Transportation Around The South

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi everybody, and welcome back to Live Southern. In today's episode,
we are going to talk about getting around in Southern
cities and towns. We've talked about securing housing and healthcare,
so the logical next critical element of your Southern relocation

(00:21):
is understanding how you'll get around. Transportation in the South
presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities, dramatically different
from what you might be used to depending on your
previous location. While some Southern cities boast robust public transit systems,

(00:43):
many towns and smaller cities rely heavily on personal vehicles.
This section, we'll talk about the various transportation options available
and help you make informed decisions based on your individual
needs and circumstances. So excuse me, I might be doing

(01:04):
that a little bit today. I have a cold, my
daughter has a flu, so I'm hoping that's not what's
come in my way. But the first and often most
significant consideration is car ownership. In many parts of the South,
particularly outside of major metropolitan areas, owning a car is

(01:25):
practically a necessity. Public transportation, while improving in some areas,
remains limited in its reach and frequency in numerous towns
and rural communities. The distance between homes, workplaces, and essential
services like grocery stores and pharmacies can be considerable, making

(01:46):
a car crucial for maintaining an independent lifestyle while living
in the country. The independence on automobiles is deeply ingrained
in Southern culture, influencing everything from urban place to social interactions.
This isn't to say public transportation is entirely absent, but

(02:06):
understanding its limitations is critical to a realistic relocation plan.
Before you purchase a car or a vehicle or a truck,
research the specific area you'll be living in. Examine the
local public transportation networks, capabilities and limitations. Consider your daily commute.

(02:28):
Is it feasible to use public transportation or will a
car be essential for reaching your workplace, children's schools, or
regular appointments. Analyze the local road infrastructure. Are roads well
maintained and easily navigable? Are there frequent traffic jams during
peak hours? Are the roads paved? Are they dirt? Are

(02:52):
they gravel? Yes? These are things you have to consider
in some parts of the South. Consider parking availability. Is
on street parking readily available or will you need to
rely on parking paid parking garages or lots. The cost
of car insurance and gasoline also varies considerably throughout the South.

(03:13):
These costs can add up significantly, and it's prudent to
factor these expenses into your relocation budget. If you decide
car ownership is necessary, consider the specific needs of your
new environment. An SUV might be ideal for navigating unpaved
roads or during periods of inclement weather that are more

(03:37):
frequent in certain parts of the South, while a smaller,
more fuel efficient vehicle may be more practical and economical
choice for city driving or driving long distances. Also consider
purchasing a used car, which is often a more financially
responsible decision than buying a new car. Make sure to

(03:58):
shop around find the best deal for you. Thorough pre
purchase inspections are particularly important in the Southern climate, where
humidity and heat can take a toll on vehicle components.
For those relocating to larger Southern cities like Atlanta, Charlotte,
or Nashville, public transportation might be a more viable option.

(04:23):
These cities are progressively investing in their public transit systems,
expanding bus routes, light rail systems, and even ride sharing options. However,
even in these larger cities, public transportation often doesn't reach
all parts of the urban sprawl, and understanding its limitations

(04:44):
is essential. Research the specific routes and schedules to ensure
it is aligning with your commuting needs. Also consider the
safety and reliability of the public transportation system. We don't
want you to late for work every day because the
a bus is late. Investigate local reviews and news reports

(05:07):
to assess its overall performance and identify any potential concerns. Obviously,
the cost of public transportation also varies significantly across different
cities and towns. Explore different pass options and compare costs
against the expense of owning and operating a car, including fuel, insurance, maintenance,

(05:33):
and parking. Remember, the initial cost of purchasing a vehicle
isn't the only expense. Regular maintenance, repairs, and insurance must
be factored into the overall budget. Public transportation, while possibly
less convenient in certain areas, can be significantly more cost
effective in the long run, particularly for people who don't

(05:56):
drive long distances daily. There are also ride sharing services
such as Uber and Left, and they are becoming increasingly
prevalent throughout parts of the South. They offer a flexible
and convenient alternative to owning a car, particularly for those
who only occasionally need transportation or for situations requiring short

(06:18):
distance travel. But we all know the cost of ride
sharing can fluctuate based on demand and distance, so it
could make it a little less affordable option for frequent use. Also,
reliability can vary depending on the area. It could be
difficult to hail a ride in less popular areas. Before

(06:42):
relying solely on ride sharing, make sure you check the
availability and the cost of your specific location. Commuting patterns
in the South often differ from other regions. Many Southern
communities have a more spread out geography compared to more
densely popusipulated urban areas in other parts of the country.

(07:04):
This often translates into longer commutes regardless of your mode
of transportation. Understand the typical commute time for your area
and factor this into your daily schedule and overall lifestyle considerations.
Look at traffic patterns. Are there particular times of day
when congestion is significantly worse? Of course, there are that

(07:27):
happens all over this country. This could influence your decision
regarding commuting times and possibly even the location of your housing,
choosing a residence closer to your workplace. Beyond individual transportation,
consider the availability of local transportation services. Many Southern cities

(07:50):
have dedicated transportation services for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
Understanding the options available in crucial for ensuring access to
essential services for the vulnerable members of our community. Research
these resources early in your location process to guarantee you're

(08:12):
aware of any helpful assistant programs that could significantly improve
your quality of life. This is particularly important for those
who may require assistance with transportation due to physical limitations
or mobility challenges. Okay, let's talk about bicycling. For those

(08:34):
of you who enjoy cycling. Many Southern cities and towns
are becoming more bicycle friendly with dedicated bike lanes and
trails being developed, but however, this isn't uniformly consistent across
all areas. Make sure you look into the bike infrastructure
in your specific location to see if it is suitable

(08:58):
and safety and for you to ride your bike. It
is not safe to ride a bike on a busy street.
I know that for you bicycles out there, you think
that we should always be able to share the road.
We shouldn't always be able to share the road, and
some roads are unsafe, and I see some people on

(09:19):
bikes and I think, my lord, that person's going to
get hit, and sooner than later they end up getting hit.
The weather conditions in the South, especially the heat and
humidity in summer months, should also be taken into account
when considering cycling as your primary or secondary mode of transportation. Ultimately,

(09:41):
the best transportation option will depend entirely on your specific circumstances,
including your budget, your daily needs, and the location you
choose within the South. Carefully weighing the costs, convenience, and
limitations of each mode of transport, cars, public transportation, ride sharing,

(10:03):
and cycling will enable you to make an informed decision.
Thorough research and planning in this area will help you
ensure a smooth transition into your new Southern life. It
will minimize your stress and potentially maximize your enjoyment of
your new home. So with meticulous planning, marrying the careful

(10:26):
considerations giving to housing and healthcare, we can solidify your
successful relocation to the Southern United States. Until next time, everyone,
thanks for tuning in. We're going to talk about budgeting
and managing expenses in your move, so take care of y'all.