Very similar to my thoughts. I'm also considering the possibility to defend myself. This may be provided by the "not too densely populated" one (but things are supposed to change in that respect in case of the big trouble). So potentially an elevated, or hidden place?

I've wondered about the likelihood of needing to defend myself, but since I'm completely incompetent in that regard, I'll have to opt for security by obfuscation.

In my musings, the two things that most worry me is an acute shortage of fresh water, and that any hospitable place I choose is also going to attract hordes of other climate refugees that will outcompete me. There are places like the Pacific North West of the US that are likely to fare relatively well in the Climate Wars. Yet these regions will also attract climate refugees from elsewhere in the country. Canada has a lot more amenable landmass to work with, and relatively fewer people to compete with. Ironically, Canada's acceptance of refugees with open arms gives me pause, since it suggests a likely destination for global climate refugees (ghastly of me, I know). In that respect, NZ's geographical isolation and sparse population strike me as huge pluses.

I'd add the ability to grow food, even if the climate is warmer and either wetter or dryer.