While visiting family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania over Thanksgiving (2007), we were reminded once more how much we hated owning an automobile. Between insurance premium hikes and oil changes, we found ourselves frustrated with traffic and the ongoing battle of wrestling our otherwise happy toddler into his carseat.
We had always sworn that if we lived in a city with “better” public transportation, we’d take the plunge and go car-free. But in Raleigh, North Carolina? When everyone will tell you to move to Chapel Hill or Carrboro if you want to take the bus anywhere?
Yet, we knew there were plenty of low income families who lived without cars in Raleigh. And our East Raleigh home was within walking distance of two bus stops, however. And since I worked from home as a podcast producer and freelance writer, I had no concerns about a daily commute. Mark worked as a plumber with his father, who already picked him up every morning. We had long been a 1-car family, unlike most in Raleigh.
When we received yet another insurance premium hike in our mailbox, we took it as a firm date to put an end to car ownership. This site chronicles our adventures of living with a toddler in a city that is not particularly friendly to those who do not drive.
Questions, comments, press inquiries, etc. can be sent to:
me at carfreeinraleigh dot com
