Living car-free in Seattle?

I am trying to sell my car because it doesn't seem necessary to actually *own* a car in Seattle. I am thinking of getting around by walking, biking, taking the bus, renting a car or using Zipcar, taking taxis, etc. Some of those options do cost money, but I figure that the money I'll gain by selling my car, canceling insurance, not having to pay for gas/parking/repairs/maintenance will be worth it... not to mention the sheer freedom of not having any car-related worries!

Do any of you live car-free out there? If so, got any hints for a soon-to-be car-free newbie like me?

Thanks!

I do live downtown actually, right by the market... I am honestly a little scared about not having a car, since I've been driving since I was 16, but now that I've recently moved to the city, it seems like owning a car isn't necessary anymore, especially since there are 3 Zipcars right next door to my apartment. :)

It's definitely doable, especially if you live downtown! I live in Edmonds and it works for me! I bike to work in Redmond maybe 3 times a week and ride the bus the other two. It keeps me in far better shape than I ever was before, is cheaper, and for me my work buys my bus pass! I'm all about busing around and biking around and it works out just great! I almost never have to take a cab, but if you just put away the money you'd have spent on car insurance (I know I paid $300/6 mos.) in the bank, it should be more than enough to pay for the occasional emergency cab (well, unless you are having frequent emergencies, then it might not be cost effective!). Also, you are doing great things to lessen pollution, help lower the cost of gas (by there being less of a demand) and you'll walk/bike/move more than if you drive, so in better shape!

Additional: Oh yeah, hints... Know the bus routes! There are some places that are just really well covered and you can catch buses an awful lot! Some places off the top of my head... 3rd and Union: Buses to everywhere. Lake City Way and 125th: Many buses to different places frequently. Northgate Mall area: Another area that's really well covered. Once you get the feel for where buses go, how frequently they run and such, you'll be set! If you combine bus & bike commuting, you'll be pretty good at any time! You can ride longer distances to get to further bus stops, ride if you miss a bus, and so on.

umm..if you live in actual downtown seattle then you can
walk...but if you live 20, 30, 40 minutes from downtown then good luck because the taxi and stuff will still be expensive..i say keep the car if you are commuting..i mean you can do it but it seems like a hassel to me if you are wanting to travel around and not always wanting a taxi..i say keep the car i have lived here my whole life and a car is good to have on hand and not relying on friends or others because then you have to work around their schedule. but knowing me i like to travel around and being
able to have my own car to get around.
its up to you.its possible and you can do it but in the end i
dont know if it would really be worth it.

I'd just be sure that you live near a major transportation line or two. Preferably, you would live in or near down town and grocery store. Seattle has a lot of hills. So if you are doing some heavy grocery shopping try and make it so that is either up hill from where you live, or invest in a push cart so that you will be able to carry your items.
Get a good bike with a strong lock. You are able to put your bike on the city buses on the rack up front.

Yay, another car-free Seattlite!

I've been car-free for about 7 years in Seattle now, and living in the core city helps, but I did it in Shoreline for a while.

A bicycle combined with the bus means you can go just about anywhere, I wouldn't worry.

Only hard part might be groceries (on the bike), but you can probably walk to get those downtown.

Do it!!!!! The earth will thank you.