>> I disagree with this one. It's possible to live too close to work. If the commute is less than 15 minutes or so, or perhaps more to the point, if it isn't far enough to feel like a separate place, I'm less happy. I need the separation.

I totally agree with this. I once lived a 20 minute walk from work and that was great. When I moved closer and as a 2-3 minute walk I really didn't like it. I'm not too sure why, possibly it didn't give my brain time to adjust to the two modes.

The brain 'down time' is quite enjoyable and very important to forming thoughts and plans I think.