Most major coastal cities also require cars.

It's more accurate to say that these coastal cities have certain enclaves where you don't need to own your own car but can take public transportion/walk or get an Uber in a pinch. Uber makes a big difference in increasing the size of the enclave, but having other people drive you around isn't car independence.

I think they were referring to places whereas owning a car is a burden and that the op didn't like. Not places where the need for a vehicle is paramount.