stevep,
I am a bit ahead of you in the parenting game (both of mine are in college) I made several decisions when mine were very young, some good and some not so good. But I would lean towards spending time with the family and the children. I used to ride mine to school, and I took them camping once a month regardless. Both are in their 20's and still can remember various details of those trips and times together. When they were in the 5th and 6th grade I took a job that put me on the road and away from them. The money was much better but that will never make up for the time I lost with them. I also would look at not moving out to the sticks unless you can find a job near by. If you move far enough out you will have to drive most places for even the most mundane things. My favorite place to live would be a smaller house in an older established neighborhood that hasn't gone ape**** with covenants. I lived in one where I could bike to work, have a garden and work on my toys with minimal interference from neighbors and authorities.

Another issue is going to be compromising with your spouse. Whatever you do "If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy". Only you will know about that and what will and won't work. My ex was never happy regardless of the situation, that is why she is an ex. My wife now wants both of us to be happy and is fairly flexible (we both are).

Aaron