Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

Thanks Girls, I am now checking out Bayside b/c that seems to have it all. And then I better get my a$$ in gear and learn how to drive if I ever want to move to LI LOL

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

It is possible, my cousin's wife doesn't drive and they live on LI. She's close to the town area and close to the train station.

I think it's easier though if you live with someone that does drive.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

DH didn't get his license until he was in his late 20's, about 5 years ago. He grew up in Brooklyn and worked there or in the city so it was a non-issue.

I love to drive so it wasn't that much of a problem, especially when we moved in together in an apartment in Long Beach. He walked to the train station for work because we were very close, and it's a walk-friendly town. However, it's not convenient to go east on the train if you live on the Long Beach line, since that's the last stop.

Where we felt it most was on long trips when we couldn't drive more than a certain number of hours because we couldn't share the responsibility. Knowing that the situation would limit us in where we chose to buy our first home, we decided he would learn how to drive. I taught him at least once a week if not twice how to drive, obey the rules of the road, pay attention to signs, and parallel park. On the 3rd try, he passed his road test.

If you do want to learn, take your time and practice as long as possible to feel comfortable before taking the test.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

yes!! My SIL doesn't drive and she does just fine.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

My mom didn't drive untill about 5 years after my parnts bought their house on LI. They specifically bought a house near a shopping area & train station. We took cabs to doctor appointments & went to the mall & movies with my aunt sometimes & all other driving errands & trips were done on weekends w/ my dad.

I guess she learned b/c it is easier with kids, when we were in activities & things.

I don't drive either & I live in a suburban area. I walk to the train & work in the city. On the weekends I walk to what I can, or go out with DH.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

My friend's DH does not drive. They live close to the train station so he can walk. They also live fairly close to a small shopping area that he can walk to if he needs to. But she has to do the driving whenever they need to go somewhere. They manage.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

My inlaws live in Levittown, have 3 kids at home, FIL works in the city and they don't drive. And they've lived there for 10 years now.

It's definitely possible, but I wouldn't do it.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

Message edited 12/14/2009 11:19:05 AM.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

My DW, Jodi (Jodibabe) grew up on LI and never drove a day in her life. She made good use of the bus systems, especially in the Huntington area (HART), where she lived much of her life and where we currently reside. She also used the taxi companies and the LIRR as well as rides from family, friends, and, of course, I, her DH ("D" often standing for D**n!), proudly take her where she needs to go.

Although I sometimes ride her a little about it, as a dyed-in-the-wool Long Guy-lander she would never IMAGINE living in the city, Brooklyn, or Queens where there is plenty of public transportation with the subways and buses. I'm proud of my capable, self-sufficient DW!

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

I think you could where I live in Levittown. Within a 5 minute walk we have Stop & Shop, Target, Kohls, Fridays, BJs, Wendys, and lots more. If you walked 10 minutes, you could get to even more. That includes nail/hair salons, the bank, doctors offices, etc. And buses run right out on Hempstead Turnpike all day long.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

Its possible! Levittown has several buses and lots of nearby walking distance shopping.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

I know a few people who live on LI and don't drive. You can do it, but it does make things harder--the transit isn't as good.

The first two years I lived on LI I did not drive, but I worked in the city and DH drove, so on weekends we'd go places together. Plus I lived in Great Neck, which I think is a good town to be in if you don't drive, though $$.

Bayside is also good, and there are a few other towns with downtowns, though things tend to be more spread out.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

You could easily live in great neck in a co-op close to town and never need to drive. there is the LIRR, and every store that you would need within walking distance. however, it's expensive.

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

Re: Is it possible to live in LI and not drive?

Yes, it is definitely possible.

My mom did not drive until she was 33. She got around and had three kids in tow. We lived in Levittown - close to the grocery store and to the schools.

Additionally, neither my aunt or uncle drive and they are in their 40s and have two children. They live in Bellmore.