I am sort of baffled at the idea of reducing the appeal of city living to commuting and shopping? I live in DC, can easily bike anywhere, and it is to me about

I am sort of baffled at the idea of reducing the appeal of city living to commuting and shopping? I live in DC, can easily bike anywhere, and it is to me about visiting friends at their homes, parks, going to museums, relaxing on the waterfront, going to the bike trails, hobbyist meetups, catching a train to visit Philly or NY, all within easy reach. Really the issue, to me and most other people, is how hilariously unaffordable it is due to the incredibly high demand for housing in cities.