Even if you put aside gas prices for the moment, car ownership has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years.

Why it matters: Despite Richmond's free bus service, ample bike lanes and ever-improving pedestrian infrastructure, most locals still rely on cars, making rising ownership costs hard to avoid.

By the numbers: The average monthly payment for a new car in Virginia is now $637, according to new data from car research site Edmunds.

• For an old one, it's $525.
• And Virginians buying a new truck can expect to pay an average of $908.

The big picture: Vehicle sticker prices have been climbing for years with many popular models now thousands of dollars more than they were a few years ago, Axios' Joann Muller reports.

• The average cost of a new vehicle nationwide hit a record high of $43,899 in the first quarter of the year, up by more than $2,000 since the same time last year, per Edmunds.
• As a result, car buyers are stretching their loan terms longer, to an average of nearly six years.

Stunning stat: Even with those longer terms, 20% of new car buyers now pay $1,000 a month — or more, per Edmunds.

The situation isn't much better for used cars.

• Inventory on used car lots fell to 40 days' supply in March, its lowest point this year, and though it rebounded slightly in April, it remains tight.
• That's pushing those prices up. The average price for a used vehicle in Q1 was $29,314, per Edmunds.

Yes, but: There's a silver lining for used-car owners. They're retaining more of their value for longer, according to CarFax.com.

• So if you can swing the payment for a new car, you'll likely be able to sell your old beater for more than you would have a few years ago.

Keep reading for what else is driving up costs

Two Richmond-area spots have landed on this year's list of Virginia's "most endangered" sites.

Why it matters: Preservation Virginia, the group behind the list, hopes to save the historically significant spaces at risk of being demolished or erased.

State of play: Sites significant to Black communities frequently make the group's endangered list — and this year is no exception.

• The same is true for sites important to the state's Indigenous history.

Zoom in: The Henrico birthplace of Chief Wahundsenacawh, better known as Chief Powhatan, could be lost if a proposed mixed-use development moves forward, says Preservation Virginia.

• The 523-acre site in Varina has sat largely vacant for decades. The latest plans call for thousands of new homes and more than 1 million square feet of retail space there.
• For Virginia's Indigenous communities and the state's recognized tribes, it's sacred land. They've united to push to save the site from development.

Meanwhile, development pressure also landed the historic Westwood neighborhood on the list.

• The historically Black Near West End neighborhood was founded by formerly enslaved Richmonders just after the Civil War.
• It's continued to be a thriving neighborhood for generations of Black Richmonders — many of whom passed down their single-family homes, per Preservation Virginia.
• Yes, but: The city's code refresh and the highly desirable Near West End ZIP code (where teardowns are concentrated) put the community at risk.

The bottom line: Getting on the nonprofit's list doesn't save a site, but the group hopes it raises awareness about the threat.

Go deeper

🤒 Gov. Spanberger signed legislation guaranteeing Virginia workers will get one hour paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked beginning in July 2027. (News release)

🦫 After a marathon meeting, Stafford County supervisors voted 5–2 this week to approve the controversial Buc-ee's travel center planned for just off of I-95. (FOX D.C.)

🥳 The city's drinking water scored 100% compliance with federal and state safety standards last year, per the Department of Public Utilities. (The Richmonder)

🌮 Flavor Hive, the viral walking taco food truck that was a temporary resident at The Park, is opening its brick and mortar location on Virginia Center Pkwy in Glen Allen today at 11am. (Instagram)

We've made it to Memorial Day weekend! Here's what to do if you're still in town.

Thursday

🚴‍♀️ Ever wanted to bike to work with the mayor? Meet at Chimborazo Park Circle at 7:30am to ride out with Mayor Avula at 8am to City Hall. Free.

🎨 Hear the stories behind the Jackson Ward murals with a walking tour starting at 325 N. 2nd St. 6-7:30pm. $20.

Friday

🥃 Tech For Troops is hosting a bourbon tasting and cigars event at the American Legion Post in Midlo. 5-10pm. Tickets start at $95 to benefit the nonprofit.

Saturday

😋 There's an Indian & Sri Lankan Food Festival at TPC Church in Glen Allen with live music. 11am-3pm. Free admission.

Sunday

🎶 Reggae Sunday is back at the Lilly Pad in Varina with Tom Leighton & Righteous Roots. 1-4pm. Free.

Full list with the Ardillas Voladoras, Sting and cheesesteaks

Fewer Virginians are expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to AAA.

Why it matters: "Economic uncertainty" and surging gas prices will keep thousands at home for the unofficial start of summer travel.

By the numbers: 1.21 million Virginians will head out of town for the long weekend, AAA predicts.

• That's about 3,000 fewer than last year.

Driving the news: Soaring gas and plane ticket prices due to the Iran war are to blame for the lackluster travel plans, per AAA.

• Yes, but: The Richmond airport expects to see about the same number of fliers this year as last, spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios.

If you are traveling, keep reading for the best times to hit the road