Google completes "chicago without a car" with "living", "visiting", "getting around", "dating" and "reddit". Here are the honest answers.
Can you live in Chicago without a car?#
Yes, more easily than in any US city except New York. The L (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow lines) and the bus grid reach almost every neighbourhood where newcomers live: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Pilsen, Hyde Park, Uptown, Andersonville, Bridgeport. Most people under 35 in the city proper do not own a car. The suburbs are another story: the Metra gets you downtown, and nothing else.
Can you visit Chicago without a car?#
Yes, completely. Stay in the Loop, River North, the West Loop or Lakeview; the L from O'Hare (Blue line) and Midway (Orange line) runs straight downtown; the Lakefront Trail and the river walk are on foot; Divvy bikes cover the gaps. The only things that need a car are the suburbs and the far South Side.
Where it does not work#
The suburbs; a job in a suburban office park; the far South and West Sides at night by bus; moving furniture. Winter makes waiting for a bus a real cost, so live near the L, not just near a bus.
Social life and dating#
Social life without a car is normal here; dating without one is normal too, which is a relief for anyone arriving from LA or Houston. The limit is the suburbs: a date in Naperville is a Metra schedule. How to make friends in Chicago is built around rooms you can reach.
The local who drives#
For the afternoon you need a car, a Local Friend on Roavi is someone from Chicago at an hourly rate they set (most list $15 to $50), platonic and in public, who often drives; agree the driving before you meet. Roavi lists no Local Friends in Chicago yet, which is the honest number and the reason the first people to list here will get every message; messaging is free for the people who write to you. Rent a friend in Chicago.
One afternoon with someone who lives here.
Meet local guides in ChicagoFrequently Asked Questions
Can you live in Chicago without a car?
Yes, more easily than in any US city except New York. The **L** (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow lines) and the bus grid reach almost every neighbourhood where newcomers live: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Pilsen, Hyde Park, Uptown, Andersonville, Bridgeport.Can you visit Chicago without a car?
Yes, completely. Stay in the Loop, River North, the West Loop or Lakeview; the L from O'Hare (Blue line) and Midway (Orange line) runs straight downtown; the Lakefront Trail and the river walk are on foot; Divvy bikes cover the gaps. The only things that need a car are the suburbs and the far South Side.