I-70 traffic and weather (Lakewood, Evergreen: budget, travel, job)

[Somantin]

I'm considering a job on the west side of Lakewood (near 6th and Union), and I was hoping to live somewhere like Idaho Springs or Empire. According to mapquest that's only a 30 minute drive, but I want to know how much of an effect traffic and weather would have on commute times?

How long of a commute would I really be looking at?

Thanks.

[FoRuMRideR420]

well winter u could have some tough drives mainly because of floyd hill ....snow storm could easily make it a hour drive instead of a half.....its tough to say tho

[Nav]

Idaho springs is a nice mountain town with prices starting around the high 300's for something "average". It also depends on where you choose to live. If you live in the actual town of Idaho springs, right on the interstate, then the commute will be much shorter. If you live up in the mountains and have dirt roads (pavement is rare in the mountains), plan on 8-10 minutes per mile commute time in the winter, 4-5 minutes per mile in summer. Add that to the 30 minute summer commute down 70 into town (1 hour during winter).
Also remember, mountain roads are not always county maintained so you may have to snow plow your own way to a cleared road. (Those that are maintained usually don't get plowed until after all the major arteries are done so that means they may not plow until 10:00 am or so.) Even if the roads are cleared, you will still have to clear your driveway before you can leave. (snow gets deep over night) Just factor in the cost of removal equipment and budget 30 minutes prior to your leaving to get the job done.

Lastly, 70 will come to a stand still Friday's starting around 2:00pm as people head to the mountains for the weekend. Same is true Sunday afternoons as they head back.

I don't want to dampen your spirits, but these are the realities of living in the mountains. This is why there are not massive communities there. Its a bit too inconvenient for most folks. But is it beautiful...ABSOLUTELY

If you are set on mountain living, you may want to look at Morrison and Indian hills. Same kind of feel, but a lot easier commute.

Nav

[Somantin]

Thanks for all the help.

I'll be travelling for work most of the time, so I actually would only have to make the commute a few times a month. An hour or even two is no big deal in that situation.

This is great news.

[BillRadio]

Originally Posted by Somantin

I was hoping to live somewhere like Idaho Springs or Empire. According to mapquest that's only a 30 minute drive, but I want to know how much of an effect traffic and weather would have on commute times?

How long of a commute would I really be looking at?

Now that we know your commute times are flexible, working in Lakewood and living in "the mountains" is a great opportunity. For a year I worked exactly the opposite of rush hour and it was a great experience. I-70 closes more often to people going home on a snowy afternoon who can't get up Mt vernon Canyon. Otherwise, it's not that big of a problem.

However, there are some really nice mountain communities to consider other than Idaho Springs and Empire. Lookout Mountain is beautiful, and to the north, Coal Creek Canyon and similar areas have some outstanding locations. You would also do well to look at the areas above Evergreen. Those developments are much nicer than Empire & I.S.