20 minute commute from Solana Beach? (Carlsbad, Encinitas: job, moving to, offer)

[mengxi]

I just accepted a job offer in Solana Beach and am now wondering where I should live. I'm moving down from SF and don't EVER want to do a 55 minute one way commute to work again.

I am looking for nice young family oriented neighborhoods within a 20 minute commute of Solana Beach. My work is about 1 mile from the Solana Beach Coaster train station, so I'm thinking that Carlsbad, Encinitas and Cardiff by the Sea are possibilities. I'm also looking into Poway, Carmel Mountain and Carmel Valley. Poway and Carlsbad are more affordable but they are also the furthest from Solana beach...

How long is the commute (driving) during rush hour from Carlsbad or Poway to Solana Beach? Is I-5 south really bad in the mornings? How about the 56?


THANKS MUCH!

[dynomite1]

The commute from Poway or Carmel Valley is reasonable. You will probably take the 56 over to the 5. Don't expect any less than 30-40 minute commute unless you live next to your office. My office is 6.5 miles from my door and it takes me 30 minutes on the 15 freeway.

[California to Florida]

I live in Carmel Mountain Ranch and am in Del Mar (next to Solana Beach) daily, although not for work. The 56 is a life-saver. It takes me 20 minutes (I would add on another 5 to get to the train station area). However, in the morning, the traffic builds heading toward the west and in the evenings headed toward the east. It's not unbearable, though. You are moving to one of my very favorite areas--enjoy!