As mentioned previously, I’ve been doing a lot of driving thanks to my new job. When I was at a client’s site I was a “temporary contractor” so I parked in the front-row visitor spots every day. It was extremely convenient. Now I’m working downtown and parking is no longer free, easy, or convenient.
Do you pay for your convenience? If I want to be across the street from my building I can pay $10 each day; that adds up quickly. If I want an uncovered lot a few blocks away then it drops to $5. If I want an uncovered, unsecured lot that requires a free bus ride and a bit of a walk it’s only $1.50. I don’t know about you but I’m forced with a tough decision.
The WSJ just posted an article about the perk of having a parking spot. Apparently, some employees are motivated by that reserved slab of pavement. Others will go out of their way to walk a bit every morning for some additional exercise. Personally, I’m the latter and I suspect a lot of my generation is, too. Would you rather:
- Compete against your colleagues to show off you car in the front row, or
- Rest assured you’re doing a great job and navigate the parking garage every morning?
By the way, I usually park in the less-sketchy $5 lot.
If you’re working for a large company (iirc you are) then see if they have a public transportation program. Lots of companies will pay for or supplement the expenses of a monthly pass. The ride time can be used for reading or anything you want.
Your plan sounds good though… $5 is somewhat reasonable.
I don’t think parking spaces matter as long as your car is safe where you park it and you’re safe getting to it. Most of the downtown $1.50 lots I’ve encountered do not inspire confidence in either category. I think the mid-priced lots are the way to go, personally.
Why not just take the bus? I commuted from Boulder to downtown denver and the tech center for over a year. Sometimes it was a pain, but after I added up the money saved on parking and gas, I felt a lot better. And after a while, you get skilled at both working and taking naps on the bus.
I guess I forgot to mention that my job requires me to drive at all times… it’s a job that requires a level of flexibility in addition to mobility.
Get my job and park in the garage for free.
So in response to rachel… i think you should just man up and park where you need to. Down town denver isnt as dangerous as some people make it out to be. Granted it isnt exactly safe, but you dont turn every corner and find a gang like most people say.