commute to great neck/manhasset LI from lower east side manhattan? (neighborhoods, moving to)

[stella42]

I may need to commute from lower east side in manhattan to great neck/manhasset long island for a new job. Is this a doable commute? Which route should I take for the shortest commute? I looked up google map and mapquest both of which are showing 23-29 min commute, but I am not sure if I can believe that.

The other option would be moving to long island. As much as I dislike the idea of moving to LI, I may have to do that since I have a small child and I would like to spend time with him.

Any ideas?

[bmwguydc]

I would try to avoid the BQE, though it does tend to make the return trip easier, via Brooklyn. Outbound, I might recommend taking the tunnel as it would put you on the LIE without navigating the BQE. 30 minutes is an optimistic number, but I'd say that 45-60 minutes would be about right for that commute, on average. With little traffic, I have been able to get from Park Row to Great Neck in about 30 minutes, at reasonable speeds, so it is within the realm of possibility, but Manhattan or BQE traffic can be slow in the mornings, as I'm sure you know.

[stella42]

I am sorry this is probably dumb but, which tunnel are you suggesting outbound? I never drove in NYC, so not so familiar with the traffic etc.

And on the way back, do you have any suggestions?

Another option might be moving somewhere in queens to have a shorter commute. Any neighborhoods that you may recommend?

Thank you.

[vantastic10]

The Queens Midtown Tunnel,take E 36th St. $5.50 is the toll. That will take you straight into the LIE,get off exit 33(Great Neck) or exit 35(Manhasset)