I'm in my 20s - I HATE drive (and I suck at it!) and I want to relocate to a city where I don't need a car. I'm from NJ and i've never lived without a car - it's looking like I might head to chicago - so to people without a car, what's it like? what city did you live carless in - what is your biggest hassle, etc. any advice...
2007-12-27 18:00:51 · 4 answers · asked by misscamillabutterfly 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
I spent a few months in Chicago without a car and managed pretty easily. I'm from New Orleans and it would be VERY difficult in most neighborhoods to get by without a vehicle. Chicago, though, has really good public transportation and though it takes more time than driving yourself and you are putting yourself at risk for adverse weather conditions, you can manage perfectly fine. Same thing if you lived in someplace like New York or even Atlanta has a really good public transport.
My advice is to do your research on which city you'd like to live in and check out the train/bus/etc schedules. :)
2007-12-28 02:55:02 · answer #1 · answered by La vedette 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived in a small city without a car for a year when I was a poor college graduate without a real job. It was OK. I got to know the bus routes really well, and my life really improved when I got a bike. I could cart groceries and stuff home on the back, then, and it was much easier than the bus (and on my schedule, too).
I think a big city would be even easier.
The hard part would be winter, when things ice up and busses run late.
The big thing is to choose a home near your work, and relatively close to a grocery store. Since you are still young, near the downtown might work for you -- you can walk to the entertainment sites (movies, bars), catch all the busses easily, and maybe be close to some very satisfying work.
It can be done, it's healthier for the planet, and if you walk or bike, it's healthier for you. Good luck!
2007-12-27 18:11:14 · answer #2 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done it for the past 4 months in Portland. Prior to this I have been able to manage without a car in NY downtown & Newark area. Done the same in Chicago downtown. As long as you live close to a metro rail or bus route or in the walking distance between your work and stay.
2007-12-28 04:04:07 · answer #3 · answered by kbala_97 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ohhhhh ... wow ... I've never, ever, even one single second, been without my car. Sorry, I can't help you at all with that. Just even thinking about living without my car ... that's a pretty brave move!
Best of luck to you, I'm sure most big cities have a good transit-system. Me, I'm just too dang independent ... always relied on my car, always will!
2007-12-27 18:11:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