Can you live in Houston without a car?
You can live in Houston without a car, but it’s not easy. Most of the metro is spread out enough that walking everywhere may become a trial of endurance.
Houston’s sidewalks and pavements are also not fully developed. Hence, it’s a challenging place for cyclists, pedestrians, even public transport users.
Even the public transportation in the city is largely considered in need of improvement. Buses and the lightrail make up Houston’s public transportation, but it’s not nearly as extensive as public transportation in many other big cities.
If you absolutely need to get around Houston without a car or move to the city without your own private transport, here are some tips to keep in mind.
If you’re moving, choose apartment location over quality
Ask anyone who lives in Houston, and they’ll tell you that the quality of your life if you don’t have a car depends on where you work and where you choose to live.
The public transportation system in the Houston area is still growing. It works well in some places but not yet in many others.
Hence, it is much easier to live in Houston without a car if your home and workplace are close to light rail lines or major bus lines.
We recommend visiting the website for Houston’s METRO public transit system before looking for an apartment. Find out what areas the system serves well and which areas are still problematic to get to and from.
Have alternative transportation ready
There are other ways to get around Houston besides driving or taking trains or buses. Cycling is a common option.
Just be warned that despite many cyclists in Houston aiming to change the biking situation, Houston isn’t very bike-friendly or pedestrian friendly.
A majority of the biking roads and sidewalks are full of holes. Most bike lanes are also two-foot-wide areas on the side of busy roads separated by white lines.
What’s more, getting around in Houston either by bike or foot is a risk because there’s no guarantee that drivers will stop and give you the right away.
So, even if you already have a bike ready, it’s essential to have yet another alternative transportation option for your safety.
Whether it’s a friend driving you around for errands too far to walk to or borrowing a friend’s car, there are ways to get to where you need to go while staying safe.
Moreover, Houston has car services like Lyft and Uber and car-sharing services like Zipcar and Turo.
Don’t ignore the climate
The climate in Houston usually involves hot and humid summers, which make it uncomfortable to get around—especially if you don’t have a car.
So, on Houston summer days, we recommend being mindful of the climate and protecting yourself from the heat by taking preventive measures. For example, wear sunblock and hats, or use umbrellas if walking out on the street.
Try to walk in shaded areas—if there are any on the streets. If walking on humid summer days, don’t forget to stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.
On rainy days, you need a good umbrella, a raincoat, and shoes that can handle getting wet.
