because they know that anyone who wants to live in the area will have a hard time finding another place.

I mean, you’re just saying supply and demand still. They’re charging that because that’s what someone is willing to pay.

Even with less dense housing, if there were easy ways to get around other than cars, proximity would be less of an issue.

Agreed, the U.S. as a whole has had incredible incompetence with government officials regarding public transit. If we had reliable train and bus systems, we’d be in a much better position.