[okmokmz]

This is a major oversimplification that is not at all feasible for most people. Sure, I could theoretically get an engineering position at Amazon, buy one of the highly desirable multimillion dollar properties within walking distance that sell before they're even on the market, sell my current house, move my family and possessions, and so on. How reasonable do you think that recommendation really is for most people? Also, this is talking about people running their own businesses, and I certainly don't run Amazon or have the funding to both open my own business anywhere near Seattle as well as purchase a house within walking distance. Sure, you can skew the entire scenario and say it's reasonable to work for a major company as an engineer rather than own your own company, rent an apartment rather than buy a house, and make any number of other changes but that isn't really what is being discussed

[hombre_fatal]

Also, talk about putting all your eggs in one basket. Over-extending like that is a good way to become a slave to jobs you actually hate just to afford a lifestyle you forced upon yourself.

Obviously some people thrive in that situation. But sounds naive to not realize how few people can or want to take that gamble.

[nostrademons]

If you run your own business you often have a much easier pathway to living close to work: move your business. Commercial real estate rents often fall off even faster than residential ones do as you move away from the city center, and the competition from other local businesses tends to thin out. If it's a desirable and affordable place for you to live, it's likely a desirable and affordable place for your customers to live, which makes it an ideal place to situate a local business.

And being flexible with your lifestyle and assumptions so that you can get what you really want in life is exactly what is being discussed here.