Distance really isn't that relevant. Time of travel is. This was drilled home to me having moved from a relatively "sparse" metro area to one of the most dens

Distance really isn't that relevant. Time of travel is. This was drilled home to me having moved from a relatively "sparse" metro area to one of the most dense cities in the US. 7 miles might mean a 7 minute drive, or 90 minutes on poor public transit stuck in traffic. When I lived in my previous place, someone 7 miles away would have been a regular daily friend. Now, I would not see someone more than every few months since 7 miles is the equivalent of a 45 minute drive most hours of the day in most directions unless they happen to live right next to rapid transit. My closest friends here in the city live a 7 minute and 18 minute walk away. I see them about as much as I'd have seen someone living 5-10 miles away from my previous location. The only real difference is the ability to drink while visiting.