Dense urban environments are overrated. They became popular with industrial revolution, when large numbers of workers needed to work at factories every day. With rise of WFH and online shopping, dense urban environments no longer make sense.
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.