Do you have a car? (Chicago, Evanston: rent, insurance, condo)

[lepoisson]

Couples, do you and your significant other both have cars in the city?

I just moved to Chicago and am debating on whether I should sell my car before I need to pay $200 to switch over plates, and pay $100 for a city sticker.

My girlfriend and I both have cars that are paid off. We walk or take transit to work. Part of me wants to sell my car because it's only a few years old and seems like a waste for it to only be driven once or twice a week. But the other part of me can't imagine not having a car.

I guess I could keep it for a few more weeks. If it's still sitting for days at a time, I might sell.

[sfcambridge]

Where do you live?

What are your finances like?

Can you and your girlfriend "share" a car?

Many live without cars. I found having a car most useful for running larger volume shopping errands, for some weekend/evening activities, and driving out of the city. But I'm single. If in a couple, I would very much favor only one car.

[fusillirob1983]

How close are you to grocery stores and other places you go regularly, your gym, your favorite places to eat or shop, etc?

I had a roommate a few years ago that never had a car. He always took the El to work and we lived 3 blocks from Jewel. He and his wife still don't have a car and they live about two blocks from Mariano's now. He walks to work. She takes the El. It's doable depending on your lifestyle. Neither of them have family nearby, so they either hop on a plane or rent a car for a day or two to see family a couple times a year.

Even after I changed jobs and commuted downtown every day, I would have found it difficult to not have a car. I often went to a gym quite far away during the winter. My parents are in the near south suburbs, and it would take quite a long time on public transit to visit them every few weeks. My cousin on the other hand never drives, and will take whatever means of public transit necessary to see family in the suburbs.

[chicagobear]

I don't have one and don't miss it at all. I live on the near north side and walk to work in the Loop, and mostly take taxis or public transportation.

[Gemini1963]

We downsized to one car when we moved back to Chicago from Texas, and with public transportation, it's been fine. If we did not have a dog and if we lived more central (instead of Beverly), we might not need one at all -- but it is nice to have one for quick trips to the forest preserves and such.

[Maintainschaos]

We had one, and we drove it *maybe* once a month. We certainly didn't need two. My husband worked just outside the loop and I worked in Evanston.

[Coffee-Mom]

We kept ours and we use it on average about once a week to go grocery shopping. Our condo came with a parking spot and the monthly fee is wrapped up in the assessments so we don't think about it much. Personally, I like having it. It's paid off, so the cost of insurance and monthly parking is probably not much more than if we took cabs around town for our weekend errands. When I was much younger and living in Chicago, owning a car took a bigger chunk of my income therefore it was a huge relief to sell it. It really depends on how big a bite it takes from your budget. Sounds like it wouldn't hurt to keep yours.

[lepoisson]

So based on the responses I'm getting, I'd say we may be okay with sharing a car.

[beaniemac]

my sister lives in west town, and she and her husband have only had one car since they have been married which has been over 6 years now.

I live on the south side with my two kids, and my wife moved to texas for work in january. we have always had 2 cars. even though I have worked from home for the past 3.5 years. when she was here, she worked in the south suburbs, so she had to have a car. if I were alone, I could suvive without a car. I live within walking distance of the redline and grocery store, but with kids a car is a necessity IMO.

of course living on the north side vs living on the south side is two totally different situations. for instance, my block has ample street parking to the point where you can ALWAYS park in front of my house no matter what even tho I have a garage. but on the north side, you may or may not be able to park on the street easily and you likely won't have a garage if you're renting.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by lepoisson

So based on the responses I'm getting, I'd say we may be okay with sharing a car.

That should work very well. Can't imagine having two cars in your situation.