If I lived in Boston, with no car, then how would I get groceries? (apartment, insurance) - Massachusetts (MA) - City-Data Forum

greatfire · 10-07-2007, 02:18 PM

I'm just curious.. if I were to live in Boston, without a car, then how would I get groceries and things like that?

A cab? Does it become expensive? Do peope go around on the train with their groceries? Do the grocers deliver?

DancerGirl · 10-07-2007, 02:30 PM

I lived in the city for 5 years and took a cab for groceries. It was only about $10 so I would be sure to stock up. But, I know quite a few of my friends had them delivered. They told me it's totally worth it. Good luck! Boston is a great city!

CityGirl52 · 10-07-2007, 02:34 PM

I lived in Boston for a good 10 years before I got a car. It can be done. They used to have this supermarket called Flanagan's Supermarket in Southie, back in the 80's, well, now it's the Stop & Shop that took it's place instead. If I had a lot of groceries to get, I'd hop in a taxi and I was only about 4 streets away. You just had to tip the guy a few more dollars good that's all. The cab drivers used to be waiting outside for people like me loaded down with bundles. Some times, I'd just walk though and a few times I had a good 3 bags stuffed with groceries. The new canvas bags with the handles the stores are selling now? Are a God send, they are fantastic. Do you know what those are or does your supermarket carry them where you live now? They're starting to get them quite a bit, even Home Depot has these type of bags. They're SO convenient, especially if you have to walk a ways to get to your condo, apartment or your house.

Good luck!

eevee · 10-07-2007, 04:54 PM

I only took a cab when I had to stock up and/or buy heavy things. Whenever I moved to a new location, I would use Peapod to stock up on the heavy stuff and have them delivered (like bags of flour/sugar, milk, etc). the first delivery is usually discounted in you have a coupon, which are easy to find.

Most of the time however, I just took the T. usually a bus, but sometimes a train. I got one of those shopping carts ("granny carts" some people call them, though I see tons of young people with them) and just bring it onto the bus (thank god for those low floor buses! made life so much easier!). around Beacon Hill, there's a store that sells these fancy rolling bags (name escapes me at the moment, but I know they're popular in the UK and cost about $100+). they look nicer than the carts and are made w/ a waterproof material. then of course, you can use backpacks, duffel bags, etc

the most important thing is that you must go shopping more often. I usually did one huge trip once every other month or so for non perishables (either used Peapod or a cab). then, I'd go shopping once or twice a week for produce and other perishables. I got fresher, better produce this way and lighter loads to take home with me after work.

septimus · 10-07-2007, 05:20 PM

I walked to and from the grocery store...no problem...just have to think about how much you are buying... my neighbor hooked up a kids bike trailer to his bike to bring groceries home and there is always delivery.

eslteacher · 10-08-2007, 10:01 AM

Stop and Shop delivers or you can just lug them home.

Stockholmaren · 10-08-2007, 11:07 AM

Another recommendation would be using zipcar - it's a car sharing system and it's pretty good from what I've heard. Other than that, I would just carry my groceries of use a delivery option like Peapod from Stop 'n Shop.

tablemtn · 10-08-2007, 11:12 AM

I would usually call up my friend who had a car, and ask him when he wasn't going to be using his car. Then I'd go get groceries and do whatever else, top off the tank, and give the car a good cleaning and waxing as thanks. We were both satisfied with this arrangement.

slang75 · 10-08-2007, 08:31 PM

A sturdy "granny cart" is the way to go. I used it for laundry, shopping, bottle return and Salvation Army drop-offs. Until we bought a car this was the best $30 we ever spent. There is also Zipcar if you are a fan of the Costco and Trader Joes runs. They are all over the city. Membership isn't dirt cheap, but it was worth it for us. Price includes insurance, gas and parking perks at places like Ikea.

tchemgrrl · 10-09-2007, 07:33 PM

I don't live in Boston (yet), but I don't drive, and I walk to the grocery store. I don't think that you'd need a cab or a delivery service unless you have a disability that prevents you from carrying weight. The only time it really gets miserable is when a bag falls apart, so invest in some sturdy canvas bags.