Where I live is suburbia, but, almost rural. We live in a neighborhood with 2 acre lots, woods, and hiking trails. There are 2 town centers (about 4 miles away), and shopping, but more of the independent business types of stores and restaurants. We don't allow chain stores here, except one CVS and one Rite Aid. It's quiet here and at night, no one is out on the streets after 7 PM or so. It takes me about 30-40 minutes to drive to Boston, if there's no traffic, and about 20 minutes to drive to "close-in" suburbs, with more stores and restaurants. I like the fact that I can take the commuter rail into the city, if I want.
I couldn't imagine having to drive 2 hours to get to decent stores, etc. I find this is perfect; in fact tons of cyclists from the city come to this area to ride... crowding up the roads for people like me who live here!