I don't think that's true at all. I can think if several areas in the cities I've lived in that have densely packed houses, condos, or apartments within walking

I don't think that's true at all. I can think if several areas in the cities I've lived in that have densely packed houses, condos, or apartments within walking distance of some stores and public transportation. There is a huge swath of possibilities that lie between downtown and the suburbs. You may have to give up that one acre property, though.