arlington va to north laurel md commute? (how much, taxes)

[fvrus06]

Hello,
I have a job offer in (north) Laurel, MD and am considering living in Arlington, VA. Google Maps tells me if I take US-29 I can make the commute in 43 minutes. In rush-hour traffic is this accurate or how much time should I add?
Thanks!

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by fvrus06

Hello,
I have a job offer in (north) Laurel, MD and am considering living in Arlington, VA. Google Maps tells me if I take US-29 I can make the commute in 43 minutes. In rush-hour traffic is this accurate or how much time should I add?
Thanks!

Is there a particular reason you prefer to living in Arlington as opposed to anywhere closer? Laurel itself its relatively inexpensive for the DC-Baltimore region. If you're concerned about relative taxes or politics, that's one thing. If you're looking for an active area, Silver Spring or even Bethesda would be more convenient choices.

But to actually answer your question: if Google is saying 43 minutes, I would predict an hour or more during rush hour.

[fvrus06]

I have a lot of friends in Arlington, and the taxes & politics are an issue as well for me...

One thing I'd wondered about US-29 in particular was how much of that route would be a reverse commute for me since I'd actually be heading out of DC.

[terrence81]

I almost applied for a job in Laurel. This very issue was the reason why I didn't even bother filling out the application.

Yes once you get on 29 in the city you will be going against traffic. The problem is that you have to get to that point first. the 14th street bridge is a headache at best during rush hour then you still have to navigate through downtown on 395.

[dkf747]

Exactly. Getting from Arlington to 29 would be the worst part of the trip. I also wonder why 29 when 95 and the BW Parkway will get you there faster? You would think 29 would be an easy reverse commute, but that will only be true north of the Beltway, I think.

[fvrus06]

The time for 95 and the BW parkway was ~45min (or 1hr 20min in traffic). Google didn't give a time estimate for 29 in traffic, which is why I asked the question. I'm willing to do ~45 min commute, but 1 hr 20min is a bit excessive for me even though I'd love to live in VA.

[dkf747]

I think the 1 hour 20 min would be for the afternoon traffic heading north. In the morning you would be going in the opposite direction of most traffic. I would guess 45 to 60 minutes using 295 (BW Parkway). Once you're on 295 you will move fine. (just watch for the speed camera cop cars on 295 in DC.)