Living in San Diego without a car? (Long Beach, Riverdale: home, cost of living)

[Over60]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Not having a car in SD means missing out on many of the best things that SD has to offer.

Yeah? Well, I figure I'll eventually meet some nice folks down there who will not only drive a car, but who will be delighted to show me all those "best things." Where there's a will, there's a way, and all that. If it's meant to be.

Furthermore, when you become more "seasoned," as I am, your values change -- material things, etc. cease to be so important. Simplify, simplify! And preferably in an area where there's never any ice, frigid temps, and heavy snows.

(Speaking of weather most foul, yesterday here in Sacramento was pretty hairy, as you probably know.)

[SabriItaly]

Originally Posted by Over60

(Speaking of weather most foul, yesterday here in Sacramento was pretty hairy, as you probably know.)

Well, they talk of the Californian "tempest" also in Italian TV news, was it that bad?

[Over60]

Yup it was pretty bad, all right. The "valley" (Sacto) got plenty of wind damage...trees down, etc. We lost electricity for a couple of hours on and off (damn, I hate it when that happens!).

Flooding in some areas, too - which I hear can be a major problem in Sacramento. The mountains and other areas north of here really got zapped with snow, of course. Winds were up to 100 mph in Los Gatos, where my sister lives. She assures me that this weather is highly unusual. Hmm.... (I moved to CA from NY state last May.)

There are many power outages in northern CA yet to be remedied. Just another reminder that there is no utopia. (Not that I ever thought Scto was such -- nor do I (fully) expect the same of San Diego.)

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by Over60

Furthermore, when you become more "seasoned," as I am, your values change -- material things, etc. cease to be so important. Simplify, simplify!

I'd say that not having a car in SD greatly complicates life, but that's just me. I lived here for years without a car, and it was a royal pain in the butt.

[Over60]

But you were probably just a young kid then, Sass!

Understandable...especially since you're a guy. It was/is probably hard to court a chickie-poo without a car.

[CEO]

I am in Sacramento visiting family and the weather sucks. Strong winds, rain, and power outages.

I am glad I am going back to San Diego next week. I've lived in SD without a car, it's doable if you can work around the public transportation system and have time and patience. But it's definitely a plus to have a car and you can take full advantage of it.

[SabriItaly]

Hey guys! I'm sorry for the damages of the storm you had in California...
May I ask how you feel about earthquakes? I experienced only one in my life, and it was really nothing, many people didn't feel it... I'm a bit worried abot going to California because of earthquakes, but I realize you obviously don't have to think about it, or you won't be able to go on living a normal life...

[FunkyMonk]

I went car-free for a while and I still do bicycle everywhere.

The public transportation in SD is very bad, it's inefficient and inhospitable. Places that are right on the trolley route are easy to get to, but if you want to go anywhere away from this narrow line, it will probobly mean a couple bus transfers and a couple hours.

Also the trolleys are rough and mean. There's constantly gangsters, drug addicts and all kinds of total scumbags getting on there, bringing a dirty, ugly, aggressive vibe that's hard to ignore. Especially when the trolley gos through downtown and Southeast SD, and ESPECIALLY the blue line going through the southern suburbs. You'll see lot's of total thugs and gangsters that act belligerent, like they just crawled out of prison and they will stare people right in the eye and stat messing with them on the trolley, be alert and ready to defend yourself. I've never seen the same level of aggession and tension on public transportation like I have in SD.

I am about to go car free again, because the ridiculous cost of living out here is forcing me into selling my vehicle just to stay off the steets. I am going to HEAVILY rely on my bicycle to avoid getting on the busses and trolleys. And if I do get on the trolley i'm going to be armed with a knife for self-defense, I don't want to, but it is necessarry for safety. Too bad the cops in SD don't have a better handle on the situation.......

It really is a bad scene on the trolley.

[cellzone]

what about a vespa? if you have a vespa can u enjoy living in SD and see many parts?

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by cellzone

what about a vespa? if you have a vespa can u enjoy living in SD and see many parts?

You can see the inside of many hospitals when you get clobbered by crazy SoCal drivers.

You can't take em on the freeway either, that eliminates a lot of places.