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Offering car-sharing as an amenity is beginning to catch on among New York City’s condominiums and co-ops. Between expensive garages and insurance, impossible street parking and theft—not to mention the impact on the environment—owning a car in New York City is generally more trouble than it’s worth.

Car-sharing services provide an option for those lacking a driver or a love for cabbies but in want of wheels beyond the ones on the crosstown bus. Long the go-to choice for film crews and weekend wanderers, Zipcar is probably best known as the pioneer of the car-sharing business. Their low yearly membership fee, very reasonable hourly charges, and super-convenience of the drop-off/pickup method make it a much more attractive option than those “We’re Number Two” guys. Make a reservation by phone or online (24 hours a day); a car appears in a designated location near you—you’ll just drop it off in the same spot— swipe your membership card and go. Gas, reserved parking and insurance are included in your membership.

Which is even better if it’s included with your home. In 2007, Zipcar signed a partnership with Equity Residential, owners of 608 residential properties around the nation. The Kalahari in Harlem and the Riverhouse in Battery Park City are a few of the developments that have begun offering car-sharing to potential buyers. And unlike in the suburbs, your teens can’t borrow the keys—you have to be 21.