Many places have been set up on the premice of incredibly cheap energy. So many places everything is set up around a car. I wouldn't worry too much. Do what makes you happy because the cheap energy culture will be just a drop in the man to history. I just hope that there will still be scientists (like me ) when the oil runs out and we can somehow keep a pretty good quality of life. Things may change but that's OK. I hate the car culture, but I don't hate the people because most just don't know there is any problem. Just do what make you happy expatriate.