If there was safe transportation where you live, or a grocery store built next to your house would you be willing to give up having a car?
Those of you who are 2car families would you be willing to give up one car for the sake of saving money?

I couldn't IMAGINE life without a car and realistically speaking it wouldn't work anyway since I work the graveyard shift in a dangerous neighborhood.
What made me think of this question though was remembering my college days...and then throughout my 20s ....I rode my bike to college and to work. I was in the best shape of my life back in those days without even trying!!

Do any of you live in neighborhoods where it IS possible to go to the market, parks, libraries and/or work, etc..without having to drive?

peace,train

Hi Trainlady,

I have contemplated this one myself.

Unfortunately, we live much too far away from grocery stores, the library, etc. to practically walk. I would really like it if we could though!

I walked to work and home everyday when I was single. I was in great shape too, without even really noticing the exercise. It was really nice, when the weather was good. I loved it when the lilacs were blooming and I could walk for blocks in that heavenly scent! There were several seniors that I spoke with if they were in their yards. It was really delightful!

Now, we have a house with the garage attached at the front and I never see my own neighbors much at all. The next home I have will NOT be in a new community with front attached garages. I now know this is truly not what I want.

Thanks for reminding me of walking in the scent of lilacs.
Jenna

We live out in the country...... 4.6 miles from DS # 2's school, almost 6 miles from DS # 1's school and almost 7 miles from town (the opposite direction from the schools!)

Because DS # 1 isn't allowed to trasport his tuba on the school bus, we have to take him to & from school everyday. We also drop off & pick up DS # 2 on the way as we have to pass his school in order to get to DS # 1's school!

Since we don't have sidewalks along the state highways out here, if you walk anywhere, you have to walk along a roadway with a 60 mph speed limit!

Therefore, I won't be giving up my car willingly anytime soon!!

We have always lived within walking distance to a park and a store just incase our car was not available. Plus it is easier to grab the stroller to pick up a few things at the store instead of going to the trouble of putting 4 children in car seats. When the baby is fussy I'll decide we all need to go to the park to play and the baby falls asleep in the stroller.

We keep a second car that is seldom used so our insurance is cheep and the gas tank is topped off every month instead of being filled every week. We found that a second car was necessary for doctor appointments, cold rainy wheather, picking up a sick child from school, and it is nice to have a back up car when the main car suddenly quits working.

Love & Prayers,
Linda

Well..let's see, I've lived in a neighborhood where a very short walk took you to a miriad of stores...the green grocer, the butcher, the baker, the dairy store, the dry cleaner, the pharmacy, restaurants..all in walking distance ....etc etc...and then along came supermarkets...

I enjoyed those days....but you live in row housing, and parking is impossible... People in NYC, by that I mean Manhattan still do that.... but the cost of doing business that way is almost prohibitive........ those were the good old days.

I would willingly give up my car if I could, Its expensive to run. Not able to though. Would be housebound without it. I live in the suburbs of Perth Western Australia and nothing is very close!

hello Im new here but thought Id post sence this subject is hiting close to home! I was raised in New Jersey/New york and did n't need to learn how to drive! For it was easy to hop on a train,cab or bus whenever you needed to! I now live smack in the middle of country land USA! Here in Arkansas,Where there is no store for miles and the job area is down town! There is no public transportation here at all! I recently lost my job of 4 years because I had no dependable way of getting there! Here You do need a car! But what does one do when there no one to teach you how to drive? Theres no driving schools here either!!! LOL
scoots

Scootles its a shame you dont live nearer I would teach you

Thanks I really need to learn

You,ll have to move to Aussie then, great place to be