Now it even makes less sense why Americans like to commute so long

I prioritize living near work. While I understand that there are other factors when it comes to housing, I feel like commute is given way too low of a priority by most people. It not only represents actual cost (e.g. fuel and vehicle expenses) but is a huge tax on one’s leisure time. After work, sleep, and various other tasks you might only have a few hours to yourself each day. Commute time comes straight out of that.