Could we live a car free life?!

Post new topic

felinefine81 Serial expat

Member since 26 October 2015

felinefine81Serial expat24 March 2016 12:25:11

232

Hi

My husband and I are considering moving to Malta. We visited last week to see some of the island and meet some work contacts, and had our first experience of the roads, traffic and driving which was interesting!

We hate our commute at home in the UK and really want to get away from sitting in traffic, stopping and starting etc. Therefore, we think that if we move we would rather stay as close to work as possible and potentially walk, or only have a few bus stops, to get to work.

We understand that this probably means we would be limited to renting an apartment, which will be a change from the detached house at home! However if we had a penthouse or maisonette we hope that the noise won't be too bad and a large roof terrace instead of a garden will be nice (less maintenance anyway!). We like the spacious, modern apartments we've seen online.

So, my question is, if we base ourselves in Msida or Pieta to be close to work, do you think we could largely live life without a car? Or at least only need it on occasion? Are there supermarkets, shops, facilities in the area? Also, is online grocery shopping possible in Malta?

If anyone can share their experience of living in this area it would be great- is it really busy? We went through B'kara and Mosta on the bus one day and it was so so busy there - with all the buildings close to each other it did feel very built up. Do Msida and Pieta have a more spacious feel to them? Is there a sense of community or do these areas feel more like busy suburbs?

Any advice would be very gratefully received.

Thanks

robpw2 ViP

Member since 07 July 2014

robpw2ViP24 March 2016 12:55:57

1574

Yes as long as your not in a rush to get anywhere - are happy to commute by bus and dont leave to far away from a shop etc.

We dont have a car and i travel from marsascala to mellieha every day and my husband to sliema its quite pleaseant but can get very busy and very hot

paulolly Active member

Member since 13 March 2015

paulollyActive member24 March 2016 13:48:35

I agree with Rob, my wife and I have survived without a car. I used to work within a half hour walk from work, but now journey from Attard to St Julians c.1 hour.

As above, as long as you can get into the mindset 'I get there, when I get there' all is good.

jimmy_better Active member

Member since 12 April 2014

jimmy_betterActive member24 March 2016 14:26:40

You can always hire a car.

paulolly Active member

Member since 13 March 2015

paulollyActive member24 March 2016 14:42:45

And most of the larger supermarket do online shops

Nange Serial expat

Member since 20 December 2014

NangeSerial expat24 March 2016 14:51:08

222

Absolutely. In any town, really. Grab a book, pop a motion sickness pill and ride the bus. I have lived here over a year and mostly walk and bus (will work up to cycling as I did at home but infrastructure is sketchy). You can always hire a car and there are plenty of cab companies. GreenRcab is great- my friends own it . Car-free, stress-free, yay!

Jeannie6623 Active member

Member since 08 May 2015

Jeannie6623Active member25 March 2016 09:19:59

Hello

You certainly could live without a car here.
Living in Gzira, I walk to work and then use the car at the weekend e.g. to access beaches where there's no bus-stop nearby. I get the ferry to Valletta which is the main reason I like living here.

So, if you'd like to contact me for more info, do, I've learned a lot in 3 months.
e.g. registering the car I shipped from the UK here was a nightmare (wouldn't do it again) and I find the parking a hassle and hate driving in the traffic with the famous 'what's an indicator?' and over-taking buses on the inside style.
Without a car I've found buses are full or late, late night and even daytime taxis are expensive and especially if your work is irregular hours, you might need to consider how you'd manage - esp in the very hot weather.

all the best
Jeannie

felinefine81 Serial expat

Member since 26 October 2015

felinefine81Serial expat25 March 2016 10:52:59

232

Thanks so much! Jeannie, you may regret that offer! I have so many questions so will probably drop you a message to get some more info. Really appreciate it. Fiona

matm911 Serial expat

Member since 17 October 2012

matm911Serial expat30 March 2016 11:00:35

656

I could, but I do not want
Especially with the classic registration, the 2250cc diesel car costs me 68 Euros per year and the 1000cc motorcycle only 56 Euros - insurance AND road tax ... for this you can rent even a small a car only a few days per year

kateblank Active member

Member since 18 September 2015

kateblankActive member04 April 2016 14:57:35

#10

Agreed. I always have reading or other work to do on the bus, so I don't want to do the driving. Lots of car hire companies and cabs.

And I'm also working up to cycling. :-) There is a bike lane almost the whole distance from home to work, so I'm just working up the nerve...

felinefine81 Serial expat

Member since 26 October 2015

felinefine81Serial expat04 April 2016 15:37:51

#11

232

You're brave kateblank! I think I'm comfortable that between walking and a short bus ride I can get to work and hopefully between online shopping and local grocers we really won't have to drive much. Our life will be much better for it, we spend far too much time in the car in the UK! Thanks everyone

Articles to help you in your expat project in Malta

How to drive in Malta
Malta is a relatively small island measuring only 27km long and 14,5km wide, so it seems on paper to be very ...
Accidents and emergencies in Malta
A stay abroad is usually associated with great memories. However, it could happen that an accident or emergency ...
Finding work in Gozo
If you are planning to live in Malta, why not settle and work in Gozo? Although it is quieter than the main island ...
Accommodation in Malta
As an expat in Malta, one of the first steps is to find accommodation. Malta has a quickly and continuously ...
Resident and work permit for Malta
Getting a resident card and a work permit in Malta is an essential step for any expat. Living in Malta does ...
Finding work in Malta
Malta is world famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Indeed, this tiny island nation ...
Buying a property in Malta
Malta's real estate market has been flourishing over the past few years. In fact, foreign nationals have ...
Phones and internet in Malta
Despite being a small archipelago, Malta hosts a very advanced telecommunications network. If you are ...