You act like this is a new trend. Go to older neighborhoods back east – lots of garages in the back on the shared alley. This was VERY common in the 50’s and older homes.
The movement back to this trend is so that the curb appeal, from the street can be better because you’re not showing your ugly garage/driveway – you’re showing the house.
In other words – do you want the world to see a big, wide 2-3 car garage doors… or do you want them to see a cute house.
Here in Cali, it might not fly… we love our cars, set our identity by our cars, want our neighbors to admire our fabulous cars…