Ok, let me turn the question around (for those who live in areas with less access to transit, with children...):

If you had a choice, would you want to live closer to people or you like alot of acreage around you to separat yourself from neighbours?

I perceive this as the fundamental difference between more rural folk vs. city folks. For instance, I would not enjoy living 1 km. away from my closest neighbour. I don't like that type of isolation...I actually find it scary.

Maybe my lifestyle by not having a car, gives me that attitude.

But also I've grown up in a family of 8 people and know how to live fine in tight quarters. Generally speaking I have lived near ok and great neighbours. Some wierd ones. But it is part of urban living.