Either spend most of one's salary in rent to live near which i find restful myself, or live far but tired of commuting. Trains arent cheap too. This based in London. Am sure there's a better way to earn and live than this.

Depends on companies, plus most people now look for a better way of life outside main cities. Business wise, city centres still is the place where the money is.

I agree with you with those townhouses..even if another earthquake will happen which i hope there won't be anymore, they're very iconic. They simply need to be rebuilt the same way. This depends again on the council who approves new builts.