Well, we can bicycle here too. Some do like me. Walking to the shopping center might be a stretch unless you want to walk 2-3 miles each way which would be better with sidewalks but that is only closer to town at this time in this town.
I would not live downtown in a big city for all the reasons I mentioned but I don't want to do the 45+ min commute in from the suburbs either. That would deliver the house and yard that we might be able to afford but there would be the ever worsening commute, the costs of commuting, the wear and tear on mind, body and vehicle. What if there was severe weather, sick child, etc? My parents did this my entire childhood. They thought it was worth it, I do not. My sibling does. Whatever works for you. I did it for a while and was not impressed.
For us the small town lifestyle - with a university to provide a group of creative thinkers for flavor - works really well for us. Plenty a variety of most topics - entertainment, food/drink, shopping, and close to the outdoor adventure that we like, etc without the big commute.