Sould I move to Princeton, and if so, where ?? (Princeton Junction: apartment complexes, home)

[clubmed]

Here is my dilemma. I currently live in Queens. Should I move to the Princeton area ? My current commute is 45 min to Manhattan in the morning (need to be at work by 7:00/7:30 am). My commute back home at 5:30 is about an hour to Queens. My BIG FEAR is the potential 2 hour commute each way. SO almost 4 hours a day in travel time!! Is this true ? If I move to Princeton, would it be best to live near the train station and/or Princeton University area ? If I live in the surrounding suburbs, how would I even manage to find parking in the morning -- sounds like its impossible. Thanks so much for any guidance !!!

[Viralmd]

You want to move to Princeton because....? You've not articulated WHY you'd consider this move. There is at LEAST a three year wait list for parking at the Princeton Junction train station. Yes, you'd have a LONG commute. Once you're off the train you have to get to the office. It's a potential schlep. And you'll just LOVE the cattle call for the trains every evening in Penn Station. As soon as the train is announced a wave of humanity rushes to the one gate to the train.

[leda77]

Regarding travel time:
The express train from Princeton Junction to NYPenn station would take 1 hour. Then you'd have to transfer to subway to get to wherever you work so it would take at least 1.5 hour door to door.

Regarding parking at Princeton Junction:
If you have to be at work THAT early, you may be able to find a daily parking spot at Princeton Junction (this is different from the parking permit that takes 3-5 years on the waiting list). I've heard that the daily spots fill up around 6:30am and it's $5/day. West Windsor Parking Authority

Other options would be living in apartment complexes that offer shuttle service to/from the train station and carpooling to the station.