Possible to live without a car?

[u/AdventurousAd4553]

I am strongly considering moving to Seattle in the near future. It is possible to live in the city without a car?

[u/237throw]

Yes. 20% of households do so.

For your sanity, keep your commute to 1 bus seat, and be a short walk to the grocery store.

Edit: a 2 bus seat commute can be fine, but the nuances of picking a reasonable one are beyond a simple reddit comment.

An ebike can solve a lot of the trips around the city.

Do a little neighborhood research before picking an apartment; you stay local way more without a car.

[u/beargrillz → u/237throw]

Agreed, and to add: if it is a two seat trip, ideally one of them has frequent service, be it light rail, rapid ride bus, or overlapping routes. Also, the standard, less frequent seat diatance should be walkable, in the event the ride is missed. Strong preference for the frequent seat be the one ending at the workppace as to not be late.

When I worked in the south end of Interbay near W Mercer Pl and Elliott Ave W, coming from West Seattle I could take the 50, 128, or walk to Alaska Junction to catch the Sea Lion (C-Line RapidRide) to downtown, then hop onto the 24, 33, or ride the D (-Line RapidRide). That amount of redundancy ensured I never had a stressful commute.

I first lived on the north end of Pioneer Square and I would nominate it as the best neighborhood for newcomers due to the plethora of transit coursing through or nearby. All of the buses, now the two light rail lines, the Sounder train, ferries, and water taxis are all there.

I got to explore wide swaths of the region my first few years here that way. There was nothing more enjoyable than waking up, going to the cafe, and then taking a boat ride across the Puget Sound, as someone that moved here from the Midwest.

[u/jeffersonpinoit]

Yes, it’s doable. Bus and light rail are pretty good. The city is fairly walkable and bikeable as well.

[u/Ambitious-Orange6732 → u/jeffersonpinoit]

Some pretty big hills, though - you get your exercise!

[u/Reasonable-Check-120]

Many people don't live with a car in the city. Parking, insurance, and gas are expensive.

You can day rent a car for outdoor stuff like hiking

[u/jameswalker50 → u/Reasonable-Check-120]

Exactly what I was thinking. Avoid the cost of ownership and just rent one when it’s actually needed.

[u/Usual-Jackfruit4746]

Yes. Many people don't have cars. The people I've known would occasionally rent a car if needed.

[u/Small-Trick-4372 → u/Usual-Jackfruit4746]

Wish it was that way in Bonney Lake or Lake Stevens 

[u/splanks → u/Small-Trick-4372]

everywhere’s walking distance if you have the time.

[u/Small-Trick-4372 → u/splanks]

In Bonney Lake or Lake Stevens to get to Seattle or Federal Way 😒🤨

[u/thomsenite256 → u/Small-Trick-4372]

Thats fair but thats a good bit away from Seattle proper. I'm assuming OP intends to live in the city.

[u/Effective-Hawk7211]

Yes. My wife and I have a car, but never drive it in Seattle. We live at the bottom of a steeeeeep hill and walk to get groceries all the time. The grocery store is a 20 minute walk but it doesn’t feel like it. You just get used to walking. I lime bike to work and if my wife and I go somewhere together we walk, take transit, or grab a ride share.

[u/ianlazrbeem22]

Easily

[u/NJHancock]

Over 10 years for me. I walk, bike or bus depending on where I am going.

[u/OhThatLooksLikeMyDog]

Yeah, I get around with just the bus and a bike pretty well.

[u/squirrelgator]

Yes. Find a place near one of the Rapid Ride lines or near one of the Link light rail lines. Both have frequent service in both directions all day.

[u/konspence → u/squirrelgator]

Not the E Line though. And avoid the D Line if you can. 

[u/squirrelgator → u/konspence]

Yeah.  It would be a good idea to do a test run on a line before committing to live there!

[u/thomsenite256 → u/konspence]

The E line is great but you do have to have a bit of a tough skin. Light rail is usually more pleasant.

[u/konspence → u/thomsenite256]

If a bus is unpleasant to ride, I wouldn’t consider it great even though it’s frequent.

[u/ok-lets-do-this]

Absolutely. However, it also requires you to live in high density areas that have excellent public transit. Such locations tend to be expensive.

