Moving, commute from Santa Monica to Pasadena? (apartment, job)

[orion9000]

I have an offer to live in a dirt cheap rent control apartment in Santa Monica close to the beach and don't know how I can turn ti down. Problem is, I will be working in Pasadena. I've never even visited LA before but of course have heard the horror stories of the commutes and have heard estimates of this commute ranging anywhere from 45 minutes if I leave early enough (what time is early enough) versus an hour and 40 by google maps.

Besides telling me this commute is hell (though I'd like to hear that as well), can someone let me know a) how much this will realistically take if I am supposed to get into work by 8:30; and b) whether santa monica is as great a place to live as a I hear and that for this dirt cheap price I really can't turn it down.

Thanks, appreciate the help

[timelesschild]

Other than the beach, Pasadena can probably give Santa Monica a run for its money, I'm guessing. Pasadena is absolutely beautiful.

The first thing to do is, calculate your gas money for that commute and find out whether you are still saving money. If you are still coming out ahead, the second thing to do is check out Pasadena and Santa Monica, and see if you love Santa Monica enough to make the commute ok in your mind. Or see if you can find an equal job on the westside and cut the commute out altogether.

Enjoy!

[orion9000]

how long is the commute though, realistically

[CESpeed]

Mapquest has the commute at 30 min which means 1 hr. (10 to the 110) If you take the SM apt, Sigalert.com - Personalized Traffic Reports will be your best friend. There are other routes depending on your exact starting and ending points, but I'm thinking unless you want to get to work early, if you left by 7:00 - 7:30 you should okay. I would recommend taking a dry run on the weekend. Traffic is just as heavy so you'll geta pretty good idea. (DM me and I'll give you a 110 trick)