I have heard priests belonging to religious orders wondering how the diocesan priests do it, because the religious priests get so much support from the others in their order. Being a diocesan priest can be very isolating. Most of the diocesan priests I know, though, live in the same diocese as their immediate family and socialize with them at least as much as with their brother priests.
I’ve given that a good deal of thought. I also have lots of family all over the country. We’re a big family.
So I’ve mostly considered dioceses they live in.An college classmate began his formation in a religious order but after a period of discernment switched to the diocesan priesthood. He asked his bishop to assign him to the diocese in this country most in need of priests, which he did, so he completed his formation in a seminary of that new diocese and has been serving there for almost 40 years.
Who will there be to take care of the faithful in the less orthodox dioceses? What about those who can’t just move- at least not for that reason? (It would be nice to be able to do that- but not everyone can). Things can turn around, but it takes prayer and people to be answers to prayers. In certain dioceses and archdioceses that are known for dissenting from the Truth, there are holy priests who ARE faithful to the Magisterium. Their job may be harder, but they are sanctified by their work, and they bring about change- though it may be very slow- by influencing the laity entrusted to their care. God will lead you where you are meant to be. That should be a part of your discernment. Remember also that you are not where you are just by chance- God has a reason for you being where you are at this point in your life.