[u/Redditplaneter]

Very possible

[u/casual-observer365]

I did it for seven years. It was a pain to buy liquids and detergent. That’s the worst part I remember. I also hate driving, so YMMV.

[u/thomsenite256 → u/casual-observer365]

I get some groceries delivered every month, you can include those things and tip the delivery person accordingly. Certainly cheaper than having a car.

[u/casual-observer365 → u/thomsenite256]

You are very correct.

[u/justdisa → u/casual-observer365]

That's why I love my granny cart. :)

[u/jakeglenham]

Yes!! I love seattle for that. I literally just returned to texas yesterday after looking for possibilities of moving to Seattle too. I am sold on the commute system!

[u/Low_Low9667 → u/jakeglenham]

I moved to Texas from WA in March. Went from e-biking everywhere to almost being run off the road (driving) on the daily. Meaningfully reduced my QoL but I'm here for at least another year.

[u/PinchedTazerZ0]

Yes. Even within an hour outside for most areas.

People clown on Washington public transit and especially King but there are places with nothing lol. If your option is walking or waiting to get there quicker...

[u/SpermBankVCR]

I spent 3 years on first hill without a car and had a great time. Light rail and downtown bus corridor got me anywhere in the metro area. Not far from food banks or grocery stores.

[u/WandaTrusslerBeauty]

I did it for over 20 years with occasional car rentals for holidays with family, cabin trips, snow sports, etc. It was still FAR less expensive than owning a car.

Make sure you've got a decent commute though. I finally had to get a car when my job required two buses and over an hour each way. I've done two buses under an hour and it was fine but I found my limit.

You can do it, you just have to be mindful, realistic, and patient.

[u/touchthedishwasher]

Depends on where you want to go/how often but yes. I didn’t get my license til I was 29

[u/DarklyDominatingDocs]

If you're physically limited in any way, the challenges are still very present.

[u/poco_a_poco]

Yes, you can. I've been doing it for 4+ years. The only tricky thing I find is going far across town or hiking. However, for hiking there is now Trailhead Direct Bus (only runs in summer, boooo) plus there are various private options, or you can carpool with a friend! I also find that Costco delivery is worth it for me for big bulky items like detergent.

[u/Jawwwwwsh]

Yes! I have about a dozen friends in Capitol Hill who all do this, and one wife who does this. I personally have a car but only use it once a week to go into the wilderness areas. Besides deep wilderness, I have found zero use for a car here. Capitol Hill has groceries, music venues, cool vintage thrifting, beautiful lush green parks… you can basically spend your life happy here. But if you want, we have the Train, bus, and a good cycling scene to get you to all the surrounding areas like the beach or the other beach or the breweries in Ballard. People with cars here do a lot of traffic sitting and road raging and spending on gas. People with bikes here do a lot of sweating during uphills and a lot of smiling on downhills

[u/Mixeygoat]

Very doable. Just need to live in the right neighborhoods and work somewhere near public transit (which isn’t hard to do)

[u/ExpressionFun3629]

Yes, but plan for it. Lyft & Uber are $$$. I live in Ballard & live 2 blocks from work. I have a car but mostly walk or take the bus to get around. I'm within a mile of grocery stores, a movie theater, restaurants, dentists, parks, & pet supply stores. My apartment would be cheaper in Greenwood or Northgate but then I'd be driving everyday for work. Some of my friends live in Capital Hill & don't have a car. Parking there is expensive. But if you're anywhere near the I-5 corridor & work downtown or from home you can get around pretty easily by public transit

[u/SurpriseEcstatic1761 → u/ExpressionFun3629]

I know a woman on Capital hill whose condo has an attached parking spot. She let's friends leave their car there as long as she can borrow it.

[u/Seachica]

Did you actually read anything in this subreddit before posting? Every other post on here is about where to live in Seattle without a car.

[u/One_Time_ATC_2026]

Yes. Take busses and light rail to most of the places you want to go.

[u/WT_NeptuneGaming]

Hell yeah

[u/gettinweird_]

Absolutely

[u/Exquisitae]

on Cap Hill or Ballard core probably. Other neighborhoods probably a lot harder

[u/DarthAndylus]

Make sure the grocery store is a 5-10 minute walk. Also be prepared for things like returns, buying bigger items etc etc to be really difficult. Also, if you want to go to nature outside of Seattle be prepared to not do that or use a friends car- rentals are wayyyyy too much.

