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?

  • the_vikm@alien.topBEnglish
    2·
    10 months ago

    Car free is a massive QoL downgrade personally. Wasting time waiting for pub transport, inefficient routes. And all the smokers and crazy people

  • imCzaR@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m in the exact same boat. Hate the thought of even owning one right now. Moving to Seattle next spring to continue my life without one

  • Ill_Star1906@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m not a nomad but I’m car-free for multiple reasons. I live in Denver with a pretty decent transit system, and I can easily walk to the nearest grocery store. I work remotely so it isn’t difficult for me to get by without a car. I also have the option of renting one if there is somewhere I want to go that requires it. It’s working out very well for me. However, I think it would be impractical to nomad around the US without a car, especially if you like visiting state and national parks.

  • CalgaryAnswers@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I often have a car when I DN. I don’t think that it’s a requirement to be car free while nomadding.

  • IAmAlpharius23@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I totally understand this. Having lived and worked in a place with lots of snow, ice, and distracted drivers makes for a miserable commute half the year.

  • UnoStronzo@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m currently not nomading, but car dependency is a strong factor pushing me away from the US

  • PrinnySquad@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I can’t say it was a factor in causing me to nomad as I’ve never lived anywhere that I needed a car. But it’s definitely something that I take into account when picking a place for long stays. I like walking, and for longer trips or bad weather, taking transit. I do enjoy driving when it’s road trips though scenic empty roads. Used to love driving up the mountains in New Hampshire and Vermont for hiking or Ski Trips, end especially out west. But I’ve always hated driving in the city the times I would do it.

    If living anywhere would urban would require a car I would generally skip it. Though If the rental prices aren’t bad, I don’t mind if it’s a rural place up in the mountains or somewhere where a car makes it easier to get between towns.

  • Wild_Trip_4704@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    yeah I like being able to travel to more walkable and bikeable cities to see what it’s like. Notice how the most expensive cities in the US are walkable. Walkability is a premium here.

  • President_Camacho@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    It’s one of the reasons I can travel more. You can’t leave a parked car alone indefinitely. On several occasions, mice made a home in my car requiring repeated expensive repairs. Cars also need to move periodically to stay in good repair. Not having a car gives you one less thing to worry about. If you’re interested in a car free life, it’s totally doable, but you’ll need to move to a place where it’s feasible.

  • inglandation@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    For me that’s one of the main reasons. I don’t like driving, it’s too stressful and walking is much healthier/calming.