Thinking about going without a car, input needed.

[Lucky, Fabulous]

You say that you want to move...are you sure that you are going somewhere that you can "go" car free? Where I live there are no cabs or buses available and if you want to buy anything other than groceries, or if you need a doctor or dentist, you have to travel out of town, at least 25 miles one way. Make sure about where you are headed! You may not realize that there are lots of rural areas without bus service, cab companies, etc.

I have thought about that, and I figure that I should have enough saved up by that time that I should be able to buy a reasonable used car free and clear if I have to. Otherwise, I have excellent credit and could finance one again, but I don't want to get in that trap again if I can avoid it.

[newfsmith]

Think twice about a motorcycle. In many states, registration and insurance on a motorcycle is nearly as expensive as on a car and a motorcycle has all the limitations of a bicycle, with only the added advantage of speed. A cold, rainy day is just as wet but more chilling because you are going faster.

[tulip]

If you choose your new location carefully, it can be done. I would choose a town or city that has excellent mass transit, has a supportive and effective bicycling environment, and has Zipcar or another car-sharing program. I would choose my house or apt. based not only on the location of my job, but on the locations of potential future jobs, too. And of course, stores and such would have to be bikeable or walkable.

It can be done, but you have to plan it out carefully.

[shootingstar]

If you choose your new location carefully, it can be done. I would choose a town or city that has excellent mass transit, has a supportive and effective bicycling environment, and has Zipcar or another car-sharing program. I would choose my house or apt. based not only on the location of my job, but on the locations of potential future jobs, too. And of course, stores and such would have to be bikeable or walkable.

It can be done, but you have to plan it out carefully.

Have you tried to not use your car at this time, for ie. 1 solid month? Assuming that you have all alternative transportation options where you live right now.

Yes, of course it can be done. It is done..and for fear of sounding like a broken, boring LP record since other forum members here know my history already, I've been living in car-free households..for the past quarter century.

Of course, I have always lived in, gone to university (in 2 different cities) and worked all my jobs in cities, ranging from population 30,000 (which this lst city now mushroomed to 150,000) to 2 million people where there is public transit and my homes have been located near some walkable base services (grocery store, bank, pharmacy). I have been cycling in the past 17 years after a hiatus of forgetting about bikes.

For certain, your student loans can be drastically paid faster if you find alternative daily transportation options. We rent a car for a few days in total annually. Usually it's when we are vacationing an tourist area where for 1 day we want to zip around to see stuff and the weather is not conducive to cycling.

Does it bother me that it may have limited my job options? Well, no. I prefer for a variety of personal reasons to live in a city/town, not to live in rural areas. At this stage of my life and career (I'll be 50), I'm content with my choices and how life does work out really well, even without a car.

My partner also has zero interest in owning a car also. He gave up car ownership shortly before he met me. He also cycles, takes public transit, etc.

The most important changes you need to realize of course:
*certain things to do stuff don't happen instantly /as quickly at times. But really for non-emergency chores and especially if you don't have children, the world will not cave in.
*you will learn the value of not wanting to buy so much ...unnecessary stuff when you start cycling or using public transit. Because who wants to carry a load of unnecessary consumables/material goods? YOur purchasing life will become more streamlined and humble.

[msincredible]

Think twice about a motorcycle. In many states, registration and insurance on a motorcycle is nearly as expensive as on a car and a motorcycle has all the limitations of a bicycle, with only the added advantage of speed. A cold, rainy day is just as wet but more chilling because you are going faster.

Except that we can use heated gear on a motorcycle.

I agree though, a motorcycle is no way to save money. A scooter is more practical.