Do I need a Car living in Chicago?

Question

I am wanting to move in around wrigley. Is public trans reliable enough to not have to have a car in Chicago?

Answer 1

you dont need a car, you can take trains and taxis and feet

Answer 2

You can get absolutely anywhere in Chicago by bus or train. It will probably be much cheaper to get around without a car because of parking expenses and gas. For convenience and out of laziness Chicagoans still want to drive everywhere but it definitely isn't necessary in anyway. Unless you plan to be out at 3:30 am on a sunday the trains run almost all of the time. Some bus routes are only during rush hours, but generally that's not a problem. If you are stuck somewhere late at night you can get a cab, and the most expensive cab ride I've ever taken in Chicago was 15 bucks. Nothing is far enough to cost you an arm and a leg.

Answer 3

The public Transportation system is pretty good in Chicago although the Red and Brown CTA lines near Wrigley are under construction right now. I live up the line in Rogers Park and 90% of the time my car sits collecting dust. Your Best bet when either visiting or living here is to get a CTA pass which gives you better rates than by paying cash. You can get passes at any local currency exchange or the CTA offices on Lake Street btween Clinton and Halstead

Answer 4

Living around Wrigley, (Sox fan here! Ha.) you shouldn't ever need a car. The Red line el train is right there next to the ballpark, bars, clubs, and next to Boys Town. Yeah! A car is useless during the parade. Don't know where you are working, but the el along with metra can take you as far the casinos. They even heat up during the winter.

Now I agree three posts up, you may want a car to run errands on those hawk whipping tale days. And not to mention parking tickets are slapping on cars more than I could ever remember. They getting serious cause Mayor Daley wants to expand Chicago's beauty. (So to speak)


Watch out for new signs and tricks. I remember parking in a space by my apt. with no sign posted, clear (I swear) nothing. The next morning I have a ticket and a new sign up for "No parking if two inches of snow falls! I was more than heated! Now you know I contested it in court and argued it loud. I didn't pay a thing. But in my mind, I considered myself lucky.

But IMO, if your asking you probably don't have a car. You will get around fine. But if you do, take precautions. Good luck.

Also, IMO, I think every city should have a good transport system. El trains, I mean.

Answer 5

There are enough buses and trains around Wrigleyville that you don't need a car. But despite this fact, most of the people who live in Wrigleyville have cars, so many that they have installed permit parking regulations in several blocks. Having a car comes in handy when you have to go to the grocery store and plan on buying a lot of stuff and don't feel like trying to lug it back home by hand. And if you're going to make a bunch of errands (grocery story, Targets, dry cleaners, Home Depot, etc.) it's a lot better to drive than stand on 15 different bus stops, especially in the winter time when you'll freeze your twigs and berries off. And if you have family out of town but in the area, you might want to drive to visit them on holidays rather than fly or take a train like everyone else.

But the downside of having a car is having to pay for a city sticker every year ($75), a state license plate sticker (about the same), the occasional parking ticket (avg. $50), boot removal fees and towing fees if you get three tickets (don't even ask how much), and gas in Chicago is averaging about $2.45 right now.

You could make use of those carsharing services like iGo or Zipcar (they have websites) which let you borrow a car from a specific location around the city, use it and just bring it back (for a fee). But if you decided you have to have a car, try to find an apartment with off-street parking. It will make your life a hell of a lot easier. Trust me, after driving around the block for hours at 1 a.m trying to find a parking space, I know what I'm talking about.

Answer 6

If you live in the city proper, you don't need a car. You can walk, take a bus, or trains just about anywhere.

If you live on the outskirts of the city, you will need a car.

Insurance rates in Chicago are high...so if you can get away without one, do that.

Answer 7

Cars are often a hassle in Chgo. Parking around Wrigleyville is hard to find. I have 3 Chgo friends who are carless and happy. Public transportation is everywhere. You will have to allow some extra time on buses. CTA trains are as fast as a car without parking, licenses, gasoline, and insurance to worry about.

Answer 8

relies upon the position in Rogers Park. once you're on the east component to the community, you're on the point of the L and probably ought to get away and not using a vehicle. once you're on the west component to the community, there are buses, even though it receives slightly complicated. Rogers Park is slightly more advantageous distant than different different neighborhoods. once you've a 9-5 pastime and stay in Lakeview you truly do not opt for a vehicle; once you've a 9-5 pastime in Rogers Park, you possibly ought to get away and not using a vehicle, although this is going to likely be slightly more advantageous stressful from time to time. nonetheless, what with taxis, the L, and buses, you should probably deal with it.

Answer 9

No, you don't. I live in a 'way south suburb & work in Chicago & didnt have a car for three years! Between parking & traffic & one way streets, screw it! My BF is a technician, goes from job to job to job ALL DAY using public transport. He uses a car about 5 times a year!! DRESS APPROPRIATLY and you'll be fine!

Answer 10

That all depends on where you will be travelling to and how often.
If you are planning on working downtown instead of in a suburb and never leaving the city proper, sure you can exist quite well without a car.
HTH

Answer 11

not in Wrigleyville. You just need a CTA pass (for trains and bus)and your feet. The occasional taxi will get you home on drunken nights at the Wrigleyville bars.