Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
If you are living in the outer boroughs, it can be necessary. I would look for some sort of housing with parking nearby either in a garage or building's garage. Look to add up to $500 for monthly garaging expense. If you can afford this, including gas and insurance, then it might be okay for you.
I find a car necessary when doing grocery shopping and other shopping and I live in Manhattan, where cabs are plentiful. So it just really depends.