The drawbacks of an automobile dependent community can make a difference in the decision to move to such an area for some people. There are several drawbacks to living in an automobile community, some of which may not even be initially realized.
Transportation Costs
Suburban and very rural areas are very different and yet have similar qualities in that they are automobile dependent communities. In cities, there are convenience stores, pharmacies, corner gas stations, nearby businesses and schools, many within walking distance and all within very short driving distance. In suburbia and very rural areas, there may be a drive of several miles just to pick up a loaf of bread, a prescription or to drop the kids off at school. Traveling these much greater distances means a lot more fuel is necessary than those who have everything close by. Especially in the suburbs, studies have shown that the cost of transportation is often not considered when calculating cost of living expenses. When one has to drive several miles to get anywhere and must do so on a regular basis, there is more wear and tear on the vehicle. One can expect to pay more for automobile maintenance and upkeep than one who lives in the city.
Congestion and Smog
When one lives in an automobile dependent community, there are often one or two central roads that everyone travels when going anywhere. The traffic in the suburbs is one of the drawbacks of the automobile dependent community, as well as the smog from all the vehicles. City dwellers have less traffic congestion and less pollution from automobiles than in the heavily-traveled, congested suburban areas.
Stranded
Another drawback of automobile dependent communities is there is no way to get anywhere if the automobile breaks down. There is much less likelihood of public transportation being nearby than if one lived in the city, and taking a cab can be an astronomical cost if one must travel several miles to their destination. One can find themselves unable to get to work, the grocery, pharmacy, or their children’s appointments if the automobile breaks down. This can be especially disastrous in the one vehicle household.
Less Family and Me Time
When one is constantly on the go, whether to work, school, shopping or chauffeuring the kids to school, sports and other activities, there is much less time quality time spent together as a family. In automobile dependent communities, parents spend much more time commuting to and from work, much more time away from home when shopping and running errands and far less time at home with family members just talking around the dinner table or participating in activities together. The constant rat race of being on the go to get anywhere can affect not only quality family time, but quality “me” time that one has for themselves. When living in an automobile dependent community, there is far less time to just sit back and relax, sleep in a little longer, or time to enjoy ones favorite hobbies. When one who lives in an automobile dependent community finally does get time to themselves they may be too exhausted from having to drive everywhere to enjoy it.
