The main issue here is I don't want a compromise in my shower. Not for hygienic reasons, that's a practical matter and can be addressed as such, but because hot baths/showers are a mark of civilization, of the fact that we live in the environment we choose.

The transportation problem at least can be solved. Besides public transportation I think one solution would be to think local more. When hiring somebody I'm factoring in their commute time - it influences a lot of their long term job satisfaction.