[Mike Machine]

I'm redeveloping my city so every building is high-density. Well, I've got a few "high-rises" that seem to be abandoned every so often due to the commute times. I have no idea why commute is so long on big residential buildings.
I don't know if anything I'm doing is wrong, but I need a little advice. Thanks if you read this.

[cmdp123789]

You see... the thing is... sims are only willing to walk for a certain distance. So basically in simple words... what they mean is that their jobs are way too far... WHAT TO DO??? DO NOT WORRY... just zone for commercial or industrial in a closer area... and that should solve the problem 

[Mike Machine]

I already have commercial next to the residential. I'm changing the commercial too. The buildings are still abandoned. It just dosen't make any sense.

[lacyk]

It takes some time for buildings to be reused. Actually they are populated after not-abandoned are full.
Either destroy building - new, smaller one will appear soon - it will develop to big one later
Or - simply wait until there are more jobs available than residential buildings capacity.

To expand job oportunities, build high capacity transport system to take people to jobs. Big buldings are mostly inhabited by low wealth people - build fast connection to industrial zones. Don't forget bus stops.