Living without a car can be a challenge, either by choice or not. On the Florida Gulf Coast where I live aboard a sailboat, having a car would be a hassle. Repairing car costs are now so high, plus it’s so easy to ride Lyft or Uber. Having to wait on public transit is so time-consuming, but many people have no choice. Being homeless or handicapped you are tied to public transit, with no other way to get around.
When unable to find free parking, paying for parking or long-term storage adds another unwelcome bill to pay. Hooking up with someone with an unused parking space through phone apps could be a money-saver. Newer vehicles are now so computerized, that the old backyard mechanic is mostly gone. Car repair costs can easily max out your credit cards if you need a daily driver.
Renting a vehicle for a short vacation nearby or doing local errands now and then is doable for most. Car rental companies require insurance, but still cheap at a few dollars. When valuing your time over money, renting a car makes sense compared to public transit.
I’ve taken Lyft around town a few times, with most drivers showing up quickly so satisfied with them. Not taken Uber yet. Online car rental deals are surprisingly affordable when asking for cheapest option available. There’s at least one online app hooking you up to private owners renting out their vehicles, like AirBnB for cars.
Walking is good for you if only going a few blocks. Having to carry groceries or other items, a backpack is essential but limiting. Heavy backpacking gets tiring and hurts your back. If lucky to have whatever you need close by, living without a car is liberating. Electric bicycles are everywhere now, further canceling needing a car for those who can buy one.