October 28, 2020 2 minute read

Can You Live Car-Free in Boston?

Whether it be for financial or environmental reasons, people often try to avoid buying a car if they don’t have to. Particularly if you live in the city, there are times when having a car is more inconvenient than convenient. However, some large metropolitan cities cater to car-owners while others cater to pedestrians. Boston is decidedly pro-pedestrian. The city was named the second-best city for living car-free in 2019. If you’re thinking of making the move to Boston, here’s what you need to know about the local transportation system.

The (Infamous) MBTA 

Bostonians love to hate it, but the MBTA public transit system is a part of daily life in Boston. In fact, WalletHub ranked the MBTA as the second-best public transportation system in the country for its accessibility and convenience. About one-third of Boston’s commuters use public transportation every day. Locals have every right to be frustrated by late or crowded trains, but at the end of the day, the MBTA connects the far ends of the Greater Boston area. From the subway to the network of bus lines to the commuter rail, Bostonians have so many options to get where they need to go for far less than a monthly car payment or cab fare. 

Parking Woes 

Having a car in the city can be a wonderful convenience — until it’s time to park. As is the case for many densely-packed cities, parking can be a challenge. Commuters looking to drive into work typically spend hundreds each month on parking garages near their offices. Even outside of business hours, parking can be hard to come by in the city. Those with resident parking passes often struggle to find spots near their apartment, depending on their neighborhood. Confusing parking signage also leads to costly tickets that can quickly add up

Walkability Is Key

The key to walkability in Boston is density. Boston’s nearly one million residents are packed into 89 square miles, making Boston the sixth most densely populated city in the country. However, with density comes accessibility and proximity. Each of Boston’s neighborhoods has a unique collection of amenities and conveniences like local grocery stores, restaurants, and shops. Boston was named the third most walkable city in the country because its residents have the ability to complete most of their daily errands without a car. 

If you’re looking to live a car-free life, Boston may be the city for you. Our Senné Associates are local real estate experts who can help you find the right home that suits your transportation needs. Give us a call at 617.314.9400 to get started on your search today!


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