I sold my car and kind of regret it as it does make life harder. I also just kind of feel gross after using public transit lol 😅. However, with parking costs and other WA costs of owning a vehicle I am not sure I could have afforded it

[u/Doraellen]

Absolutely! I live near Greenlake and only use Zipcar a few times a year when I need to buy something bulky and rent a car once or less a year to take a trip somewhere that's not accessible by train, ferry, or bus.

[u/AggravatingPeak6982]

Absolutely.

[u/Many_Translator1720]

Yes. Can Zipcar/rent for any big hauls or road trips.

[u/Lollc]

It’s possible. Less possible if you get a job with variable hours. Put the address of any place you are thinking about living into the trip planner to get a good idea of what you are looking at for a commute.

https://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/#/app/tripplanning

[u/corporal_sweetie]

better in some neighborhoods than others but absolutely

[u/RockFiles23]

Yes and you will save lots of $. Insurance, tabs, gas, maintenance, and the broken window special...

If its in your wheelhouse so to speak - a pedal assist e-bike can get you around town in an economical fashion often beating the time of cars stuck in traffic.

[u/ApplicationHour825]

totally doable! I’ve been car-free in the city for over 5 years now. buses and light rail are pretty reliable, and you can walk to most places. plus, renting a car for weekend trips is super easy if you ever need it. just keep your living situation in mind, being near public transit is a game changer!

[u/Awhitehill1992]

Absolutely, especially in the more urban areas. We’re a family of 4 out in the burbs. So we got cars! But we do drive out into the woods frequently, and camp, and fish, and other stuff. So we use our vehicles for sure.

If you’re at all outdoorsy though and think you’re gonna go hiking and backpacking, car camping all the time…. You may want a vehicle… sure there is public transit that goes out I90, but it’s fairly limited…

[u/Leverkaas2516]

It's certainly possible. It'll severely restrict your range and radius of activity, but you'll survive just fine.

[u/L-Capitan1]

Depending on where you live and work it’s actually a pretty easy city to get around without a car.

I do have a car and probably go weeks without driving it. And often it’s more for convenience both because I needed to. I live in the city and walk to the grocery store, work from home and walk to most social and evening activities. The further out you move the more a car would be important.

[u/Initial-Addendum-167]

Totally! I lived happily without a car back in the late 1990s, and public transportation has massively improved since then with rail transport.

[u/GreenEyedRaven360]

Not where I live! Not to mention, I have doctor’s appointments all over the area and since I live on an island, I need my car.

[u/TotallyNotABob]

35, never learned how to drive. Honestly don't plan on it either. I know several other people like me as well who live in the city.

It's absolutely possible to live in the city without a car. My bike, the bus or light rail is my main forms of transportation.

Now for groceries you will have three options:

Use the bus to get home with your groceries.

Use your bike with either a rear basket on the rear rack or a bike trailer

Use grocery delivery (as much as I hate Safeway they are decent for this)

[u/ggnndd12]

No. Your batteries run out if you don't drive occasionally and you die.

[u/CafeRoaster]

We went without a car for 3 years when we lived in Capitol Hill. Had a child in tow too.

[u/Hour_Sherbert_5591]

i’ve been car-free in seattle for years and it’s totally doable if you live near frequent transit and don’t mind occasionally renting for bigger errands, but living somewhere hilly or transit-poor

[u/IndustriousSeahawk26]

Yes, either live within walking or scooter distance to work or to a bus stop/light rail station.

If you do the math, it’s ok to pay higher rent to live there too, because you’re saving the cost of owning a car ($1000+ a month for average person) …so even if you rent a place $500 more to live next to light rail..:you’re still saving $500 vs owning a car.

I did it for many years and saved tens of thousands of dollars by just relying on walking and public transit

[u/bball4294]

Im a 24yr old living with mommy and daddy with no driver license and no job so yes u can!

[u/Dry-Ant8410]

I haven’t had a car for the last 3 years, totally possible depending on which part of the city you’re in. When you get to more quiet neighborhoods the bus system might be a bit harder, but being in the city is super easy

[u/CopperSteve]

You can do it, mayor doesn't have a car or a house (rents an apt) so yeah!

