Deciding whether you can handle a car-free lifestyle is no easy decision. There are pros and cons to consider and it depends entirely on whether your personal and business life will benefit.
Small trips vs big trips are both factors to consider. Longer journeys without the burden of parking or stopping for gas can be a surprising perk of not having a car to worry about. Often people who take the train report they feel an overwhelming sense of relaxation at having to enjoy the journey as a passenger. Tolls and gas money aren’t issues that will need to be addressed, so a lot of stress is alleviated. On the down-side, you are tied to scheduled departures of public transport, as opposed to having the flexibility of leaving and arriving at your destination whenever you chose.
Small visits to the grocery store may become an issue, not just in terms of distance but also in the amount of bulk you are able to carry. Many people who are looking for a new place to live and also considering a greener existence take it very seriously how close they will be to places like grocery stores.
Health and fitness for you and your environment are also a benefit. Exercise can be a huge bonus, depending on where you live. Choosing to walk or bike to work means living a greener lifestyle, which is also helping the planet. Exercise is known to help battle depression and stress and anxiety. For some people, just being able to avoid rush hour traffic is a welcome stress-reliever.
From a cultural perspective, there are many sights you miss by not being able to look out a car window during a commute. Having the chance to explore the art and culture and natural scenery of your neighborhood or city can be very refreshing.
If you live in a city or plan to live outside then commute, find a place to live that is near a transit hub or metro station for convenience. In addition, casual neighborhood strolls or parks or trails are also options that should be researched if you make a commitment to embrace walking and biking in lieu of a car.
It is tempting to get excited by the higher balances in your bank account each month after you remove automobile-related expenses, such as insurance, registration, gasoline, and maintenance. Fight the temptation to spend it and instead put it into a savings account.