I live in a good size city with public transit. I also live where there is a mild winter, with only a few snowfalls per year.
I do still miss the freedom of getting away for the weekend by myself. I make compromises in my activities, and I sometimes am jealous of people who can take a day trip to the ocean or mountains, and who do not need to check a bus schedule every time they want to go somewhere.
I use a bicycle to get around to local places where the bus lines don’t run. This summer, I make an effort to be more involved in the bicycling community, and this helped me feel better. There are still some social groups that I participate in where I feel I am considered “weird” for being car-free. But seeking a supportive community helped greatly!
Also, I belong to a bicycle co-op, and do my own repairs with the guidance of a mechanic. This gives me a great sense of self-sufficiency.
