Congratulations on really upping your academic game in college, and on having a great attitude even though you’re not loving your campus environment! I agree with the earlier comments that you’ll have a wider range of options as a junior transfer, if you keep doing well in your college classes, than as a sophomore transfer where your HS stats will still be considered. That said, there are plenty of schools you could get into as a sophomore, and wanting to spend an additional year at the school you’ll graduate from absolutely makes sense.
Most people who pursue technical writing careers establish a strong science foundation by getting an undergraduate STEM degree. There are a few schools that have undergraduate science writing programs (here’s one example - possibly attainable admissions wise but almost certainly over-budget: https://sciencewriting.cas.lehigh.edu/ ) but for the most part an undergrad STEM major is the norm, though of course you could double-major in English/writing. What are you most interested in, science-wise? If you want a broader approach, maybe look at schools that offer a “Science, Technology, & Society” program or other interdisciplinary STEM major.
As one proof-of-concept example, James Madison University in Virginia could be worth a look. More temperate weather, a really nice residential community with school spirit, and several programs that could be a good fit academically:
The transfer acceptance rate is 74%, and your ACT is a couple points above their median, so you could have a decent chance even as a sophomore transfer; and the OOS sticker price is under 50K/year. JMU gets a 4/5 Campus Pride Index score. It’s considered rural, but the small city of Harrisonburg is walkable from campus.
That’s just one example - I’m sure there are many good possible destinations for you. Good luck and keep up the good work!