Over the years, I've realized that:
I don't enjoy driving.
I don't like sharing the roads with dangerous drivers (especially in my area with frequent accidents).
I don't like the costs and financial burdens associated with owning a car.
Groceries and appointments seem to be my only reason for needing a car, but I feel like I can find ways around these with proper location and route planning. Right now, I currently live in the suburbs where it's basically essential to own a car.
I'm looking for a way where I can live a life without the need for a car. It seems that by re-locating to a country with a superior transit system, it could be an option. Is this possible or am I being unrealistic? What am I missing?
How big or important of a factor was this for you when going nomad? How does it impact you?
People: "How do you afford to travel soo much!?"
Me: "Because I'm not financing a 1 ton metal box for 30% of my weekly income to carry meat and vegetables 5 minutes down the road"
Driving is a privilege and people feel it's a right. If you really tried, even with 3 kids in tow, you could do without a car. It's all about location. What you save in not financing and servicing a car you can put towards a better rental, or even a mortgage!
I haven't owned a car since 2017 and I don't think I ever will. I relocated next to the beach, I have a grocery store 2 blocks away. I work remotely. If I really need to, the city centre is a 15 minute tram ride.
r/fuckcars
Well, at what cost, though? You then either have to live in walking distance to all the stuff you and your kids need to get to - ideal, but usually much more expensive.
Otherwise, you have to rely on public transportation or taxis. Even if public transportation isn't dogshit (I've pretty much only experienced public transport good/reliable enough for daily use in Japan) it takes way more time than having your own car.
I live outside of the US and prefer to walk or bike when I can, but having kids without having a car would be terrible. I don't enjoy driving or the stress that comes with owning a car, but it provides a lot of convenience/utility which frees you from the frustration, stress and time cost of public transport.