How is the Commute between Redondo and Irvine? (Long Beach, Huntington Beach: safe area, living)

[JessLee]

Hi, I am moving from NYC with my boyfriend and I must work in LA while he is placed in Irvine. We were considering Redondo beach and was wondering if anyone can tell me about the commute from Redondo to Irvine. (i hope it wont be as bad as I think ; )

Jess

[dennismpat]

Originally Posted by JessLee

Hi, I am moving from NYC with my boyfriend and I must work in LA while he is placed in Irvine. We were considering Redondo beach and was wondering if anyone can tell me about the commute from Redondo to Irvine. (i hope it wont be as bad as I think ; )

Jess

Redondo Beach to Irvine is a LONG distance. I hate to tell you this, but the commute down the 405 going south in the morning, starting around the city of Westminster, can be absolutely nightmarish. I speak from experience, because I live near Long Beach and used to work in Irvine, in 2005. On average, it took me an hour and 15 minutes to drive to work on the 405 south, because it was one huge parking lot starting around Westminster and not letting up until you get past the 55 freeway.

Have you considered moving to someplace more central, like perhaps Long Beach, Seal Beach or Huntington Beach? It sounds like you want to be near the ocean, which is why I suggested these three cities.

[JessLee]

If he leaves at 6 am - will the commute still be terrible?. Are there any loopholes to get around it.

[Josh22]

i'm not sure how the traffic is at 6 am... some others on the board might know though.

but if you can manage to get on the freeway when there isnt much traffic, then the drive should only take about 35 mins or so (according to yahoo driving directions). It could be less, or it could be more, just depending on how the traffic is.. If you're able to drive the speedlimit or more the entire trip, then yeh it'll take 35 mins or so to drive just like yahoo directions say.

But if you're stuck in grid-lock traffic, then yeh, it can take an hour or more depending how bad the traffic is.

[bigdaddy5]

The only answer would be carpooling. You can take the carpool lane which is a lot faster if you can find someone to drive with.

[RobE]

The 405 is the busiest freeway in the world. That isn't opinion, it's fact and how long your commute would be from Redondo, which is indeed a long way, will depend on the number of accidents. And even if it rains just a little bit things get really screwy. It could vary from maybe, what, 75 minutes to two hours one way? So pack the Tylenol, it will be a headache and the hot days will make it even less fun. Irvine is the best living environment for the two of you, though. Look into Cypress. That might be a good compromise for you. Just be selective about the neighborhood you move into. Maybe LaMirada?

[dennismpat]

Originally Posted by JessLee

If he leaves at 6 am - will the commute still be terrible?. Are there any loopholes to get around it.

Leaving at 6:00 a.m. shouldn't be TOO bad. He could probably get to Irvine in an hour or less, under optimal conditions. As someone else said, if it's raining (usually during the winter months) or if there are any accidents, it will, of course, take longer.

The only other alternative route I can suggest would be to take the 91 Freeway east to the 5 south. The drive time going that way may be slightly better.

[NaplesRes]

I would try to live in Belmont Shore, Naples, or Seal Beach. if you can afford it. It's central to Redondo and Irvine. They are nice, safe areas with walkability to shops / eateries and non cookie cutter housing.

[RAMFEB31]

Originally Posted by dennismpat

Leaving at 6:00 a.m. shouldn't be TOO bad. He could probably get to Irvine in an hour or less, under optimal conditions. As someone else said, if it's raining (usually during the winter months) or if there are any accidents, it will, of course, take longer.

The only other alternative route I can suggest would be to take the 91 Freeway east to the 5 south. The drive time going that way may be slightly better.

Boy am I glad U poor guys/dolls are doing the 405 parking lot instead of me. I've remember carpooling to Redondo in the days when the G.G. Freeway (#22) end at Valley View/Bolsa Chica. It was crowd then. We would try everything like taking Carson or wind around the refinery in all the surface streets. There were not any car pool lane then. Wouldn't bullet trains be nice?

[rustikens]

Originally Posted by NaplesRes

I would try to live in Belmont Shore, Naples, or Seal Beach. if you can afford it. It's central to Redondo and Irvine. They are nice, safe areas with walkability to shops / eateries and non cookie cutter housing.

DON"T DO THE COMMUTE YOU WILL GO INSANE. I agree with the quote above. Naples/Belmont shore is more fun, too!