I just wanted to update. Initially I ordered an iPhone 7 through Cricket, paid up front for the phone, but UPS messed up and it never delivered, so what was supposed to come over night ended up never coming and getting returned to the sender. In the mean time, my old phone completely stopped working so I had to make a decision fast.
Instead I decided to go with Mint Mobile, even though I don't know anyone who uses it around here. I got the new 2020 iPhone SE, and two years of service for $35 a month with no upfront costs.
I think this is a really good price! The phone and the Sim card came in the mail from Orlando, and I just had to pop the card in and it was good to go. The number transferred over without any problems despite my old phone being dead.
So far can't comment on service, so we'll see how that goes. Seems to receive calls fine from my house and the WiFi setup works. Haven't taken it anywhere to see how good coverage is, but from their map it should be fine. Hopefully I won't have to return it but I'll test it out this week just to be sure. They offer 7 day returns.