The building and materials sciences have advanced enough to make it possible for nearly any siding choice to be durable, attractive, and energy efficient. This leaves the choices dependent on the same factors as anywhere else - budget, attention to maintenance, aesthetics.
Most people consider budget first, others look for maintenance free. Then the choice on materials is easy, as most are close.
As a siding contractor in Minnesota, we have delt with every kind of siding product and this is what we have found:
Traditonal vinyl will hold up well if installed correctly, let’s say, given the appropriate gaps to allow for contraction and expansion with changes in temperature. However, it is vunerable to fading and damage from objects such as hail.
Fiber cement sidng is strong and can with stand damage from wind and hail. It does not expand and contract with temperature changes and is much more fade resistant than vinyl. However, we have done many repairs to homes with fiber cement where it has softened or nearly rotted where snow has rested in specific spots over a few years (lets say about 5-6 years). So if you will have snow that rest against the house for continous periods of time year after year, I would not recommend this product. This type of siding typically comes with a 30 year manufacturer guaruntee.
Engineered wood siding is our most recommennded as it has great wind and hail durability, tremendous resistance to fading if painted properly (it is a heated process), and a great level of moisture resistance. We rarely do repairs to this product. Most also come with a manufacturer guaruntee of 50 years.
in the state of Nebraska we have all seasons for weather. Vinyl is a very popular option, as well a LP Smartside and Hardi Board. I’ve noticed over the years metal as well as stucco is an option overlooked.
Same as the Southeast. James Hardie makes great siding materials for all types of elements. Nichiha USA is also a good brand is can be widely used in all types of elements.
I would suggest either a high quality Vinyl or Steel if you want maintenance free. If you are ok with some painting and caulking in the future I would suggest prefinished LP Smartside. Hardie is just an inferior product in my opinion compared to other boards available.