Originally Posted by jade408

This also assumes that all jobs are in the job center. I live 30 miles from work (yes I know this is far). But I did the math, if I hypothetically moved closer to work, my rent would be $1000 more than I pay now (I have rent control, but if I was shopping today, my rent would be about $400 more than I pay now). I have a car payment, gas, insurance. You might think....hey living closer to work means I could trash my car! But the areas closer to work are not bike, transit or pedestrian friendly. And car sharing isn't popular either, there are no parking spots for car share anywhere near my office. So I'd still need my car. I would drive less miles, but I wouldn't save any money, and I'd live in an area I like less. Where biking for errands would be nearly impossible. (Most commercial/retail requires riding on a huger arterial with an average speed of 45mph and no bike lanes or even sharrows). So basically I'd be paying more for a lifestyle I like less. I'll just stick with commuting. The "closest" areas that meet my neighborhood preferences for walkability, transit and bike-ability are 20-25 miles from work anyway. And they have crappier weather and cost 3X what I am paying now, so not a good deal and not appreciably closer (driving, transit or otherwise. It takes about the same drive time as it does for me)