I think this is kind of overstating the case, tbh. I don't even live in Boston anymore--I live on the South Shore--but I drive my car maybe once a week, usually to Home Depot or rarely on a pilgrimage to Micro Center. I bought a place where I could walk to a commuter rail stop (it's how I get to my office) and multiple supermarkets are within walking distance, so I bring a backpack. About half a dozen restaurants within a twenty-minute walk, another dozen or so if I go another ten minutes further. A couple weeks ago I walked to a museum in Quincy in like 45 minutes, it was really nice.
I wouldn't not want to have access to a car, but if car/truck rental wasn't such a mess, I would be happier without one. (When I bought this place I cut back the 4+ car driveway to two cars and reclaimed a bunch of yard, and it was great. I wish it could've been more!)
I don't think we're disagreeing. I do need a car to go anyplace. But even if I only used it on weekends, I'd almost certainly own one because of, as you say, the friction associated with renting something.
I wouldn't not want to have access to a car, but if car/truck rental wasn't such a mess, I would be happier without one. (When I bought this place I cut back the 4+ car driveway to two cars and reclaimed a bunch of yard, and it was great. I wish it could've been more!)