Commute from Chestnut Hill to Malvern - thoughts? (Philadelphia, Lancaster: construction, to live in)

[spudbiker]

Hello all,

My wife and I might relocate to Philadelphia. If so, we have agreed to live in Chestnut Hill - we have been there several times and love it for a bunch of reasons. I might have a job opportunity in Malvern. I am wondering what that commute would be like - mapquest says 20 miles, 32 minutes (depending on options), but I don't know things like: how bad is traffic/construction on Route 202, 76 West, part of PA Turnpike if that makes more sense, Ridge Pike/Plymouth Meeting area during rush hour, etc, etc. So if you have nay advice or thoughts on this, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by spudbiker

Hello all,

My wife and I might relocate to Philadelphia. If so, we have agreed to live in Chestnut Hill - we have been there several times and love it for a bunch of reasons. I might have a job opportunity in Malvern. I am wondering what that commute would be like - mapquest says 20 miles, 32 minutes (depending on options), but I don't know things like: how bad is traffic/construction on Route 202, 76 West, part of PA Turnpike if that makes more sense, Ridge Pike/Plymouth Meeting area during rush hour, etc, etc. So if you have nay advice or thoughts on this, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!

Your best bet is to stay on the highways. The back roads may look enticing but trust me you'll regret taking them. I was on Lancaster Pike today from Wynnewood and by the time I got to Villanova(4 miles away) I wanted to kill myself. Lancaster Pike is just as bad if not worse from Villanova to Malvern. Lancaster Ave is a nightmare to commute on, avoid at all cost.

Germantown Pike -left on Crescent-Right on Ridge-left on 476(blue rt.)-Right on 76(Schuylkill Exp)-To 202 South to Malvern.

[Ohiogirl81]

Anytime anyone around here tells me how long it will take from point A to point B, I add at least another minute per mile. Seems to work.

The route Rainrock suggested is a good one, but it will take you at least 20 minutes to get from Chestnut Hill to I-476. Depending on where you locate in Chestnut Hill, you might want to avoid Germantown Avenue and hop on Stenton Avenue instead. The intersection of I-76 and 202 gums up at times during rush hour, especially when trucks overturn in the exit lanes. 202 south to Malvern is usually a breeze, compared to the other freeways around here.

[spudbiker]

Thank you both - I appreciate your help. Lancaster Ave./Route 30 certainly has become very congested compared to when I lived in the area 15 years ago - certainly to be avoided for a commute. I tend to agree about staying off back roads - usually takes longer. Having said that, any thoughts on Bells Mill to Ridge to Barren Hill to Matsonford to Upper Gulph? Don't know if these are busy roads loaded with stop lights or decent back roads less congested. Thanks again.