In the same situation also trying to climb the corporate ladder but more interested in early retirement than material wealth. I'm guessing that the FAANG that I work for will go to commute-one-day-per-week for everyone when this is all over so we're taking that bet and moving to Napa this week. 1.5 hour commute one day per week (when we eventually go back) is doable in exchange for the huge decrease in cost vs Santa Cruz (where we also looked). If it doesn't work out, we'll reevaluate in a year and maybe move again. Worst case: we saved a ton of money on real estate for a year.
1.5 hour commute is remote? I have done that for years. I would consider 3 hours one way remote as I have done that too but couldn't last more than 6 weeks before being burned out.
