To have a home base or not.

Since your wife already know she doesn't want to stay in Indiana then sell the house and invest the money. However, I wouldn't advise buying anything right away. Do some traveling first and check out all the snowbirding winter spots before deciding where you want to settle down. You may be surprised in your final choice. We certainly were! Being from Michigan we never dreamed we'd end up in the Southwest but we absolutely love it. In fact, we love the whole West. It took us 16 years of constant travel to find the spot for us. :) You couldn't get us back east for anything. Take your time with your decision.