However did the past become the present? rolls eyes

Cities were structured so that people lived closer to work. On the farm, you lived and worked there. In cities, factories only employed people nearby because anyone farther away couldn't easily/affordably get to work.

Unfortunately, with the spread of highways, suburbs, and cheap gas, American society rearranged itself around everyone having a car, so now having one puts you at a disadvantage.

Please either contribute comments of substance or wit, and reserve the trolling for 4chan.

Having an opinion which which you disagree is not "trolling".

Spewing one-liners to stir people up while refusing to debate is trolling.

Yes, thanks to shorter distances and the horse-cart. I assure you it's more expensive to own a horse in an urban environment.

The internal combustion engine was invented in the 1860s or so.

Do you know how the poorest demographic in America before the 1860s worked?

Economics changed. Right now the most affordable housing is furthest from job centers. Last time I compared apt prices where I live pricing was such that living within walking distance of downtown was priced such that pricing for similar apts 10 miles away had a delta greater than the cost of owning a car and commuting. God forbid you live in a city like LA that has no downtown because of freeway sprawl.