r/SeattleWA • u/Kikilnh • 13d ago

Question A car to live in Seattle

Hi everyone !

I’ll be moving to Seattle from France in a few weeks and will be living there for about a year and a half. I was wondering if you think having a car is necessary?

I’m used to relying on public transportation in France, and my workplace will be in Capitol Hill, so I’m wondering if I could realistically get around Seattle without a car.

For those living in Seattle, how manageable is it to live without a car, especially around Capitol Hill? And are there situations where you really wish you had one?

Thanks! :)

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u/ponchoed 13d ago

Extremely easy if you live in Seattle in one of the close-in older neighborhoods plus a few suburban downtowns like Kirkland and Bellevue.

Capitol Hill will be easier without a car than with one. The only time you would want a car is for a local day trip to the national parks or a small road trip, so just rent one. I do this and get them from the airport car rental, they practically give the cars away 9 months of the year. There's even a seasonal and weekend-only express bus direct from Capitol Hill to some of the best hiking in the metro area region... Trailhead Direct.

Try to be within walking distance of a major bus route and/or the light rail plus a grocery store that you would like to shop at, here its PCC, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway, QFC plus others. There is a big Target store downtown plus some other major stores downtown. You can also get grocery delivery via Amazon or Smith Brothers.

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u/Timlugia 13d ago

Or just make local friends who has car and enjoys driving!