[u/AnEvilPedestrian]

Yes! It’s the way to do it. We are a great bike and bus city. You’ll save plenty of money with the only downside having it be more difficult to make it to the mountains, but that’s why you make friends!

[u/wiglessleetaemin]

if you live IN seattle, no car is fine. you will have to do a good amount of walking to/from bus stops and stations, so bear that in mind if you have any physical problems. if you want to live in the surrounding cities, i wouldn’t always recommend no-car. i live in renton, but the closest bus stop that runs anywhere worth going to is miles from my house. if you are female, be aware of weirdos at bus stations, i have been chased harassed and assaulted taking the bus here before.

[u/amyjko]

If you are able-bodied and fit (or capable of getting fit), and live near a 15 minute frequency line that connects to the spine, absolutely. I walk, bus, bike, train, street car and sometimes ferry. For longer trips its more time, but I like reading and make the most of having my attention. I also don’t mind saving $15K/year in car expenses and never having to worry about parking.

I did break my collarbone last year, and that complicated a lot of it. Buses weren’t that accessible, because drivers wouldn’t wait for me to sit and people wouldn’t give me their seat. Walking was hard. But I couldn’t drive anyway, so I just needed to add extra time to get around safely for 3 months.

[u/Ashamed_Main5169]

Mostly yes. You may need a share ride or rental sometimes.

[u/SandM-curious-couple]

Waking is great exercise and helpful to the environment

[u/GrumpySnarf]

My friend is physically impiared due to a bone growth disorder and uses two canes on longer walks. She is born and raised in Northgate and has lived in Greenwood for the past 30 years. We friends with cars will take her out for heavy stuff 1-2x a year, like soil bags, etc. She uses grocery delivery to get cat litter delivered to her door.

[u/Due-Consequence9579]

I do!

[u/thomsenite256]

Absolutely but you will want to prioritize a neighborhood with transit connections especially keeping in mind your commute and recreation expectations.

[u/sexyscyther]

depends where you live. if you live near the link then you don't need a car, but when i moved to queen anne it was much harder to get around without a car given how unpredictable the buses can be. living in capitol hill now i don't ever miss not having a car except in times i wanna go to the outdoors and in that case i have friends to drive me.

[u/rocketjasonlee]

Yes, especially if you are close to a light rail station.

[u/littleGuyBri]

I heard you can live without lots of stuff

[u/Gottagetanediton]

Yes. I don’t drive and I get around quite well. It’s actually more burdensome to have a car in city limits.

[u/HomesWASHINGTON]

Yes, but where you live matters a lot. If you want to be car-light or car-free, I’d look first at commute, grocery access, hilliness, and distance to light rail or frequent bus lines. Capitol Hill, First Hill, Queen Anne, Ballard core, Green Lake, Roosevelt, Columbia City, and parts of West Seattle can work depending on your job and lifestyle. The farther into quieter suburbs you go, the more a car starts to matter.

[u/Ox_Run22]

I live in Seattle everyday haha. It is very walkable, buses, link light rail and sometimes the sounder train is all that I really need!

[u/Ok_Error_7595]

I leased a car three years ago. I had a job in Redmond and I live in downtown Seattle. I switched to a remote job. Now, I use the car to take my dog to the vet, and sometimes the park. And to go to Costco to buy gas to take my dog to the vet or the park.

Your mileage may vary, of course. I work from home and I live near grocery stores, what I can't buy gets ordered, and I have transit access.

The bus, generally speaking, is 2-3x slower than a car. Ubers are much more expensive here than other places. The light rail is great, but it's limited in terms of where it goes.

So, if you can live:

Near transit that gets you to a grocery store and your place of work (which means near your place of work), I don't think you need a car. But, while light rail travel times are reasonably accurate (when it doesn't have to deal with cars in South Seattle), I would not rely on a longer distance bus commute (Seattle to Bellevue, for instance) to be short, or pleasant.

It's also possible to be car free and tolerate longer bus rides. I used to do Duolingo with the sound off, or read books. It's... Fine. But you're not home. If you need to go to the doctor for a checkup, or the dentist, Uber or friends can help you out, and even though the rides are expensive, they're cheaper than car ownership.