> Is that really the number one priority for talented people? Walking?

Just walking? Maybe not. But fast commutes to work, easy access to restaurants, easy access to culture, lots of things to do nearby, large dating pools? Most certainly.

> cars, buses, motorcycles, segways, bicycles, subways, trams, taxis, powered walkways, rollerblades, skateboards, hover boards, ATVs, skis, sleds, horses

All of which take lots of time! People pay lots of money to live in certain neighborhoods (think Williamsburg and the like) for a reason.