One of the biggest challenges of visiting or living in a big city is finding parking. With so much traffic in such little space, it can be difficult and expensive to find a place to park your car. However, there are some tips you can use to make finding parking in a big city a little bit easier. In this article, we’ll share some of our best tips for finding parking in a big city.
1. Use technology as a resource
Finding parking in a lot is one of the biggest parking issues nationwide. One of the easiest ways to find parking in your city more quickly is to use technology as a resource. There are many different apps and websites that can help you find parking in your area. These applications allow you to search for parking by location, price, and even amenities. You can also filter your search results to find the perfect spot for your needs.
2. Find a monthly parking pass
If you live in or frequently visit a big city, it may be worth your while to find a monthly pass at a lot near your home or office. This will save you time and money in the long run, as you won’t have to keep searching for parking every time you need to park your car. Monthly passes can be found through many different parking companies or even through your city’s website. You can also find them using sites like WhereiPark.
In most cases, they cost between $100 and $200 per month. While this may seem like a lot of money, it can actually save you a significant amount of money in the long run since hourly parking rates in big cities can be quite expensive. Additionally, some monthly parking passes come with other perks, such as free or discounted rates at other parking lots in the city.
3. Talk with building owners and property managers
If your goal is to find long-term parking, but you’re having trouble finding a monthly pass that works for you, try talking with building owners and property managers. This strategy works best for residents or tenants who don’t have access to parking in their building.
All you have to do is ask your building or property manager to know of any nearby parking lots or garages that have extra parking space for you. In some cases, they may be able to refer you to others who can lease you a spot. While this option isn’t always available, it’s definitely worth inquiring about if you’re having difficulty finding long-term parking in your city.
4. Find people who are renting their garage or driveway
Using the Neighbor app, you can find people in your city who are renting out their garage or driveway. This can be a great option if you’re looking for long-term or residential parking, as it’s usually more affordable than leasing a spot from a parking company.
On this app, you can search for parking by location and price. You can also read reviews from other users to get an idea of what it’s like to park in a particular spot. If you find a location that’s close to your house or office, you can pay to park there through the app on a monthly basis. Another great thing about the app is that it allows you to message the owner directly if you have any questions about their listing.
5. Look for parking lots with EV chargers
If you drive an electric vehicle, you may want to look for parking lots that have EV chargers. This can be a great way to save time, as you can charge your car while you’re parked. Additionally, many EV owners find that they get discounts on their monthly parking rates when they park in an EV charger-equipped parking lot. To find a list of these types of parking lots in your city, try searching online or using Google Maps.
6. Avoid driving during peak traffic times
In some cases, it may be best to just avoid driving during peak traffic times. This can be difficult if you have a job or other obligations that require you to be out and about during these times, but it’s definitely worth considering if you’re struggling to find parking.
If you can, try to schedule your errands and appointments for off-peak hours. For example, if you need to go to the grocery store, try going early in the morning or late at night when there’s less traffic.
You can also use services like Instacart for grocery shopping and Uber or Lyft for transportation to and from appointments. This can be a bit more expensive than driving, but it may be worth it if you’re having a difficult time finding parking. It may also be worth it if you’re headed somewhere where hourly parking is expensive.
7. Look for nearby areas with large parking lots
Malls, grocery stores, and other businesses with large parking lots are often good places to look for parking. While you may have to walk a bit further to your destination, it can be worth it if you’re struggling to find a spot. Depending on the city, finding free parking in these lots can be very easy. In cities like Los Angeles, it may be tough, but places like San Diego, Austin, and Denver have plenty of free parking options.
8. Use valet at a nearby hotel
Often, nearby hotels will have cheap valet service that you can use. This can be a great option if you’re going to be out for an extended period of time, as you won’t have to worry about finding a spot or paying an hourly fee. You’ll have to tip your valet driver and pay a potential fee, but it’s usually cheaper than parking in a garage or on the street. This strategy does not always work, as some hotels require that you be a guest to use their valet service.
Endnote
Finding parking in a big city can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you should be able to find a spot that works for you. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a parking pro.
