Oh don't get me wrong, I'm fully on the side of close convenient access to an airport. I'm done trying to drive 45 min - 1.5 hr just to make it to the airport (ATL, SFO).

I think the factor in play here is that there is a transit system connecting the airport to downtown in a reasonable manner, where as many other places do not have that flexibility of car vs. transit vs. uber/taxi, at least from my personal observations around the country.