I mean, while I don’t have children, many of my fellow residents in my building/neighbors have small children and don’t own cars. it’s not that uncommon. My SIL doesn’t have children but is a teacher who bikes a few miles to work each day and works odd hours.

I have a good life and I’d like think i’m lucky to enjoy where I live and the people around me, but I don’t think that’s really tied to our choice to have previously lived without a car / currently choose not to use a car much of the time