Having a car in NYC

[carn311]

I would love to attend SUNY Downstate but I'm not crazy about giving up my car (and freedom). Anyone know if owning a car in Brooklin is doable? Are there any huge hidden costs (ie parking)?

Is it more practical to live in New Jersey (with a car) and commute 30 minutes?

Thanks guys I really need help. I'm clueless when it comes to NYC.

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[carn311]

bump

 

[jjmack]

you don't want a car in nyc. if you need one just rent one.

 

[snobored18]

Alright so first off the area of Brooklyn where downstate is isn't the greatest...there are certainly worse places within the 5 burroughs, but it isn't manhattan here. Honestly, you don't need a car in NYC most folks get around using public transportation as it is cheaper and quicker than trying to mess with the bridges and freeways day in and day out (i.e. most bridges are $3 on ez pass). Don't live in jersey and commute that is insane...Upstate has dorms to my knowledge, that might be your best bet as far as getting a car in so check on that I'm no expert. Next, parking is a complete pain in the @ss...even in the outer borroughs it is a premium as you have tons of folks crammed into pre-war apartments (built before most americans had cars). The result is you pay a premium to park in a lot/garage or have to play the parking game (NYC has whacked parking rules...alternative side parking, restrictions on hours, basically they confuse they heck out of you so they can ticket a ton of people day in and day out). If having a car is a huge deal rent one (bear in mind if you aren't 25 it is highway robbery with the fees they tack on) or maybe look at schools outside the "city" like SB or NYMC but still yield the NYC experience.

 

[NYyanx28]

When I went on my interview there, the tour guides stated specifically that they have never been around the area at night (WHAT?) and that it is common knowledge amongst the student population that it is not safe, even close to the medical school. Therefore, I would most likely NOT recommend having a car at Downstate. I agree with the previous post, SB seems like a fine place to keep a car and still gives you the cheap I.S. tuition.

 

[Cirrus83]

Eh, it's doable, just expect to pay a little more is all. I doubt you'll have to resort to the super expensive parking places by Downstate though, but if you wanna park in Manhattan or something it'll get pricey real fast.

It's not impossible to find someplace to live that'll come with parking (rent an apartment with a driveway-I currently do), so it's not impossible to have a car.

However, you probably won't use it every day, although lately I've become a little bit addicted to driving to work (because it's still faster than public transportation if I time the traffic right).

I dunno, I'm a car addict though, so I enjoy being able to drive to random places whenever I feel like it.

 

[Projectx]

You should be ok having/maintaing a car in Brooklyn, unless you have a brand new Lexus or BMW. If you do have a brand new car, or sort of new, I suggest trying your best to find a good parking spot in a lot. Some usually have specials, especially for students. Also, NJ to Brooklyn, you will regret this.

 

[Porcelain16]

just use mass transit man, save the environment and enjoy nyc's cheapest attraction(and yes, it IS an attraction.) GL=)

 

[Towelie]

Do not bring a car in the city. Terrible, terrible idea.

 

[GaNJGirl]

I drove from NJ (Fort Lee) to SUNY Downstate and it did NOT take me 30 minutes, I DO NOT recommend it =(

 

[Lshapley]

I lived in bklyn for 6 years, but not as deep in brooklyn as Downstate is located. It is certainly doable to have a car when you are deep in the outer boroughs. Many former Manhattanites actually move to Brooklyn because they can have a car.

It is true that it is more expensive than having a car anywhere else in the country (except Manhattan) and I don't know the situation around Downstate.

You also won't have the great subway access in deep bklyn (one or two lines, unpredictable weekend construction, and many transfers) as opposed to manhattan. Also the car would help with shopping and practical things especially if your neighborhood doesn't have that many stores in walking distance.

Good luck!

 

[musiclink213]

Having lived in Brooklyn my whole life, and currently working in the same area as Downstate, may I offer my insight even though Downstate hates me?

OK, first. I think a lot of people are making it seem more dangerous than it really is. Yes, you probably don't want to be walking around late at night on your own, but if you are smart and mind your own business, people will usually leave you alone. They're usually more concerneed about getting high anyway. Also, your car will probably be safe if you decide to bring it. I either take the train to work, or try to get a ride with my mom, but my coworkers park their brand new mini coops, Toyota Avalons, giant SUV's, all these nice cars without anyone bothering them. Also, according to my students, who are usually the people that make the area around Downstate unsafe, tell me that most people will break into the older cars because they're easier to break into and hotwire than the newer cars are.

BUT, even though your car will probably be safe, you most likely will not need your car at all if you go to Downstate. You will have a hard time finding parking because of the alternate side of the street parking, time restrictions, etc. The people who I work with that drive in, they usually all park across the street from the school, but you are only allowed to park between the hours of 6 am and 4 pm. So although the people who live nearby in the apartments could theoretically park there, once 4 pm hits, they have to move their car. You'll constantly be running around looking for a spot, you'll park 3 blocks away from where you live just because thats the only spot you can find that would let you keep your car parked there durng the hours you need, and really, what would you need it for? It's just another headache. If you want it so you can go home on weekends, look into Amtrak or something, you can get to Penn station from Downstate in about 20 minutes probably.

