Ortega Hwy commute times from Murrieta-MissionViejo?

[Soccersupporter]

Originally Posted by AWE

Hi, I am trying to figure out how to move back to So Cal. My family (including two kids; 3 and 5 ) live in Washington and my husband can relocate back to his job in Mission Viejo. But it looks like the only place to buy a home in our price range is the Murrieta area. So, getting to the point. How long is the commute / travel times using the Ortega hwy from Murrieta areas to Mission Viejo areas? I wish I could do the drive myself, but we can't get down there for a while. And curiosity is killing me! Thanks in advance

Before moving to Texas we considered Temecula, in the winery area. I tried the commute a couple of time through Ortega Highway and it is way to dangerous. I highly recommend not doing that. It is a nice drive on a beautiful weekend with the top down but as a commute it is not only brutal but very dangerous.

[AWE]

Yes, I think you may be right about Vista, I am going to look into that commute.

I also had to reply to your interest in moving to the Seattle area. For us it was not the best decision. The weather really took a toll on all of us in a lot of areas in our lives. It didn't really hit us how bad the weather was until we endured our the 9th month of wintery weather. But, we then had a great beautiful summer (which was apparently rare) and THEN we had another 9 month winter! (not much snow, but dismal, and cold!) We still are struggling to make friends too after 3 years here! Normally I'd say this seems about right, but when we moved to Rancho Santa Margarita, we made close friendships with in 2 months! We think that's due to the "Seattle Freeze" attitudes you encounter and a lot of people hibernating. Oh, I could go on and on, but I know to each his own. I do know a few people who are fine and quite happy here too, even one from San Diego! At least for our family, the lack of sidewalks, paved walking trails, outdoor/indoor amusement parks, etc was a shock to us. We now know that yes, weather really does matter, for us. It can determine how people behave, what services, and attractions are available, etc. The grass wasn't greener here for us, JUST WETTER! I guess we are SPOLIED California's to the core! Just some food for thought.

[socal359]

My wife just read this and is kind of losing interest in the PNW, I have always loved it but never stayed longer than a few days. Just tired of the struggle here in CA but constant dreary weather I think will get to us. Thanks for shareing.

[kturbe]

Some other areas to consider down in San Diego are Fallbrook, San Marcos, Vista and you could also check out Corona.

[trmc2007]

I live in Wildomar and commute daily through Ortega Hwy to Fashion Island where I work.

My route is Grand Ave to Ortega Hwy, catch the 5 North to the 73 South, Exit at El Toro I pay a $1.75 Toll (fast track)and take El Toro to 133 to PCH.

Now I begin my drive at 6am and arrive around 7:30am. I used to take the 73 all the way to Bison, but that was a $10.00 a day toll 5.00 to go and $5.00 to head back- after being gouged $260.00 a month automatically by the Toll Roads computer assesment system that has this "system" TO ANTI UP your debit fees... I chose the route above, and love it. Anyway to make a long story short.. TO live in CAli you have to commute if you want to live in a nice area and also make good money.

Keep in mind Cal Trans is doing this major overhaul of Ortega and its flagged for 1 way traffic and your wait can be up to 20 min.. I take a book LOL. However based on taking the 15 to the 91 to the 241/261 to Fashion Island..and tolls being as high at 30.00 a day for to and from. I highly Prefer Ortega. It is dangerous to those that do not drive it correctly, driving to fast is just as dangerous as those that drive it to slow and are to stupid and egotistical to pull over in the turn outs.

Here is the facts..... Fullerton a 1200sq foot home $625.k Wildomar new home 3800 sq ft $300k my houseing development is small, backes up to CNF and has property-I wouldnt trade it for anything.

Commuting is a personal choice but I would never live in Temecula as it has been over built, and traffic galore even on weekends. I rarely if ever venture that way. Murrieta is next door and also very built in some areas. Now is the time to buy, I suggest Woodmore, DR Horton, Bear Creek, developments off Grand or Clinton Keith or Baxter.