Downtown to Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, Irvine: living, costs, bus)

[wonka42]

How is the rush hour commute? Downtown to RB in the mornings and the opposite in the evenings. I think I want to live there but I'm worried that the commute would be rough. Right now, I have a 1 hour drive through stop and go traffic in the OC. I'd like to cut it to 30-40 minutes max.

Looking at Google maps, my second choice might be Mission Valley because it's a little further north and closer to the 15.

[dweej]

That would be a reverse commute- living downtown, working in RB. Would be way better than in the OC. People will definitely be jealous.

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by dweej

That would be a reverse commute- living downtown, working in RB. Would be way better than in the OC. People will definitely be jealous.

You will still hit northbound traffic between San Diego and Mira Mesa.

[mini_cute]

They recently completed part of the express lanes on the 15 freeway which is probably what you will likely take to get to Ranch Bernardo. You have to pay to use them (FasTrak costs 50 cents I think) but from what I see, there is no traffic at all on there. You can find more info about it with a google search. Here is a link to a news article about it (published in August): SignOnSanDiego.com > News > North County -- Express lanes, expanded bus system about to open on I-15

For now, I don't think the traffic in San Diego is as bad as Orange County. I lived in Irvine for awhile and the 5 and 405 were nightmares! But I have to warn you, I have been slowly experiencing an increase in traffic around my area in Scripps Ranch which is just off the 15 and south of Rancho Bernardo. I think more people are moving to San Diego (even though the economy sucks now) and hence more cars on the road. Thank goodness the city had the foresight to start planning this awhile back and are executing it now.