Looks like there is a shidduch crisis all over the world
seems to me like it might be harder to get engaged for Americans-am I right?
Lakewood boys don't want "out of town"...and start dating at 22-23 while here the litvish boys begin at 21.
What do you think?
As far as I understand, the primary reason is indeed the age gap, as you mentioned. In fact, the age difference is even greater than you indicated. On average, American Yeshiva guys start dating around 24, while girls usually begin around 19-20. This creates a surplus of girls seeking Shidduchim compared to boys, primarily due to the higher number of 20-year-old girls than 24-year-old boys, influenced by birth inflation. This is why many Rabbanim encourage guys to marry before they go to EY, though unfortunately they aren't very successful with that...
The other reason you mentioned, concerning dating “out of town” versus “in town,” is likely less significant and might not even play a role at all. In reality, it makes sense that an “in town” guy might not be the best match for an “out of town” girl, and vice versa.