Sorry, didn't finish my thoughts about my friend, the pediatrician. Office is in Houston, but he lives north some distance from work. He says it is better because when he is not working and is out and about he is not going to see his patients and their families. I can relate.
As for large cities, the largest I have lived in is Louisville KY, which is many, many , many times smaller than Houston. I lived downtown next to the medical/dental school and next to the projects. That was ruff.
Happy where I am now. See "Naples grabs No. 1 spot on this ‘Best Places to Live’ list"