Embracing Life with One Car: A Personal Journey

At 7 A.M. on a Tuesday morning, the absence of a car doesn’t hinder my plans; instead, I hop on my mountain bike to drop off my primary ballot. After checking on my tomatoes in the community garden, I might grab a coffee. My husband takes his turn biking to work the next day, covering 14 miles through Denver's bike paths. Welcome to our one-car household.

Downsizing to one vehicle felt daunting. We hailed from families where four cars per household were the norm, and the idea of living with just one seemed feasible only in an urban oasis. Yet, after moving to Croatia in 2023, my perspective shifted dramatically. In this new European setting, we managed comfortably with just one car. We sold our extra vehicle to cut down on insurance and storage fees, and upon returning to America, I anticipated buying another car. Surprisingly, three years later, we found ourselves thriving without it.

Our time in Pula, Croatia, was marked by countless fruitless searches for parking near the Roman amphitheater, which led us to embrace walking. The narrow, chaotic streets were not the pedestrian-friendly setting I once envisioned, but the locals, from teenagers to grandmothers, thrived on foot. With our large dog in tow, we joined them, opting to walk for groceries, coffee, and various errands. After a while, our car remained parked, becoming an afterthought. Weekend trips across Europe saw us parking away from our destinations and exploring on foot, by train, or through other public transport options.

Upon returning to the U.S. in 2025, we hesitated to plunge into the car market again. Our single vehicle, a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek, saw us through 230,000 miles, but it turned out that our one-car lifestyle yielded unexpected benefits. For starters, we significantly reduced our carbon footprint. My husband bikes to work at least twice a week, and our combined efforts save over 665 pounds of CO2 emissions yearly. Additionally, by opting for bike rides over car trips, I’ve cut down on emissions from errands, saving even more.

Financially, our choice to maintain one car has saved us nearly $10,000 annually. The cost of a second vehicle was daunting; with loan payments starting at $600 a month and insurance nearly doubling, the math was clear. We also save approximately $750 yearly on gas and other hidden car-related expenses, bringing our total savings to nearly $9,450.

Beyond the environmental and financial perks, my lifestyle has transformed. With more time spent outside, I’ve traded random car rides for leisurely walks to parks, often culminating in picnics or outdoor grilling. Working from home previously led to cabin fever, but now I relish my outdoor time.

My one-car lifestyle has also woven me deeper into my local community. As the remote worker, I often find myself without a vehicle, compelling me to explore local hobbies. A chance encounter with a community garden ignited my passion for growing food and connecting with neighbors. I’ve made new friends, volunteered for community projects, and engaged with my surroundings in ways I hadn’t anticipated. More than just a change in transportation, this journey has been about forging deeper ties with my community and embracing new experiences while stepping out of my comfort zone.

Source: www.outsideonline.com