Commuting from Palmdale to LA (Riverside, San Bernardino: apartments, renting, condo)

[Jim3948]

Hi all. I've recently been thinking about buying a house in Palmdale and commuting to LA for work. I can't afford a house closer to LA but I am getting tired of apartments. I am curious in any info about living in
Palmdale and the commute. I've read some older posts saying the traffic on the 14 is bad but I've been monitoring it on the traffic report/sites for a couple of weeks now and it's consistently green during rush hour. The older posts I've read are all 5+ years old so I'm not sure of they are correct anymore. I'd really appreciate a current update from someone who makes the commute now. Also there seemed to be mentions of problems with crime and gangs. Is that still the case? How bad is it? Thanks so much for any info.

[BRinSM]

I work with somebody who makes the commute from palmdale to burbank and they mentioned that it's roughly 90 minutes each way. apparently, even on the off days when traffic isn't an issue, it's still 45 minutes. there's also a train that is available in the case you have a work schedule that works around the train schedule.

[JohnG72]

Personally I'd choose the IE over Palmdale/lancaster.

Redlands is pretty nice, and Mentone has rural qualities while still a short drive from all modern amenities. Bonus because access to concerts at citizens bank arena and San Manuel ampitheatre, entertainment options Lancaster/Palmdale doesn't have. Houses still under $300k, with very low end under $200k.

Same train ride info downtown.

[socal88]

I'd avoid Palmdale if you can. I'd only consider living in that area if I was working at Edwards AFB or in another aerospace/aircraft related job in that area.

As mentioned by JohnG72, I'd take the IE over the high desert cities any day. What is your upper price limit on buying a house?

While I'm not a huge fan of the IE overall, there are some good pockets and you're generally closer to LA unless you're east of San Bernardino or Riverside

If you're upper limit is 500K, you can find some places in Upland and cheaper parts of Rancho Cucamonga, which are much better areas than Palmdale. Plus, you've got solid shopping centers like Victoria Gardens and Ontario Mills in the area.

[Mr_Geek]

Do you value your sanity?

[nightlysparrow]

How much can you spend on a house?

[seain dublin]

OP, you don't say where in LA you work. If it is downtown you can take Metrolink? Or do you have to drive in?

If you're single is home ownership that important? How about a condo closer to work?

You're moving just far enough that you will see less of your friends in LA. I would do a list of pros/cons.

I know someone who moved out to Lancaster for the same reason(single), and they were miserable. They ended up selling the house after a couple of years, and renting back in LA.

[Jim3948]

Thanks for the info. I was hoping it would be about 90 minutes but I have further then Burbank to go. I work near the Grove.

[Jim3948]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

Personally I'd choose the IE over Palmdale/lancaster.

Redlands is pretty nice, and Mentone has rural qualities while still a short drive from all modern amenities. Bonus because access to concerts at citizens bank arena and San Manuel ampitheatre, entertainment options Lancaster/Palmdale doesn't have. Houses still under $300k, with very low end under $200k.

Same train ride info downtown.

Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't really looked in that area yet. I'll check it out.

[Jim3948]

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

Do you value your sanity?

Yes very much so.