Assuming you need a car for commuting purposes the short answer is no you do not need a car living in Seattle. According to a 2019 study by the user-generated content website Niche Seattle is the 8th most walkable city in the United States. Seattle also ranked 5th in public transit accessibility and 14th in bike-friendliness out of the 100 largest cities in the country.
If you are planning on relying exclusively on public transportation or your own two feet to get around you can definitely get by without owning a car in Seattle. However there are some drawbacks to not owning a car that are worth considering. For one Seattle is a large city and can be difficult to get around without a car especially if you live in a neighborhood that is not well-served by public transportation. Additionally Seattle is known for its bad traffic and not having a car can add significant time to your commute.
Ultimately the decision of whether or not to own a car in Seattle comes down to your own personal circumstances. If you have the means to afford a car and parking and you don’t mind dealing with traffic then owning a car can definitely be helpful. However if you are on a tight budget or you prefer not to deal with the hassles of car ownership then you can definitely get by without a car in Seattle.
Is it easy to get around Seattle without a car?
While you can get around Seattle without a car it is not as easy as getting around cities like New York or San Francisco.
You will need to rely on public transportation and your own two feet to get around which may not be ideal for everyone.
What is the public transportation like in Seattle?
The public transportation in Seattle is decent.
The bus system is extensive and there are also light rail options available.
I’m thinking about moving to Seattle.
Should I bring my car?
While you can certainly bring your car to Seattle you may not need it.
If you plan on relying on public transportation or walking/biking you may not use your car often enough to justify the cost of owning one.
I don’t think I’ll need a car in Seattle.
How much would it cost to live car-free?
The cost of living car-free in Seattle really depends on your lifestyle.
If you are someone who likes to walk or bike everywhere you will probably save a lot of money not owning a car.
However if you plan on taking public transportation everywhere the cost of a bus or light rail pass will add up.
Is it easy to find parking in Seattle?
Parking can be difficult to find in Seattle especially in the downtown area.
If you do have a car you may want to consider parking it outside of the city center and taking public transportation or walking the rest of the way.
I’m visiting Seattle.
Do I need a car?
It depends on what you want to do while you’re visiting.
If you plan on staying within the downtown area and doing a lot of walking you probably won’t need a car.
However if you want to explore other parts of the city or the surrounding area you may want to consider renting a car.
Is Seattle a good city for walking?
Seattle is a great city for walking! The downtown area is very walkable and there are plenty of pedestrian-friendly paths and sidewalks.
I want to move to Seattle but I don’t want to get rid of my car.
What are my options?
If you don’t want to get rid of your car but still want to move to Seattle you have a few options.
You can keep your car parked outside of the city center and take public transportation or walk when you’re in the downtown area.
You can also look for apartments that have parking available.
I’m moving to Seattle and I don’t have a car.
How can I get around?
If you don’t have a car you can still get around Seattle! The city has an extensive public transportation system that can take you anywhere you need to go.
You can also walk or bike around although you may need to rely on public transportation for longer distances.
I don’t want to use public transportation.
Are there other options?
If you don’t want to use public transportation you can always walk or bike.
Seattle is a very walkable city and there are plenty of bike lanes throughout the city.
I’m moving to Seattle and I want to sell my car.
How can I do that?
If you’re moving to Seattle and you want to sell your car you can try posting it online or in a newspaper.
You can also take it to a used car dealership.
I don’t want to sell my car.
Can I keep it in Seattle?
Yes you can keep your car in Seattle.
However you may want to consider parking it outside of the city center and taking public transportation or walking when you’re in the downtown area.
I’m moving to Seattle and I want to lease a car.
Is that a good idea?
Leasing a car in Seattle is definitely an option although it may not be the most cost-effective option.
If you plan on using your car frequently it may make more sense to buy a car outright.
I want to lease a car but I don’t want to commit to it long-term.
Can I do that?
Yes you can lease a car for a short period of time.
However you may want to consider renting a car instead as it may be more cost-effective.
I’m moving to Seattle and I want to buy a car.
Where can I do that?
You can buy a car from a dealership or you can try posting an ad online or in a newspaper.
You can also check websites like Craigslist or AutoTrader.
