early/late commute on the 91 (Anaheim, Orange: house, buying, quality of life)

[Wesleytf]

What's the commute look like from Corona to Orange, needing to arrive in orange (where the 22 hits the 5) by 6:40am? Going the other way would be leaving around 7:45pm. Would the fastrak be worthwhile this early/late, or will traffic be somewhat manageable at these times? I looked at google's timed traffic reports and it doesn't look too bad around these times, but I figured I'd get some real perspective. Driving it during the middle of the day with minimal traffic wasn't bad at all--took me less than 30 min.


(I wasn't sure whether to put this in the OC or the riverside forum, but since we're currently OC residents and the work is in OC, I figured I'd post it here, mods, feel free to move if necessary).

[ocexpo]

Wow, that is a really long day (6 am to 8 pm). Looking out my window right now in Anaheim Hills (can see the 91 freeway at a distance) it is moving very smoothly (at 7:57 pm).

[Wesleytf]

only three days a week...

[RobE]

From Corona to Orange at around 6 a.m. can be a real nightmare on the 91. Rush hour there begins around 5-5:30 a.m. (I've done that commute. Once took me 45 minutes to get from Main to Green River, a rather short distance).

Going back to Corona after 7 p.m. shouldn't be too bad. You must avoid it, though, anytime between 3-6 p.m., when it gets horrendous again.

[Wesleytf]

so maybe fastrak on the way in only? what's that commute look like with fastrak around 6am?

[ocexpo]

Why don't you just look in OC? What type of budget do you have and what are you looking for? Your commute will ruin your life. You really should consider less of a house...it is worth the increased quality of life.

[Wesleytf]

Our budget (under 300,000) only affords areas that everyone on this board typifies as 'lousy,' but I'm still looking. Three days a week a 45 min commute wouldn't be the end of the world.

[flo2900]

Originally Posted by Wesleytf

Our budget (under 300,000) only affords areas that everyone on this board typifies as 'lousy,' but I'm still looking. Three days a week a 45 min commute wouldn't be the end of the world.

Stay in OC. I bought a house in Corona in December. After one month absolutely hated it. Sold the house in 45 days and came back to OC. Corona and the whole IE is just not worth it. Wait about 2 years and you should be able to find something reasonable in your buget by then in OC.

[OCteach]

My family and I are moving to Corona - double the house for 300k. I plan on taking the Metrolink to Buena Park. You should look into it. There are shuttles in the Anaheim area. Are you going to be working at one of the hospitals? You should ask your company about commuting by train. I too have odd hours but I just don't want to put the miles on my car. Also, gas prices are creeping up again. I wish you luck - I think that we are buying at the right time out there - the market will go back up and we will make money. We plan on paying off our house in 15 to 20 years - that will help too. Good Luck!

[Coldjensens]

The 91 will be horrid on many Fridays after 3 pm until around 10 or 11 pm as well. Riding metrolink is great for a lot of reasons,but if you work odd hours,watch the schedule. Times are rather limited.