Will I be too exhausted commuting from NYC to Syracuse every weekend? (White Plains: home, moving)

[sean_young]

I am moving up to Syracuse for my PhD program in the August. But my girlfriend will stay in White Plains. I am planning to drive back to White Plains every weekend? How you guys think?

I have tried once. If I drive at average 75 mph, it would take 3.5 hours.

Thanks so much.

Sean

[ckhthankgod]

Which way do you to White Plains? I've driven to West Nyack in Rockland County taking I-81 to Route 17 and it took maybe 3 to 3 hrs. 15 mins.

With that said, it might be tough EVERY weekend.

[sean_young]

Thanks, Buddy. I use I-287, take exit 16 to Route 17, and then turn to I-81. The road condition is fine now, but I am afraid of the terrible winter.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by sean_young

Thanks, Buddy. I use I-287, take exit 16 to Route 17, and then turn to I-81. The road condition is fine now, but I am afraid of the terrible winter.

Yeah, that is a legit concern. You could also take I-81 into PA by Scranton, to I-380 and then take I-80 home too. You could also take I-84 to about Middletown and then take Route 17 from there to White Plains. So, there are other options.

[phaelon56]

It takes longer in the winter. If you can figure out a way to take off mid-day on Friday and drive up early Monday morning it might be easier.

I spent three years working from a home office in the NYC area but was employed by a company in Syracuse. For about two years of that time, due to a shift in business, I ended up spending Monday through Thursday in Syracuse for two or three weeks of every month. It's doable and my place in NJ was a solid 3.5 hours in best conditions. Every weekend? Could be done without sheer exhaustion but I'd shoot for three weekends a month and every fourth weekend just stay here. Maybe even get her to come up and visit.

[Coolhand68]

The drive will all depend on how bad you want to see her. If you are head over heels in love with her I guess it won't seem like too much of a chore. The more the spark starts to fizzle, the longer the drive will feel.

[sean_young]

Thanks a lot, Phaelon56 and Coolhand68! You guys are really helpful. This would be a trip of love

[ckhthankgod]

If that is the case, do it!

[sean_young]

Ckhthankgod, Thank you so much for your encouragement!

[ki0eh]

What about Amtrak? Stop driving, start snoozing. (Or plug in your laptop and work on your dissertation.)