It always has been regional.
Demand for FI's is weakest in the south and gets progressively stronger the further north you go.
The majority in the SE if you suggest they relocate up north won't do it. There will be all manner of excuses. It was the same when I was an FI. I went straight from course to job and first flight was when my CPL was delivered. Then instructor that was employed after me was exactly the same.
Those that did locate up north that I know of are all either employed as FI's or have been through the teaching stage and are now flying the line.