Navy + family questions?

I know I've put this up before, I just would like to get more perspective. I'm thinking about joining the navy, but I'm at a crossroad. I currently own a house in Reno, NV (nearest base is in Fallon (about 2 hours away) and odds are I wouldn't get that detail) and I have a wife and almost 2 year old son. I want to join because I've heard the benefits for my family would be awesome and they would be financially taken care of (the recruiter told me that because I'm married with dependents, I qualify for BAH to help pay for the house, and that I could live on base since it'll be just me), but I also don't want to miss out on my only son growing up. They wouldn't be moving with me on or near the base for multiple reasons; getting a reliable renter is very difficult, my wife already has a solid career here, our family and roots are here, etc. Now that I've explained my situation I'd like to know, especially from those with similar situations, is it worth the sacrifice? I know that's more of a personal decision, but what I mean is would I be able to come out of it with a better career? I will be returning to Reno after serving so things like nuclear power are out as there is no market for that around here. I'm into design, both graphic and architectural, construction, contracting; but is there much demand for that in the Navy or are those the type of jobs everyone takes? I have an ociates in graphic design that doesn't seem to mean anything since everyone hiring around here either wants you to have 5+ years of experience and/or are only willing to pay $10/hr (insulting and unrealistic for a college educated person). Would the reserves even be a good option for me as I would like to be near my family? Any advice or personal experiences would be great.