Truth about I-83 commute from PA to MD Please! (Harrisburg: home, live)

[cware]

Hello. We are concidering moving to the York area (around exit 24 off of I-83). My hubby would still have to commute to MD, Columbia area, each day for work. The housing prices there are great and we think it seems like a wonderful opportunity for us.

However, I need some truthful input about the drive. On a Sunday, it took about 1 hr and 10 minutes. We are wondering what it is really like during the week though.

Please give some input and help with our decision.

Thanks!

[dickens]

I used to do a reverse commute from Cockeysville to Harrisburg. 83S is a parking lot during the morning/evening (83N) commute. I would zip by on the north bound lanes watching the south lanes stacked for miles! Reverse in the evening.

You are not going to get a true sense of the situation on a Sunday. I suggest doing a weekday rehearsal commute and then decide if "cheap" housing is worth the daily irritation.

[talk2u]

I moved to York from Maryland and also live off of exit 24. Currently, I commute to Bethesda. I used to commute to Columbia and it would take about 1 hour and 15 mins. Granted I left home at around 6:15am. I think if he leaves home any time before 6:45, he'll be fine. Any time after that and I think the traffic gets a little heavier as you travel further down I-83. I would suggest leaving early and getting off early or leave later (around 9:30/10am) and leave work later to avoid the rush.

Even though it now takes me two hours to drive to Bethesda, I'd take this commute any day over commuting within the DC metro area. It used to take me almost the same amount of time to travel within DC than it does traveling to PA.

Good luck with your decision!