Anybody live/work in downtown/central Austin without a CAR?!

[StellaBlue]

I am planning to re-relocate to Austin sometime in the next three months, but I am hesitant to buy a car and undertake the necessary financial commitment, as the whole reason I want to live downtown/central is for culture, save on commute costs, simpler lifestyle, etc. I am planning on renting a tiny ca.-$500/mo apartment and using a bike a lot... I figure I can either rent a car or take the bus/train to visit relatives near Dallas on occasion, and I would rent a car if I wanted to go on a vacation. I've figured the monthly cost, in real terms, for five years, if I buy a car, will be about $400 a month! That would cover a LOT of rental cars!

Any input on this would be REALLY appreciated!!!

[Igel]

1. I have a friend that lives in Austin. No car.

He lives not far from work--SBC--something like a 10-15 minute walk. Small, 1-bedroom apt. Frugle, mostly, and has always like to walk for the heck of it. Don't know if he's in downtown or central Austin or not, but the principle's the same, I'd say. I'm not sure he's into the cultural scene, except maybe for any brew pubs or odd-band rock concerts.

He rents a car when he visits Houston (or elsewhere).

[Dora]

2. Absolutely you can do it.

I lived at 32nd and Red River without a car for a period of time. I found the bus system more than satisfactory and I used my bicycle some too, but the drivers here aren't very bike friendly. We now live further south, but I can still bus to and from the campus area for work.

I know another woman who's lived here for 2-3 years now without a car, and she's thriving.

I'm not very rent-savvy any more, so I don't know the going rates for a downtown efficiency.

I hope you'll like it here. I've loved it.

[melissinha]

3. definitely doable

friend's boyfriend commutes to work on his bike uses it to get around (she has a car, but he rarely uses it)

Then there's MY BOYFRIEND. Car died in April, still hasn't gotten a new one yet... he gets to work on UT shuttle and relies on me for other things. Its getting tiring.

Then there's this other guy... can't afford one.. he gets around town on the Capitol Metro bus... even manages to get up north, though it takes time.

I also read about vanpools you can sign up for.... those could even get you way up north... I'm considering it to save gas $$$.

Definitely doable.

[StellaBlue]

4. Thanks, everybody!

I am familiar with Austin, having lived there for four years while at UT. There isn't any other place I really want to move to. But I am hesitant to jump into to the car culture, as I want to be very thoughtful about work/life balance rather than just working to support my car....

I think I can do it if I NEVER want to go to the lake. haha