[young_hopper]

I have lived in a US city with pretty decent public transportation without a car for several years until recently. The problem is just complete lack of flexibility.

Want to do anything an hour out of the city - you're either begging for a ride or trying to fight the absurdities of renting a car.

I now live in a cheaper area, more outside the city where it makes even more sense to own a vehicle, and its definitely worth it. All that being said, all of the shops I most frequently patron are walkable from my home or work.