Are you sure that "to get some distance from work" isnt' just some poor rationalization? I guess for some it is nice not to be close enough to work to be easily on call to come in.
They sold our building and we are consolidating back down to Irving and most people I know are very excited because it is shortening their commute because they original bought their house when they worked in Irving before they moved us here. My wife's commute is 1.4 miles to the office but one hundred feed out of our driveway to her patrol area and she loves it.

I can see how people don't mind the commute. Unless I sat down and analyzed it back when I had a 2 1/2+ hour commute each way it was just part of life. I rode an hour to the train into NYC and then walked across town to work. That was my entire week for 2+ years. Couldn't find another job though at >50% of the pay and I certainly couldn't afford to live in NYC.

I fear that Trans Texas Corridor 50 year+ project.