Um, because people can't afford to live where they work. #1 reason people have to commute, everywhere. If people could afford to live in Portland, where they work, they would live in Portland, where they work, and there would be less commuting. Basic math.

Funny, one of the reasons I chose my job is its proximity to my home, and one of the reasons I chose my home is its proximity to my job. Perhaps that is my privilege showing, or perhaps people are just poor planners, stupid, or masochistic. It's hard to believe how many people choose jobs and homes, then bitch about how bad the commute is constantly.