We’ve lived 5 years in the city without a car using the T daily, and the last couple years with a car.

Benefits of Getting Around by T and Foot

When you walk and take trains and buses everywhere, you really get to see the city and experience life in so many neighborhoods. It’s easier to just take some time in a lovely nook. Have you ever noticed how many play-ready nooks there are around the Federal Reserve Building by South Station? When the kids were younger we would pass the Federal Reserve 1-2 times a month on our way to the Children’s Museum. I have many fond memories of snacks on the lawn, helping my kids walk on the walls along the back sidewalk, and watching both kids run around and play together.

This is the thing I miss most. I hardly ever get to experience the neighborhoods I don’t live in. Whenever we go places in the car, I have to consider parking and how much it will cost, so we typically go somewhere, do our thing, and leave. We do have a T station within a mile walk from us, but I’m reluctant to spend $5, when I already have to pay for gas, parking, and car maintenance.

On the other hand, we do get out of the city a lot more often and are able to get into nature more easily. Grocery shopping by car is like a miracle – every time – after 5 years of grocery shopping by foot or bus. But both of these things mean we meet fewer people in our neighborhood.

Walking and T-ing have another major benefit: CARDIO!! When we first got to the city I thought I only needed a stroller for my toddler, but we then realized our pre-schooler needed help getting around too. I then had a stroller plus boogie board, pushing two kids, diaper bag, food for three, etc, etc, etc….I know most of you know exactly what I’m talking about! Anyway, I pushed that thing around for 3 years, getting it on and off busses, carrying it up and down stairs. It was for sure a schlep, but I got in pretty good shape just from taking the kids everywhere for fun and errands.

My stamina has suffered greatly since we became a driving family!

Lastly, fixed transportation costs are amazing!! Having a new-to-us car (i.e. used) has meant way more car repair, usually unexpected, than we can honestly afford. I worry about the money and the state of the car constantly.

How do you get around the city? Any tips for BBHS moms? Have you found lovely nooks, that you wouldn’t have found if you were driving? Please share in a comment below!