Alpharetta to Downtown Traffic (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: home, construction, to live in)

[AOYAS]

Hi. My husband and I are interested in moving to Atlanta, specifically Alpharetta, but we are very concerned about the commute from Alpharetta. We will be working downtown, in either CNN Tower or one of the local news stations. Our hours will most likely be "off-peak" (2pm - 11pm, or similar). I know that traffic from Alpharetta to downtown can be horrendous during rush hour(s), but what about non-peak hours? If we work from 2-11pm or even 11am to 8 pm, would we have to deal with horrible traffic everyday, or would it not be so bad a commute for us?

When are the "rush hours" in Atlanta? We used to live in LA, where rush hour is from 5:30am - 11pm. LOL. Is it that bad in the north suburbs of ATL?

How about weekends? Is traffic terrible on the weekends (on the north side of the city), too, or just during the normal "work week"?

Lastly, I realize that the MARTA doesn't go all the way up to Alpharetta, but would it be possible to drive from home to the closest MARTA station (what station would that be?), and then take the rail the rest of the way into town, to bypass the traffic? Or would the time it takes to do that, just equal the time it would take to sit in the traffic on the freeways, anyway?

I truly appreciate any insight anyone can give me...we're really worried about the traffic, but we're not sure if it would affect us, with an off-peak work schedule. THANKS!!!

[sweettea1]

Off-peak is doable from Alpharetta to downtown or CNN Center. Rush hour on 400 typically begins around 6:30/7 am and is done by 9:30 then picks up again in the afternoon, around 3:30/4 until around 7. It does get pretty bad during those hours but for the most part stays within set periods of time. Fridays seem to be worse and afternoon traffic can start as early as 3 but still, it's not like LA.
You could also park and ride at the Northridge/Dunwoody Marta Stop. There is actually an exit just for that station right off of 400. It's definitely worth giving a try.
Good luck with your move. Alpharetta is beautiful and 400 is not as bad as the 405 by any means.

[lastminutemom]

There are also park and rides further up 400 where you park, get on a bus and then go to the MARTA station. CNN Center has its own MARTA stop, so that part is convienent.

Weekends are generally ok, barring road construction or wrecks. Construction is announced and planned for, not so much for wrecks of course.

[jeweloflight]

Originally Posted by AOYAS

Hi. My husband and I are interested in moving to Atlanta, specifically Alpharetta, but we are very concerned about the commute from Alpharetta. We will be working downtown, in either CNN Tower or one of the local news stations. Our hours will most likely be "off-peak" (2pm - 11pm, or similar). I know that traffic from Alpharetta to downtown can be horrendous during rush hour(s), but what about non-peak hours? If we work from 2-11pm or even 11am to 8 pm, would we have to deal with horrible traffic everyday, or would it not be so bad a commute for us?

When are the "rush hours" in Atlanta? We used to live in LA, where rush hour is from 5:30am - 11pm. LOL. Is it that bad in the north suburbs of ATL?

How about weekends? Is traffic terrible on the weekends (on the north side of the city), too, or just during the normal "work week"?

Lastly, I realize that the MARTA doesn't go all the way up to Alpharetta, but would it be possible to drive from home to the closest MARTA station (what station would that be?), and then take the rail the rest of the way into town, to bypass the traffic? Or would the time it takes to do that, just equal the time it would take to sit in the traffic on the freeways, anyway?

I truly appreciate any insight anyone can give me...we're really worried about the traffic, but we're not sure if it would affect us, with an off-peak work schedule. THANKS!!!

With that 2pm-11pm, you'll be fine. The 11am-8pm might be kinda tricky going to downtown, but o.k. coming back. Rush hour should be over by the time you're heading south on 400, but I've been surprised before, where at 10am it's kinda sluggish. It's nothing like L.A., believe me! You won't be in a parking lot like you were on the 405 or the 10. Atlanta traffic is better, in that you do have windows of time where traffic actually flows quite nicely. Friday afternoons/evenings are the worst though. Rush hour starts at 1:30pm and ends at 10pm!! LOL The weekends only get hectic like the previous poster said with construction and accidents, but mostly is good.

The closest marta to Alpharetta is at the Dunwoody/Sandy Springs Station. Or you could do the park and ride option. Leave your car in a parking lot in Alpharetta, hop on a bus with other commuters and head to the city. Or drive down to Marta at Dunwoody, leave your car, and ride the train in. But your working hours really put you in a position where I don't even think taking the shuttle or train is even necessary; it's off-peak hours, you'll make equally as good time if not better just driving it all the way in and back. Good Luck, and welcome to our city.

[Jomaark]

I love Marta and wish it came to Alpharetta but I would be careful coming home on Marta after dark. Not too many people would be on the train and the parking lots are often deserted. I would drive.

[Yeorwned]

Commute time during rush hour ends up averaging one hour to downtown. Rain can easily double your commute time. With light traffic, the commute time is 35 minutes. Hope that helps.