La Jolla/Carmel Valley commute North to Carlsbad (Encinitas, Solana Beach: to live, airport)

[RunMichelle]

It's looking more and more like my job will operate out of Carlsbad. I was hoping to work at a site closer to downtown but for now it's going to be up North.

I really like the La Jolla and Carmel Valley area but I'm not sure how practical it is to live there with a commute to the Palomar Airport area of Carlsbad?

The reason I'd like to stay in the La Jolla/UTC/Carmel Valley area is because my job site will change often and it would keep me in between both sides of SD. There's never a clear idea how long I will be at each location though so planning in advance isn't possible.

Would a commute up to Carlsbad be reasonable? I am assuming it's against traffic but some reason I recall I-5 South still be congested South bound around 5-6?

Thanks in advance!

[loveautumn]

Your commute would be a pretty average one...keep in mind, all freeways are congested during rush hours. Carmel Valley area would be better than UTC or La Jolla as far as cutting some time off.

[Sassberto]

it's a reverse commute. I would say it's pretty doable in 20-30 minutes. Carmel Valley will be easier to get in/out of than UTC during peak hours, but you are definitely against traffic.

[RunMichelle]

Thanks! I am starting to look more into Solana Beach and Encinitas too. But am going to keep in mind not to go farther south than Carmel Valley.

[sav858]

That commute isn't that bad. You are right though, evenings are definitely worse than mornings BUT the worst southbound evening traffic usually starts at the 5/805 split and continues down to Pacific Beach. So if you live in Carmel Valley you can avoid that. Summers are worse usually though.

[Encinitan]

Encinitas to Carlsbad is a breeze. Depending on the precise locations in each city, you could avoid the freeway altogether, which is awesome.

[RunMichelle]

Thanks everyone. I forgot about the Del Mar Fair until I was looking again some more today. I'll definitely have to think detour during that time.

I'm looking more Southern Solana Beach / Northern Carmel Valley but seems like every few days I find another property I like so we'll see. :0)

[loveautumn]

I wouldn't worry about factoring in the Del Mar Fair/Race track traffic. Alot more is made of it than it really is. Saturdays/Sundays you might feel it a little but it's nothing to worry about as far as commute times.

[RunMichelle]

Thank you Autumn!