> Transportation and communication makes location less valuable. It allows people to escape from under the thumb of landlords and get their own little plot of land so that they don't need to pay rent to anyone else. Imagine a world in which you can snap your fingers and instantly be transported anywhere. What would be the value of living close to your job? Or in a specific location? There would be no premium at all. All improvements to transportation, whether it becomes cheaper, or faster, or more comfortable, is a small punch at landlords.
This. So much this. Reducing the "cost" in time and/or money of physical distance results in huge compounding improvements to people's lives. People can work more lucrative jobs. They can shop at the the value-priced big box store than the overpriced bodega that has to pass on its crushing rent. They can more easily justify seeing friends and family. The list goes on.
It's absolutely mind boggling that this is downvoted? Are pods and bugs really that popular? Do people like slow subways and traffic filled freeways? Unless you benefit from reduced competition high cost of distance is bad for you.
This. So much this. Reducing the "cost" in time and/or money of physical distance results in huge compounding improvements to people's lives. People can work more lucrative jobs. They can shop at the the value-priced big box store than the overpriced bodega that has to pass on its crushing rent. They can more easily justify seeing friends and family. The list goes on.