This post gets at how being car free does change your perceptions of your surroundings and distance.
Obviously in much of the country being car free isn't realistic or desirable, but I do think even in urban hellholes where it is there are plenty of people who don't perceive that it is. I'm not faulting their choices - not trying to take away their cars! - just that it takes a bit of getting used to and once you do the car really isn't missed. There are things that make it easier such having a good carshare system nearby and having a social circle of other car free people.
