice anyway.