Live in WA but work in Vancouver, BC?

[akilaln88]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering how the commute worked for people here who talked about living in WA and working in Seattle. Because I am in a similar situation now and my husband & I are considering living in Bellingham area and me commute to Vancouver and him to Bellevue,wa everyday. Any first hand experience with this kind of situation?

Thanks
Akila

[Seacove]

Your husband would be commuting about two and a half hours each way through heavy traffic.

[DogLovinGal]

Keep in mind this thread is very old but considering your questions are the same I'll chime in.

I have experience with this. I am Canadian, married to an American. Initially, I had a job in Surrey, BC and lived on Whidbey Island.

I ended up taking an apartment up in Canada and working for long stretches, then being home for long stretches, or the driving would have been too much.

I think what you are considering is unrealistic. Traffic would be absolutely crazy and it it would be closer to 2.5 or 3 hrs each way, despite what google might say. And that is one way. Long story short, not doable for both parties. I have lived in Vancouver BC and WA for awhile and I know how traffic can get, that is where the commute times come in. On the plus side, the border isn't as big a deal as it seems, haven't really been held up by it during the early (6AM) commute hours. Perhaps later it would be worse.

[perigee]

A Bellingham to Bellevue commute will be doable---if you don't like your husband.

[StealthRabbit]

work 3 LONG days at remote work location (staying in a long stay hotel or a roomy situation (works great with seniors who travel all winter!)

work 1 day from home - (check email on 5th -7th day if required)

when possible.... reduce your time spent in the urban office ? (3 days MAX! is a good goal)

Working OFF SHIFT can be a huge benefit for reducing commute time. (worked for me for 28 yrs, added benefit of more pay, fewer bosses. Retired 16 yrs earlier than expected)