moving from Somerset to Cranford, NJ (Colonia: apartment, rent, construction)

[sali23]

Hello Guys,
I am relocating in NJ from Boston, MA in June and my new job location is in Cranford, NJ. If I would rent an apartment in Somerset how bad the traffic will be in the morning using I-287 S and then Garden State Pkw. Google is giving me 29 min during light traffic. the job timing is flexible b/w 8.30 to 9.30am. Thanks.

[amazin09]

29m doesn't sound likely for a work commute. You might spend most of that time on GSP itself.

[ieee488]

Traffic on I-287 in both directions and on GSP is bad at rush hour.

Just take a look at 511nj.org :: Home during the week to get an idea.

[slope95]

that isn't possible. look closer to cranford.

[captne76]

At that time of morning or during rush hour I would consider back roads. Might take 40 minutes, guessing, or so, maybe less, but you'd stay off the highways.

[Retriever]

I used to commute from Somerset to Colonia, via I-287 South and the GSP North.
In most cases, I was able to do the door-to-door trip in about 35 minutes, but when there was bad weather, or an accident, or road construction, obviously it took longer.

Given the fact that the GSP exits for Cranford are several miles north of the exit where I got off for Colonia, and also the reality that the heaviest traffic of the trip is on the GSP, I can't imagine that the OP would be able to do that commute in less than 45-50 minutes.

To be on the safe side, it would be best to assume that the commute would take about 1 hour, and on the days when it takes less time, then you would have time for a quick cup of coffee before beginning work.

[ansky]

Why not just rent an apartment in Cranford or a nearby town? Why Somerset?

[sali23]

Thanks for the comments guys. that was really helpful.

[sali23]

Hi Ansky, Actually they are newly built and very beautiful. Thought if the commute will be reasonable, I should be ok.

[captne76]

I still don't see that as a bad commute. I did the opposite about a decade ago and considered the commute nothing. Never gave it a second thought. Went down Rt 22 most of the time, not bothering with US1 the GSP, 287, etc.