It also isn't mutually exclusive. Just because you don't work from home doesn't mean you have a 1/2 hour commute each way. It also doesn't mean that you spend your commute by yourself. Carpooling, taking the bus, or metro all offer chances to socialize with people outside of your current friends and family group. A large part of interacting with people at work is that they are outside of your current social circle. You can branch out and get to know people that you wouldn't normally associate yourself with.

Also, working from home doesn't guarantee that you will be working the same hours . I know a few people that are expected to work extra hours because they have more free time from not commuting.