Can we live in Dos Lagos, Corona and commute to MONROVIA?? (Los Angeles: how much, new home)

[egyptianheidi]

Hi-

My husband and I are considering a move from rainy Seattle to So. California. He has a very promising job offer in Irvine. We've driven during traffic on a recent visit, and have spoken with several people who have said that with the toll roads, he should make it to Irvine in 45 minutes...

BUT, I need to commute to Monrovia. Although I can probably work at home a few days a week, I need to know if this would be a practical commute? How long would it take from Dos Lagos to Monrovia? Is there any public transportation or toll roads?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

-EH

[SoCal Person]

A commute from Dos Lagos to Monrovia would not be very nice at all. The 15 freeway has become more or less like a parking lot during the day. Thousands of homes have been built south of Corona, with the only access being the 15 freeway. (Unless you count the jammed small roads that run parallel to the freeway.) After being on the 15, you'd head west towards the Monrovia area on the 10 freeway, or up to the 210 freeway to head west. Those two freeways are also very jammed during rush hour. The simple fact is that too many homes have been built in the inland area's outlying spots (like Dos Lagos) without adequate infrastructure.

I would guess that a commute from Corona to Monrovia would take well over an hour during rush hour. I would allow 90 minutes if it were me. Personally it wouldn't be a commute I would care to make. My husband has commuted for years and it is quite draining, really. Let me give an example. He often times drives from his job in Chino to Los Angeles. I think it's only about 30 miles or less, mileage wise. It takes him two hours to do it.

I also don't think your husband could make it to Irvine in 45 minutes during rush hour. I think 70 minutes is a more realistic figure, giving that the 91 west is again like a parking lot during rush hour.

I don't mean to be negative at all, so forgive me if I sound that way. Just trying to be realistic with you. My niece recently moved just about five miles south of Dos Lagos, and her husband works in Ontario right near the 15 and 60 freeway junction. It takes him two hours to get home on Friday evening, and a normal drive home is well over one hour for him. Monrovia is a lot further away than that!

You can get more for your money perhaps in South Corona, but I would choose an area like Diamond Bar or even Chino Hills if I were you. That way you'd be midway between the two jobs, and not in this terrible inland empire traffic.

In the end you have to decide how much time you are willing to lose each day in traffic. We've looked at gorgeous, reasonably priced brand new homes in the outlying areas but for us it's not worth the time spent sitting on the 15 freeway to get to them. For some people it is worth it completely to have a brand new home. You just have to decide what's worth more to you.

Good luck!

[egyptianheidi]

Hi SoCal-

Thanks for the advice! We've looked at homes in Chino Hills, but it would be about 45 miles to my office! Would that be worth it just to avoid 15? I would still need to be on 91 West I believe...

How about lilving somewhere further West? Perhaps Rossmoor, Seal Beach or Fountain Valley? Then, I'd be driving North to Monrovia...? And, my hsband East...

If I'm going to spend that much time in my car, I'll need to get a convertible and keep my tanning lotion handy! :-)

[SoCal Person]

Hello,
I think that when you consider living in this area you have to think more of distance in time than miles. I know that it's hard to do when you live far away, as you do. It's especially hard when some people tell you, "It will only take 45 minutes," when in reality that means 45 minutes on a Sunday morning at 8:00 AM when no one is out on the roads.

Truly I have a lot of family in Orange County, and I know that my one relative lives on the border of Fountain Valley and she used to drive to Irvine. It took 45 minutes to 60 minutes in rush hour, and mileage wise it isn't very far.

You're right, Chino Hills is technically further than Corona is to Monrovia, but conceptually to me it seems closer because it wouldn't take as long to get there during rush hour. You would just go on the 60 west a bit and then take the 57 north to the 210. (or cut up on the 71) You wouldn't take the 91 at all to go from Chino Hills to Monrovia.

It would take about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes from Chino Hills to Monrovia it seems to me, even on a busy day. On the other hand, your husband's drive from there to Irvine wouldn't be pleasant.

If you can, try to live closer to the coast, and towards Orange County. It's much cooler than the landlocked areas. Another midway city between your two jobs that might be nice is Fullerton, or Brea. I would consider Diamond Bar, too.

Monrovia is fairly close to Glendora, La Verne,and San Dimas. Those are all nice cities, but they're not anywhere near the coast and they're hotter than what you'd find in Orange County. However, living there would make your husband's drive miserable and long. Do you have to work in Monrovia? Since your husband has the great job offer, can you find anything for yourself in that area, too?

I would avoid Corona and the Inland Empire if you can, since you work in other counties. I truly don't think people have an idea of the awful commutes here until they experience them for days on end.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[SoCal Person]

I just saw that others on the Orange County Forum also mentioned Fullerton as a good midpoint for you. That's great to see!

Again, you can find a gorgeous newer home in south Corona, but be prepared to spend a long, long time on the freeways each day. It's not worth it to me, but you may think differently.

On top of that, Fullerton is in Orange County and has a much better resale value than Riverside County.