One of the studies I read from a psychologist stated that one of the PRIMARY ways you can increase happiness in your life is to reduce or eliminate your commute.
Now, obviously, this can't always be done. I'm lucky that I live on-site. I don't make as much money as perhaps I could in another location but with gas, aggravation, exposure to sun and pollution and the added risk per mile on the highway, I've gotta say I'm pretty happy.
For the moment. But then I'm on my own and no responsibilities other than the stupid student loans.