Owning a classic car is a dream for many people. Yet as Gold Eagle reports, owners in some cities may find this difficult if not impossible to do. It can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Weather, traffic, and fuel costs all play a big role in deciding which cities are better than others for classic cars.

What are some locations where you may want to forget about the idea of owning or restoring a classic vehicle? Here are three that made Gold Eagle’s list.

New York City

It’s not surprising that the Big Apple topped the list. After all, most residents here depending on public transportation to get them from point to another. Automobiles are just too cumbersome to drive on New York City’s crowded streets, which is something that can take the joy out of riding around town. You’ll also find few auto mechanics to help you maintain your car in great condition.

San Francisco, CA

Private car ownership is more common in San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean the streets are any better for driving on. In particular, Gold Eagle notes the condition of roads can really take a toll on an older automobile.

Classic vehicles are also notorious for being gas guzzlers, in which case the high cost of fuel in San Francisco could become an economic hardship for many. While there are many beautiful roads outside of the city, the cost of ownership and bad road conditions mean you might want to reconsider before buying that classic car.

Washington, D.C.

Like New York City, the nation’s capital also has very congested streets that can make driving a chore. However, the real problem with owning a classic car in Washington, D.C. is the city’s high rate of car theft.

With classic cars already being a magnet for thieves, you’ll run a very high risk of having yours stolen. The cost of auto repairs, gasoline, and insurance are also much higher here, and can really eat into your operating budget.

Factors to Consider

What if you don’t live in one of the top cities for classic car owners? That doesn’t mean you are totally out of luck. You can still enjoy driving one if your city has fairly low traffic, lots of homes with garages (or secure storage facilities), and plenty of auto mechanics with access to older car parts.

In general, cities along the east or west coasts tend to be worse for classic car owners, while areas in the middle of the country are better suited for them.

As the saying goes: If there’s a will, there’s a way. So if your heart is dead set on owning a classic car, just make sure you’re taking all the necessary precautions.