Also, don't count on your apartment building having parking. They may have a garage, but they might not have any spots available. My friend's family was on the waitlist for a parking spot at their apartment for 6 years before they got one, and you have to pay extra for hte spot as well.

 

[Caristra]

People who reply to this thread should start if they are from NY or not. Because some people sound like they have never seen brooklyn and assume that when you say NYC in the title you mean manhattan. I'm from brooklyn, live about five minutes away from downstate. Having a car here is perfectly doable but if you live near near the school you will have a tough time finding parking and will likely have to pay for a lot space. Also remember to stay on top of alternative side parking laws.

Subway access in brooklyn is not the best and around downstate not the safest. Commuting from Jersey would be a huge hassle. And waste of gas in my opinion. I personally get around fine without a car butthen again, all my friends drive...

Having a car at schools like NYU, Sinai, Columbia or Cornell in manhattan is a bad, bad idea. Having a car at AECOM in the bronx is a good idea.

 

[Doc Martins]

Is it more practical to live in New Jersey (with a car) and commute 30 minutes?

If only it would be 30 minutes... It doesn't matter if you're really close to NYC, the traffic will always make it a long commute... even if you go through Staten Island.

 

[deleted103644]

People cutting across Manhattan to get to the Holland tunnel and causing ridiculous gridlock are annoying enough already, don't become one by choice. Downstate is not in the most convenient area to get to by subway, but it is certainly doable. The only question is how safe public transportation is around there at night. As for the rest of NYC, if you bring a car over the Brooklyn Bridge I will kick you. And for the record, I'm from Brooklyn and don't own a car.

 

[nycNerd]

so if it's not wise to bring a car, and the subway is not exactly safe, how are we supposed to get around?

 

[musiclink213]

so if it's not wise to bring a car, and the subway is not exactly safe, how are we supposed to get around?

The subway is perfectly safe. Just don't be stupid. If I'm riding on the subway late at night, I make sure to get into the same car as the conductor just to be on the safer side. One of the patients at the hospital I volunteered at told me to do this, and after he said that, I realized it makes a lot of sense. I live all towards the end of one of the train lines, and I've never had a problem on the subway. Just be smart, that's it. Don't make yourself a target, be aware of your surroundings, don't stare at anyone, and you'll be fine. And I'm not a big guy, I"m an average sized female, and I've been traveling by the subway on my own since I was 13. If you're not comfortable underground on the subway, there are always busses which might make you feel safer because the driver is always there.

 

[Projectx]

If your main concern about taking the Subway is safety, don't worry about it. Just try not to flash too much jewelry and try not to get all jittery and nervous and you should be fine.

-I talk from experience btw, I have taken the subway many times in the late night from Brooklyn to The Bronx.

 

[carn311]

Wow...

So, lets assume a car is NOT an option. What would life be like? I'm married with a dog and a cat...where would we get groceries/pet food? Do you guys stop once per day because you cant carry it all at once???

We live right next to a super walmart now...I cant imagine life without a one-stop-shop! lol

 

[musiclink213]

Wow...

So, lets assume a car is NOT an option. What would life be like? I'm married with a dog and a cat...where would we get groceries/pet food? Do you guys stop once per day because you cant carry it all at once???

We live right next to a super walmart now...I cant imagine life without a one-stop-shop! lol

I think a large part of it depends where you live. Where I live now, we have a grocery store across the street, and a bunch of butchers, delis, fruit and vegetable stands, etc. There are usually a bunch of places to go shopping for what you need nearby. You should be fine, I think. I've always been fine.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Wow...

So, lets assume a car is NOT an option. What would life be like? I'm married with a dog and a cat...where would we get groceries/pet food? Do you guys stop once per day because you cant carry it all at once???

We live right next to a super walmart now...I cant imagine life without a one-stop-shop! lol

i've always wondered the same thing about life for New Yorkers...

 

[bretticus]

It's really funny when New Yorkers who've lived there their entire life move away. We had this girl at work who moved here (TN), and she didn't know how to drive. We asked how she was going to get to work, and she said she would take public transportation. Heh, good luck with that... 😉

 

[Darksmurf]

Wow...

So, lets assume a car is NOT an option. What would life be like? I'm married with a dog and a cat...where would we get groceries/pet food? Do you guys stop once per day because you cant carry it all at once???

We live right next to a super walmart now...I cant imagine life without a one-stop-shop! lol

When I lived in Park Slope, one of my neighbors was going to Downstate. It's not that hard to just walk down the block and pick up what you need for the week. A lot of people get these little pusher carts that you can wheel to or from the store if you've got too much stuff. Or, if you join a Co-op, they might have people with carts that will accompany you home with your groceries.

