A lot of US cities are already spread out a lot. But businesses don’t spread very much but concentrate in a few hot spots. That leads to very long commutes. If remote work doesn’t become much more common people can’t move into that empty space because there is no way to earn a living there.
Certain social circles wants to live near each other. Moving away simply isn't an option in their head space. It would mean abandoning what they consider their family.
And it would also mean abandoning their jobs. People want and need to live where they can find jobs.
there is a surprisingly low volume of land free from zoning. most America want to.live in urban areas, which are loaded with stupid zoning laws
There is absolutely not space where people want to be. If you want to move to bumfuck be my guest.