>my lifestyle is simply incompatible with life in an apartment or tiny, semi-detached town house
But your lifestyle is compatible with spending 15 hours a week (60 hours a month, 700 hours per year, or the equivalent of 17 additional 40-hour workweeks annually) commuting?
It depends on the person, for me the restrictions of living in a flat (no music, no friends over late, no ability to knock down walls or paint) are a larger problem for me than a long commute. I have people around almost every night for dinners, movies etc. and can't see myself getting rid of that for the convenience of a short trip. Having enough space and green around for a nice place to have a family is also important.
I'm certainly not going to judge anybody's decisions when it comes to raising their children, but a long commute means many hours away from the kids. When they're grown, will they be more likely to remember the nice yard and school or the extra time spent with Mom and Dad?
But your lifestyle is compatible with spending 15 hours a week (60 hours a month, 700 hours per year, or the equivalent of 17 additional 40-hour workweeks annually) commuting?