>I wonder if a lot of it stems from the fact that sometimes you have to relocate for a new gig, and making friends at work is easier.

I like this. Because it could lead to some interesting demographic shifts as more people go remote and where they live becomes less important to work, and more important for other things, like making friends.

For example, I like pro wrestling. I know that wrestling fans are overrepresented in Orlando, FL. If I already work remotely, then it would make sense for me to move to Orlando to be around people who have similar interests.

This could apply just as easily to religion, politics, hobbies, and other things once income is less tightly coupled to geography.