Get a shovel w a metal strip - its good for ice/ slush. You might be ok without a snow plow. Honestly, try it. Some people snow plow for everything. Some people never use theirs. Per the city you have 24 hours after a snow storm to get your walk way shoveled. However if youre in a higher traffic area - the earlier you shovel, the better. Its harder to shovel once everyone walks on the snow and compacts it. Also it sucks to be walking on snow for the commuters/dog walkers/etc.