commute advice: crystal city to laurel (Alexandria, Fairfax: moving, commuting, best)

[fsmla3]

My partner (working in Fairfax) and I (working in Laurel) have been marathon flat-hunting over the past few days, and have found a lovely place in Crystal City.

However, I have reservations about the commute, as the straightest path for me seems to be to jump on 395 over to 295. 395, I have gathered from numerous research, is hell. Am I doomed? The lady showing us the flat suggested actually going down through Alexandria, then over to 295 via the Woodrow Wilson bridge. Would this actually be better?

Any advice appreciated. I'm very flexible as to time...would leaving past 0900 or obscenely early be any better?

[seldomseen]

This commute will be a certified crazy!! Regardless if you travel via the beltway, through the backroads of Maryland or through the District, this commute will be simply nasty! This doesn't mean it can't be done, or isn't done daily. Is moving closer a viable option for you? What about getting another job. This commute will destroy you within 30 days, I've known many folks that have tried making commutes similiar to this everyday by car--and they've all quit within a very short time frame. This commuting area your looking at is a nucleus of traffic going in every direction.

Good Luck!

[memiller]

Lousy commute. If you're going to do it, go over the Wilson Bridge is probably the best way. As the bridge is new and with fewer draw span openings, it's a lot better than the old days. Nothing is really good. However, if you're looking for the lifestyle that Crystal City offers, maybe you should consider Baltimore. It's a short trip to Laurel and while it's not as large as Crystal City (when you count Crystal City as part of DC) it has a lot to offer.

[fsmla3]

My partner is working in Fairfax, so Baltimore would be a bit of a trek for him, but thanks for the advice.

From downtown DC (17 and H NW) I've made my workplace in 20 minutes, so it's mainly the 3-mile 395 stretch from the Pentagon to before the split to 295 that I'm curious about.

Thanks again.