I like living where I can get to the water easily. I've lived waterfront, which was amazing. About half the places i've lived had somewhere I could get to in a few minutes to paddle. Not necessarily something spectacular but just somewhere I could access the water legally and get some exercise.
I've lived in two cities in North Carolina, both not far from where I live now. Both had nice places to paddle with 30 minutes, but nothing within fifteen minutes of the house that wasnt controlled access. So it was hard to slip out for a paddle after work, or at dusk when the wildlife is out and the sun is setting.
I could still day trip to the same places, and do longer trips in the same places. But I got out of shape for paddling, and had paddling on my mind less.