Where would you live? (Pretty long)

I have inherited a house in a small town (pop. less than 10,000). This is where I was born, and where my family still lives. The problem is the only place in town that hires RN's is the local hospital. You are doing well to make 14.00 to start there. Needless to say, this would be a big income loss for me. The nearest town after that is about a 50-60 mile drive.
My husband's family insists that this is what we should do, after all it is a "free house".
I was thinking about moving to a city about 100 miles away. It has a population of about 165,000, and the starting wage is about 18.00 anywhere you go. There are lots of opportunities, and it isn't that far away from family either. But then I will have a house payment!!!!
My husband and I have been struggling with this for about a year, and are no closer to a resolution than when we began. We have to move as his current job will close in less than a year. Also this will be a big move, over 2000 miles. These two locations are in different states, and oh course they have totally different license requirements. Obviously, I would like to know in a few months to prepare for this. The reason I am posting this is because you guys are nurses too, and your opinion is appreciated. Should I choose the one facility town for a free house payment, or have more options for a house payment?