Hi mjstroven,
I would certainly recommend that you try out a few latex mattresses to get a sense of the variety of different “feels” that latex can provide depending on the type of latex and the layering that is in it.
There is one factory direct manufacturer near you that I know of and I would give them a phone call to ask about what they make that you may want to test (including their latex mattresses) and if you find them helpful and knowledgeable … I would seriously consider taking the time to visit them. They certainly fit the profile of manufacturers which use quality materials and have good value.
http://www.sleepeasymattressgaffneysc.com/ Gaffney, SC. Local factory direct manufacturer. They make all types of mattresses including innerspring, memory foam, and latex.
The closest retail outlets I know of that would give you some better options are …
http://www.drewsfurniture.com/home.html Greenville, NC. Carry Land and Sky which make a range of mattresses using Dunlop latex including innerspring/latex hybrids.
www.maconfurnituremart.com/ Franklin, SC. Carry Jamison which make some high quality latex and latex/polyfoam hybrids which they carry.
If you choose to make an online purchase of a latex mattress … several of the manufacturing members here specialize in online purchases of quality latex mattresses of various types. They are exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful on the phone (much more so than through email which most manufacturers tend to avoid because of the limitations of more “linear” back and forth written communications) and are very good at helping you to identify your best choices based on your needs and preferences. Most of them also offer various options that allow for changes or layers to be exchanged after a purchase.
There is a list of these in post #21 here.
That’s quite a change of sleeping surfaces. I still have some fond memories of sleeping on a waterbed for many years … and it was full motion rather than some of the newer technology that’s available today 
Phoenix