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The few times I have been without a car, I avoided going anywhere because having to Uber makes it very real how much I'm spending just to go out each and every

The few times I have been without a car, I avoided going anywhere because having to Uber makes it very real how much I'm spending just to go out each and every time. Like going to the park or to the grocery store. So instead I sat inside. I'll never go without owning a car again. The ability to travel freely and not feel some psychological burden about doing it is more than worth the cost of a car to me. NOTE: This is based on my experience living in Austin, Seattle, Memphis, and White Plains NY.

krisdol 8y ago
Had you considered a bike? I've lived in Austin, spent time in Seattle. Ditching the car and using the savings to afford a more centrally-located place in those places could make sense, especially when the alternative is sitting at home doing nothing. It's not that scary to bike in those cities. I always dislike going to the park in a car in general because it just feels like I'm using the laziest and most polluting travel option to go exercise and enjoy nature.
- azhenley 8y ago
  Definitely! I had a bike in both Austin and Seattle. I used it for commuting to/from work a few times a week and sometimes for picking up groceries. It just doesn't replace a car for me though, but it is an enjoyable addition (I didn't always live close to work, the climbing gyms I frequented were far from my home and office, my friends were spread out, and I like to go out hiking on weekends).
seansmccullough 8y ago
I had the exact same experience living for a year in Seattle without a car. I saved some money, but I didn’t want to go anywhere.
spaceflunky 8y ago
> I avoided going anywhere because having to Uber makes it very real how much I'm spending just to go out each and every time. This! It's so hard to get over that psychological resistance to seeing a ~$10-15 hit every time you want to go somewhere not too far from your house. Even if I know, rationally, that it is the same or less than I would spend for owning a car, I can't get over. There's a joy and freedom in owning a car and having to think about the real cost of every mile you drive. Ignorance is bliss I guess?

krisdol 8y ago

Had you considered a bike? I've lived in Austin, spent time in Seattle. Ditching the car and using the savings to afford a more centrally-located place in those places could make sense, especially when the alternative is sitting at home doing nothing. It's not that scary to bike in those cities. I always dislike going to the park in a car in general because it just feels like I'm using the laziest and most polluting travel option to go exercise and enjoy nature.

azhenley 8y ago
Definitely! I had a bike in both Austin and Seattle. I used it for commuting to/from work a few times a week and sometimes for picking up groceries. It just doesn't replace a car for me though, but it is an enjoyable addition (I didn't always live close to work, the climbing gyms I frequented were far from my home and office, my friends were spread out, and I like to go out hiking on weekends).

seansmccullough 8y ago

I had the exact same experience living for a year in Seattle without a car. I saved some money, but I didn’t want to go anywhere.

spaceflunky 8y ago

> I avoided going anywhere because having to Uber makes it very real how much I'm spending just to go out each and every time. This! It's so hard to get over that psychological resistance to seeing a ~$10-15 hit every time you want to go somewhere not too far from your house. Even if I know, rationally, that it is the same or less than I would spend for owning a car, I can't get over. There's a joy and freedom in owning a car and having to think about the real cost of every mile you drive. Ignorance is bliss I guess?