Stay in Ventura or move back to Bakersfield for work?

I’m really torn and would love some opinions.
I’ve been with my health plan employer for 11 years and have worked remotely since COVID. My husband has also been with his employer for about 10 years. We live in Ventura County now, have a 2-year-old, and I’m pregnant with our second baby due in November.
My supervisor recently gave us a heads-up that management wants employees back in the office. Employees who live outside Kern County may have until around April to return or leave. Nothing official has been announced yet.
I really love living in Ventura County and would prefer to stay here. Working from home has also helped us avoid daycare, which has been a huge financial benefit.
If I stay, I would probably need to look for another remote job. I work in provider credentialing/health plan operations, and I’m worried I may have to take a pay cut and give up the benefits and seniority I’ve built over 11 years.
The other option is moving back to Bakersfield. The cost of living is cheaper there, and my husband may be able to transfer with his job. But I would have to work in the office and we would most likely need childcare for two kids. Childcare is a huge concern for me, and honestly I don’t feel great about the options in Bakersfield compared with where we are now.
Most of my family is also in Bakersfield, which could be helpful, but being farther away has been healthier for my marriage and boundaries with my family. I love them, but I also want to protect the life my husband and I have built with our kids.
So basically:

Stay in Ventura and try to find another remote job, possibly for less pay,

or

Move back to Bakersfield, keep my long-term job and benefits, but deal with office work, daycare, and being closer to family again.
With a new baby coming in November and this possibly happening in April, I feel like the timing is terrible.
What would you consider most important in this situation, especially with two young kids and childcare being such a big factor?