Commute question: home in Golden, work in DTC (Center: rental, new house)

[stricklandia]

We're considering a home in Golden, and I have a potential job opportunity in the Tech Center. That to me sounds like a crappy commute, from what I've been able to determine. Looking for feedback and suggestions to help me determine whether this is even worth considering.

- The most direct route—6 east to 25 south—seems like it could have nightmare rush hour traffic.
- I tried 6 south to 470 south (east) to 285 east, then south on Broadway and east on Arapahoe. This took 40 minutes without traffic (and, coincidentally, hitting mostly green lights on the surface streets).
- Would the long way around—6 south to 470 south (east) to 25 north—be as bad or worse as the 6/25 route?
- Any better options? Is this simply a bad commute no matter what?

[2bindenver]

Which would be easier a new job or a new house?

[stricklandia]

That's an impossible (or very difficult) question to answer. But by way of answering, I guess I'd take the house (a rental) over the job (if offered). The job "bites" I've been getting seem greater in quantity than the number of suitable rental houses we've found, and the job itself would be a contract (read: temporary) position.

Having said that, though, I'm willing to bite the bullet for awhile if needed (especially since it would be a temp job), so am just wondering if there are any relatively less painful routes, or if it's just a bad commute no matter how you slice it.

[ironlady]

It's probably going to be a tough commute if you're going during rush hour. I know for a fact your third option will be tough as well, since 470 backs up both ways during rush hour.

[davidv]

If you can arrange for an early schedule things could be better. A 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM schedule would keep you out of most traffic.

[SkyDog77]

That is quite a haul, but I have friends who commute from Golden to CU Med Center because they love living in Golden so much.

I take it this means you're thinking of staying? Good stuff!

[Indigo Cardinal]

Would the light rail be a viable option for you?

[davidv]

Originally Posted by Indigo Cardinal

Would the light rail be a viable option for you?

I thought of this too, but when I put the Jeffco Govt - Arapahoe Station commute into the RTD trip planner, it came back with a total time of 1 hour and 24 min. Add commute time to the station and to work, that is almost two hours.

[Indigo Cardinal]

Originally Posted by davidv

I thought of this too, but when I put the Jeffco Govt - Arapahoe Station commute into the RTD trip planner, it came back with a total time of 1 hour and 24 min. Add commute time to the station and to work, that is almost two hours.

Ouch. Yeah, that's not a good idea.

[stricklandia]

Originally Posted by davidv

I thought of this too, but when I put the Jeffco Govt - Arapahoe Station commute into the RTD trip planner, it came back with a total time of 1 hour and 24 min. Add commute time to the station and to work, that is almost two hours.

I did the same thing (with the same result).

So with the reality that it'll be bad no matter what, which route would be the least of the multiple evils? (apart from adjusting work schedule times, if possible)

Thanks, all!