How to Live in the Suburbs Without a Car

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By Indigoabby
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living without a car

Most of us think living without a car has to be a drag. We think it must be impossible in the suburbs. However, with a willingness to pursue alternative solutions, it can be done. When you think about the cost of a car, insurance, and gas (not to mention the environmental costs), for a lot of us owning a car is a drag too! Americans are becoming increasingly interested in alternative transportation. Broken down into steps, the idea of living without a car is not nearly as overwhelming. The benefits of lower expenses and greater environmental responsibility make it well worth the effort.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

perseverance
a willingness to look at alternative transportation

Step 1

rideshare/carpool

Establish a plan for getting to and from work. This is probably the biggest concern for people living without a car. Consider working from home or in your neighborhood. Childcare, landscaping, and lawn maintenance are just some of the options. If your job requires you to work further from home, organize a rideshare/carpool with other co-workers and share the gas costs.
Step 2

living without a car

Get on your bike. Many suburban neighborhoods are within biking distance of grocery stores and other necessities. Also consider grocery home delivery services.
Step 3

alternative transportation

Gather information on alternative transportation in your town. Find out the local bus and (if there is one) train routes. Keep timetables and route information easily accessible. Look into rideshare programs. There are many popular rideshare sites online where people who are living without a car can communicate with other people to make rideshare arrangements.
Step 4

living without a car

Save phone numbers for local taxi services in your cell phone. Plan for taxi fees in your monthly budget. Once in a while you will just have to call a taxi.

Tips & Warnings

When it seems it is too much of a hassle, focus on what you are gaining by living without a car. Benefits include more exercise, environmental responsibility, and lower costs.
If living completely without a car is not an option for you, consider using alternative transportation options one day a week.
Protect yourself by taking safety precautions when arranging a rideshare. Record the driver's license and license plate number, meet for the first time in a public place, etc.

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