Do you need a car in Seattle?

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Seattle native and I say yes - you can manage w/o one when living within the city but it’s very limiting and expensive to “stuck” to such a small space

I do know ppl who use things like zipcar and enjoy it as an alternative

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Yes! If you want to enjoy other cities like Bellevue or Kirkland, go on hikes and maybe even drive up to Vancouver. Strongly recommend🙏

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If you’re planning to live within Seattle, then I don’t think you “need” it and can get by just fine.

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In the short term, no you don’t need it but eventually yes you do need it. You’ll realize you can’t do anything fun without a car. There are so many beautiful hikes here and you need a car for that.

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I don't have a car. I take the train to go to work downtown but am dependent on Uber to go east/west and rental cars to explore nature.

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Need; No. But it’s almost like living in LA without one.

Seattle is a biggish city but not as dense like NY, DC, Boston, Chicago, or SF in terms of unlimited stuff within walking distance if you live in the heart of the city.

Depends where in the city you live and where you work. Yes you can get by on public transportation, but it could take you 3 times as long. If you live/work by light rail, it might not be too bad. I grew up here and would not give up my car. In high school and college I got by without one, but I’m too old for that 💩 now!

It sort of depends, yes you can but its limiting.

If you plan to live and work in Seattle, and generally not leave Seattle for anything... then you can get buy on rideshare and public transit. Its not awesome but its ok.

If you have any social or outdoor passions that will take you outside of the main Seattle downtown area... then IMO you will want a car.

As someone else said. If you don't have a car, you will likely end up spending a lot on ubers and car rentals to go and do anything.

No you definitely don't need a car and the cost of having one here is out of had. From the monthly lease/car payment, insurance and parking...you're likely to pay $600/mo minimum to have the car. If you only need it for occasional tasks or trips just rent a car as needed.

I mean….car and insurance payments aren’t unique to Seattle.

Parking spot is like 200-300 if you’re in the downtown area. Worth.

You can get by without one if you are in an area where buses or light rail run frequently, that being said, I feel like part of living here is also enjoying all the PNW offers like hiking, biking etc.. I could never do w/out a car here.

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