Yup. Lived in western NM and CO for about 15 years. Trips of 50 miles to shop or eat weren’t uncommon.
Went to New England on business, and the people I was working with were appalled at the idea of driving 10 miles to a restaurant.
LOL
My spouse’s grandparents lived and farmed in Eads, CO (SE corner). They drove 40 minutes for groceries in Lamar every two weeks and eating out consisted of pie and coffee at the C Store. The younger folks drove that 40 minutes several times a week and thought nothing of it.
The first time I saw the food storage and provisions in their basement, I was dumbstruck. They claimed to be prepared for one month of blizzard conditions. Looked more like preparation for nuclear winter to me. :)