Given the density,or lack thereof more properly speaking,of most residential construction in the US it does not seem likely that steam lines can be laid from central heating plants.Really good stoves or heat pumps run by biomass generated electricity are probably more affordable and practical.Possibly more energy efficient as well?

The pipes do not carry steam but rather water at about 90 degrees Celsius, and if you can afford natgas pipes you can afford district heating. For example, we use district heating in our less dense suburban areas. The only place where they don't work economically is the countryside.