No, the newer improved cultivars are much better. There's nothing wrong with good old fashioned Raleigh but it won't be nearly as nice as floratam or palmetto brand st. Augustine

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh010

Armed with the info from that website link, call around to nurseries to see what varieties are available. Then go back to the website to see what you might like based on what is available. It makes no sense to fall in love with something you can't get.

I have Floratam in my yard in the Texas Hill Country. It is noted to be not that cold hardy. When we get cold temps in the mid 20s, there has been no problem with the lawn coming back. This winger we had two weekends of 19 and 14 degrees with 60 degrees on the days in between. My north side lawn is still fairly well devastated with the occasional sprig trying to come back. On the south and east sides the grass looks fine like it's coming out from a normal winter. It needs to be mowed. So regarding cold hardiness for Floratam, if you are not expecting temps in the low 20s or so, you should be fine with that.