Commute from Rochester to Downtown Detroit? (Warren, Rochester Hills: home, theater, university)

[248Resident]

Hi All,

I'm looking to live in Downtown Rochester (Near Main and University), but my new job may be in Downtown Detroit. I know it wouldn't be an ideal commute by any stretch of the imagination, but is it doable? I know that Rochester Rd. south to I-75 will likely be a nightmare, but has anyone personally made this commute that would have an estimate of how long it could take? Thank you.

[animatedmartian]

It's a straight shot so that part is good, but at worse it would be an hour. Obviously a lot longer in bad winter weather.

[DTWflyer]

During typical peak rush-hour periods, plan on an hour. Sometimes more with accidents, ice, snow. Could easily be 1.5 hours in bad weather.

Outside of peak rush-hour, could be doable in 45 minutes.

Also consider total door-to-door time. Depends on how close you will be parking to your office downtown.

[belleislerunner]

You can do it - but is the cost/benefit of living that far in the sticks/commuting worth it? I'd focus on Grosse Pointe. Enjoy life - you only have one to live.

[reppin_the_847]

My recommendation would depend on the OP's family situation. If the OP doesn't have a family to raise quite yet, I'd go with a place like Royal Oak or Ferndale. Certainly a lot more to do than Grosse Pointe, and not as far out a commute as Rochester. Also, the Detroit border with these areas is not as rough as the eastern border of Detroit with Grosse Pointe Park.

Farmington may also be worth considering.

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

You can do it - but is the cost/benefit of living that far in the sticks/commuting worth it? I'd focus on Grosse Pointe. Enjoy life - you only have one to live.

[djmilf]

Originally Posted by 248Resident

I know that Rochester Rd. south to I-75 will likely be a nightmare...

Take that nightmare and multiply it by three.

There are serious slow downs on I-75 at both the Big Beaver Road exits and at the stretch from just above the I-696 interchange to roughly the 8 Mile exits. That last bit has more to do with a sharp curve on I-75 at 9 mile that has a max posted speed of only 50 mph.

[snoopygirlmi]

Why, specifically, do you want to live in Rochester if you work in Downtown Detroit?

Do those reasons justify driving that commute 5 days/week and being in a car for nearly 2 hours a day? (in near perfect conditions)

Rochester Road is a nightmare going south in the morning and north at night.

At least in the am, there's flow because not everyone leaves for work at the same time. However, the pm going north can be a standstill at times.

When we lived in Rochester Hills, my husband never considered getting a job in Downtown Detroit because the commute is just insane and it would cut into what little family time we already had.

Just say no. Live close to where you work.

I'd look at Royal Oak or Ferndale if you want to stay in Oakland County.

[Chawk37]

Late message, I know. Hope you decided against Rochester. I live in Rochester. Worked in downtown Detroit for three years. Easily the worst three years of my life. Forget an hour drive each way. My commute was 25 miles. Never took less than an hour fifteen. Easily 2-3 hours on the way home if there was rain, snow, wind, or if the damn Tigers had a 1 pm home game.

[Bimmerfanboy]

The Rochester area is a great place to live but like everybody else is saying I'd be wary if you have to commute to downtown every day. Most people who I knew when I lived in Rochester worked for GM/Chrysler or a supplier so their commutes to Warren/Auburn Hills were reasonable.

[Cliffie]

I would suggest St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, or the Grosse Pointes to make your commute much easier. You will also be close to civilization -- a zillion restaurants, theaters, stores.