re: Pay off house or invest Pt. 2

I would move back closer to your family if that is what you want. Sell both houses. Family is important for you now especially with a young child you’ll need help with. This should be easy in the current market. If you can’t find a good deal in your new city, I would just rent for the next year and take your time finding what you want. You have plenty of funds for a renovation so I’d look for a great deal on something that needs work.

Fully fund Roth IRAs (personal and 401k if your job has this), do a 529 for your child, and put the rest in VTI, VBR, and VOO. I’d only keep $50k cash and just sell some stock next year if needed for the new home or renovation.

I’d also seriously consider talking to a financial advisor. I use Ameriprise and it’s $1000 annually but the tax savings and planning advice for things like wills, retirement, and insurance suggestions more than justify the cost.