The article briefly speaks on why people might not have control over where they live - and then the author then continues to discuss the matter as if an individ

The article briefly speaks on why people might not have control over where they live - and then the author then continues to discuss the matter as if an individual does have control, as you said. However, this is far from meaningless, because many do have a say in where they live, and still neglect to factor in living near to close friends. I agree that it doesn't apply to everyone, but this doesn't make it nonsense in my opinion.