How to Live Well without Owning a Car is a new nonfiction book by award-winning journalist and author Chris Balish. The book suggests taking a different path — a car-free path. The program in this book will show you how to live a full, active life without owning a car. And without a car to pay for, practically anyone can get out of debt, save money, and even achieve financial freedom. The truth is that tens of millions of working Americans do not need to own a car.

There’s no doubt that cars, trucks, and SUVs are useful tools. They provide instant, on-demand transportation at a moment's notice. They can haul heavy loads and help you run errands. And they can whisk you out of town for a weekend away. That's why this book does not suggest that you never use a car or never ride in one. This book simply argues that millions of Americans can get along just fine and save a fortune by not owning a car. When you do need one you can rent or use car sharing.

Living car-free in America is not difficult, but it does require some mild lifestyle changes. This book will walk you through the process step by step. The strategies in this book will help put you on the car-free path to financial freedom; or, if you do not wish to get rid of your car entirely, they'll help you save money by using your car less. So even if living "car-free" isn't your style, this book can show you how to live happily "car-lite."

"If ever there was a practical inducement to get out of the car trap, this is it. For the multitude of Americans stuck in traffic and spending thousands of dollars a year on their cars, Chris's lively and pragmatic step-by-step solutions provide a way out." Jane Holtz Kay, author of Asphalt Nation

"Chris Balish's book can help environmentally conscious Americans live their values. If you're concerned about pollution and global warming, follow the program in these pages. There can be life without a car. And a good life at that!" Ed Begley, Jr., actor and environmental activist

Chris Balish is an award-winning feature writer, reporter, and broadcast journalist. He began his writing career working for Writer's Digest magazine and Writer's Digest Books. Since 1995 he has been a full-time reporter and television news anchor. Chris is the recipient of nearly thirty awards for excellence in journalism and writing, including six regional Emmy Awards. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. But most important, Chris is passionate about how going car-free improved his life and how it can improve the lives of others. He commutes by bicycle year-round and travels all over on foot, on mass transit, and by carpooling with friends, girlfriends, and coworkers. Chris is single and has a vibrant car-free dating and social life.

Introduction 1

Part One: Why You're Better Off Not Owning a Car 3
1. The Car-Free Way to Financial Freedom 4
2. The True Financial Costs of Owning Your Car 14
3. The Quality of Life Costs of Owning a Car 29
4. The Environmental Costs of Cars 43
5. But Can You Really Live Without a Car? 51
6. From Car-Dependent to Car-Free: My Story 61
7. Okay, But I'm Still Not Ready to Give Up My Car 69

Part Two: Getting to Work Without a Car 75
8. Car-Free Commuting: It's Easier Than You Think 76
9. Should You Move Closer to Work? 83
10. Mass Transit 90
11. Carpooling and Ridesharing 99
12. Motorcycles and Scooters 105
13. Bicycling 116
14. Walking 134
15. Wardrobe, Appearance, and Grooming 140
16. The Trial Run 144

Part Three: Non-Work Transportation 149
17. General Strategies for Non-Work Transportation 150
18. Make Your Errands Come to You 155
19. The Miracle of Car Sharing 161
20. Rental Car Weekends 167
21. Friends, Relatives, and Coworkers 171
22. Socializing and Dating Without a Car 173
23. Special Situations Require Creativity 185

Part Four: Living Well Without a Car 189
24. Try Going Car-Free for One Week 190
25. Taking the Plunge: Getting Rid of the Car 194
26. The Payoff: A Richer, Healthier, Less Stressed Life 198
27. Giving Back: What to Do With That Extra Time and Money 201
28. Advice for Two- and Three-Car Families 204

Spread the Word 209
Index 210
About the Artists 215
About the Author 216