this figures! (commute from Columbia to McLean, VA (Baltimore, Greenbelt: job, house)

[hairmetal4ever]

I got a job last year in Baltimore, and my wife works in DC, so we decided on the lovely community of Columbia to live. We JUST BOUGHT a house here.

So now, things at my job are shaky, and I might take another job - but it's in McLean, VA. My wife thinks that won't be the greatest commute but it won't be any worse than her commute into downtown Washington from Columbia.

I don't mind a long commute but I don't want to drive 2 hrs or anything! Is it doable?

We can't exactly sell the place we just bought in this market, but figured if I took the new job, we'd hang tight in Columbia for a couple years then relocate to Loudon or Fairfax County, VA.

[dkf747]

I think 2 hours is unlikely on vmost days, but it will happen on occasion.

[sirc625]

Originally Posted by dkf747

I think 2 hours is unlikely on vmost days, but it will happen on occasion.

Commuting from Columbia, MD to McLean, VA. One word...HORRID!

[vwfan]

Depending on the time you leave, i'd guess 1 hr 15 - 1 hr 30 mins. 95S->495->Chain Bridge Rd.

[Joykins]

My brother goes from Burtonsville to McLean. I gather he drives through DC rather than take the Beltway, but it is a hefty commute.

[itlchick]

Check out Google Maps

Says it will be 1 hr 10 min in traffic.

You can always leave super early (5:30) and it will be shorter.

[SilverDragon]

Noooooo. Don't do it if you don't have to. 1 1/2 minumum, 2 hours possible. And remeber if there isa crisis on the Beltway there aren't alternate routes - you must cross water! If you're the sort of person that likes leaving at 5am it might work for you. But still then, rush hour there atrts at 3:30 because so many people do that too!

Downtown DC from Columbia of course can take just as long, but you're on the train, so it's much less stressful. Except when the train breaks and leaves all the passengers on the side of the track between Greenbelt and Laurel.