Stillwater to St. Louis Park commute: too much? (Plymouth, Roseville: apartment, townhome)

[northstar22]

I have a quick question for you guys. I currently live in Plymouth and work in St. Louis Park. I live in an apartment now but I'm looking at getting some form of house/townhome next year. I've spent some time in the Stillwater area and really like that town, especially the historic small-town feel and the beautiful hills around the St. Croix River. I'd love to live there, but my main concern is the commute. I'm no stranger to long commutes and don't mind them at all: I commuted from Niles, MI to Battle Creek, MI for school last year (80 miles one way). However, that was without any form of traffic. I know 394 and 94 are like death during rush hour (especially headed east), and 694 isn't much better. Is there any decent way to get from Stillwater to SLP (and back) without enduring horrific traffic?

[golfgal]

Helicopter???

Can you go to work at an off time, like start work at 7 or 9 so you are on the roads either early or late for rush hour? 36 to 35 to 394 in off times wouldn't be horrible, not great but not horrible. If you have to commute during peak times, I wouldn't want to do that commute. My BIL used to work in Golden Valley and his commute from the north Hill in Stillwater to his office was 40 minutes leaving at 6:30 am if that gives you a point of reference.

[nick is rulz]

short answer: no.

[MN55]

Yes that's hard as it is. Throw in any form of traffic and in no way would it be enjoyable.

I can't blame you for loving Stillwater though - it's a sweet town.

[krillbee]

Many folks in Stillwater like to take Hwy 36 into the city because it's direct, but the funny part is that it is usually pretty congested around rush hour. I live in Roseville so I get to see all this backed up traffic as I cross the bridges over 36 and it gives me a bit of a chuckle.

[northstar22]

I actually work from 7:30 - 4 instead of 9 - 5, if that helps at all. I don't mind long commutes, I just need a way around the traffic. 36 sounds like it might be a good way to take. Surface streets?

[krillbee]

Originally Posted by flyingwriter

I actually work from 7:30 - 4 instead of 9 - 5, if that helps at all. I don't mind long commutes, I just need a way around the traffic. 36 sounds like it might be a good way to take. Surface streets?

Unfortunately, there really aren't many good surface streets to get across that far. I would just count on it being slow.

Actually, I just remembered 96 might not be a bad option to get to 35w, if you don't mind going north a bit. Another option would be to take Hennepin/Larpenter for a ways. I don't think the snarl on 36 is as bad once you get east of 35E, but getting from 35W to 35E is the trick.

[MN55]

You could take 36 all the way to 694, take 694 south one mile to Hwy 5, go west a mile on hwy 5, and then get on larpenteur at its far eastern point (right next to Hill-Murray HS) and take this all the way until it turns into Hennipen and goes into downtown Mpls. Then find your way to St Louis Park from there.

[knke0204]

Maaaaybbee... If you love your vehicle....

[Cruz Azul Guy]

A better suggestion might be to continue living near St. Louis Park and visit Stillwater on weekends. As a compromise, what are your thoughts on Hopkins and Excelsior? They both kind of have the small town vibe going on.