The bottom line is: do not get a car in NYC. It is only expensive hassle. You'll save money by not have to make payments, not having to pay insurance, not having to buy gas, not having to pay for parking (because even in places like Park Slope, on the street is too much hassle to do it for more than two days). Plus you can always rent one if you want to get out of the city.

And remember, there are millions of people that live here in the city and manage to buy groceries. Most of them have a kid (often adopted from Asia, at least in Park Slope) and a dog. They manage to work it out just fine.

 

[psipsina]

Also in non-car cities there tend to be alot of online delivery grocery places that are superconvienient for the occaisional big stocking up type shopping. Otherwise people in cities tend to shop more frequently for fewer items, like you stop at the store on the corner and pick up a few things every few days. I have family in Boston who have a grocery store right next to their building, if you run out of something you just take a few minute walk and pick it up, its not the expedition that grocery shopping in the suburbs is.

 

[Cirrus83]

so if it's not wise to bring a car, and the subway is not exactly safe, how are we supposed to get around?

lol, how is your name nycNerd if you don't know anything about the subway.

It's perfectly safe so long as you don't wait until there's only one other person on the train car with you, and then you start waiving around a diamond encrusted ipod or something ridiculous.

I've ridden the train for years, from Harlem back to Queens at 1-2AM, from Brooklyn back to Queens at 3AM, whatever. And from Queens to Chinatown like every dang day at every possible hour.

And guess what, still haven't been mugged or even pickpocketed yet. In fact, the only time I've ever been pickpocketed was by a hot dog stand, when I was in high school and kept my cash in my wallet (don't do this btw, it'll just get your wallet jacked, use a money clip instead).

Now, if you're a somewhat attractive female, you might need to be wary that there are going to be exhibitionists who will run up to you or sit across from you and then try to show you their genitalia. This has actually happened to more than half of my female friends in NYC, so I'd presume that it happens an awful lot. Nothing actually happened to them physically btw, these perverts just run off at the next stop usually, but it's still quite disturbing. Plus I think one of them did it to my friend's like 16 year old little sister.

But hey, you'll be a med student so you'll know perfectly well what all those body parts look like anyway
I'm pretty sure they just do it to see the look of shock anyway, so I'd just start laughing-probably ruin their self esteem.

If you're a guy, you don't even really have to worry about sex perverts.

And of course, if there aren't that many people around, try to stick to a conductor car and you'll probably even avoid the perverts.

 

[Cirrus83]

It's really funny when New Yorkers who've lived there their entire life move away. We had this girl at work who moved here (TN), and she didn't know how to drive. We asked how she was going to get to work, and she said she would take public transportation. Heh, good luck with that... 😉

Hey now, I know how to drive just fine...been driving since I was 17 and I'm from NYC. And judging by the fact that there are cars everywhere I'd assume plenty of other NYers do too.

But for some odd reason my female friends do tend not to know. I think guys are still kinda car obsessed so it helps us out a little

I will say that my manhattan friends are usually clueless about driving though.

 

[drc243]

Everyone on this forum keeps posting that taking the subway is dangerous late at night and the truth is it depends. If you exit the subway at 2 in the morning and attempt to walk back to the school alone, you may not come home with your wallet. However, it is important to remember that downstate has shuttles that take students and pick up students from the subway ( this is what i was told at my interview) late at night. Being a native brooklynite, i have learned its very simple to stay safe you just need to be smart. You just dont want to find yourself alone at 3 in the morning in the wrong area of the city.

All the best,
Dave

 

[nervousivy]

I would love to attend SUNY Downstate but I'm not crazy about giving up my car (and freedom). Anyone know if owning a car in Brooklin is doable? Are there any huge hidden costs (ie parking)?

Is it more practical to live in New Jersey (with a car) and commute 30 minutes?

Thanks guys I really need help. I'm clueless when it comes to NYC.

You can have a car at Downstate, since the area is pretty residential (for Brooklyn, at least). If I were you though, I would investigate parking rates, b/c finding street parking each day could/would be a pain.

 

[nervousivy]

Do not bring a car in the city. Terrible, terrible idea.

I disagree. As a New Yorker, who drives (Yes, we exist, lol), you just have to be smart about it. If you live in Manhattan, then it isn't advisable to have a car, unless you live way way up in Harlem or Washington Heights (and even then it's not a necessity). Mass transit in Manhattan is pretty reliable and you always have options.

However, if you live in the outer boros (except downtown BK...Park Slope, Williamsburg, etc.), then it's a pain not to have a car or at least regular access to one.

So ya, for anyone considering Einstein, I would def. advise you to bring a car, since you're not even in reasonable walking distance of a train. For Downstate, I agree with the poster who said to look for an apt. with a driveway, b/c Flatbush is in the middle of BK and taking the train back and forth from Manhattan would be a very, very long commute, esp. late at night if you decide to go out.