Long Beach to Costa Mesa Commute (Huntington Beach, Irvine: law school, place to live, law)

[Thompsonusc]

My fiance is going to law school in costa mesa and I work in downtown LA. We're trying to figure out a good in-between place to live. We are currently in Newport Beach and the 2 hour door to door commute for me is starting to take its toll.

We were thinking about moving to Belmont Shores/Downtown Long Beach, however we're a bit concerned about the southbound traffic to Costa Mesa. Does anybody have any experience with this route during peak (700am-800am) and off-peak (later than 800am)?

Thanks in advance!!

[EscapeCalifornia]

You'll definitely be going with traffic it won't be fun. I wouldn't consider after 8:00a to be off peak. You'll have to wait at least another hour to see big any drop in volume.

[dougnaie]

This is a tough commute. It is not far in miles, but a pain because of the traffic for sure. You would have to go either later or earlier, and even that is not guarantee. Long Beach is a nice middle ground however. Everywhere you go has a bad commute - that is just CA reality.

[dennismpat]

Definitely NOT a fun commute, going from Long Beach to Costa Mesa. My last job was in Irvine and it took on average an hour and 15 minutes coming from Lakewood (I had to be at work at 8:00 a.m.). The 405 southbound is an absolute parking lot starting in Westminster (sometimes even around the 605/22/405 split in Seal Beach) and not letting up until you get past John Wayne Airport. The southbound 405 doesn't start getting back to freeway speeds until after 9:00-9:30 a.m. Sorry, but that's just the way it is!

[NaplesRes]

Totally disagree. Just don't take the 405 freeway. If you go down PCH, left on 17th (in Huntington), and then left on Adams, you can be in Costa Mesa within 30 minutes.

[wealthtrader]

Yeah I agree with the last poster. There's really nothing bad if you avoid the freeway until you're on pch in LBC.

[dennismpat]

Originally Posted by NaplesRes

Totally disagree. Just don't take the 405 freeway. If you go down PCH, left on 17th (in Huntington), and then left on Adams, you can be in Costa Mesa within 30 minutes.

I wonder how many other Long Beach area residents know of this route? I'm not sure if this would have worked with my last job in Irvine. What do you think? Have you ever driven this route that far?

This could also apply to Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley residents who happen to work out that way---and there are A LOT of them who do.

[allgood]

Originally Posted by dennismpat

I wonder how many other Long Beach area residents know of this route? I'm not sure if this would have worked with my last job in Irvine. What do you think? Have you ever driven this route that far?

This could also apply to Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley residents who happen to work out that way---and there are A LOT of them who do.

I take this route everyday, my friend, and have to agree. I signed up to reply just to save you the grief. I live off Redondo and 2nd and used to work in Irvine [ By the Spectrum ] ....now Harbor and 405 and still take PCH to Beach to Adams to Harbor. Such a less stressful trip. The flow is the same everyday , NO 405 and I get to see the ocean. I will NEVER sit on the 405 again ! Hallelujah! Happy Holidays !

[WC44]

Agree with previous! Saves LOTS of time, and something about Huntington Beach with all those beautiful waves (something we Long Beach natives never see!) has a positive effect on my road rage. PCH is a very viable alternative to the fwy. Would NOT recommend LB to Costa Mesa via 405 in the morning. I have definitely wanted to shoot myself on THAT commute!