Commute between Huntington Beach and CSULB? (Long Beach, Irvine: house, transferring to, school)

[Edf85]

Hi
I'm transferring to CSU Long Beach in the fall. My friend wants me to move in with him in Huntington Beach right off the 405 at Magnolia. How long would the commute be to go to school everyday at CSULB? I know it just "depends" but what do you all think? I dont think it should be too bad?

When are the worst times to use the 405 between Huntington and Long Beach?


Thanks

[Cattknap]

I think it shouldn't take more than 35 minutes in rush hour traffic unless there is an accident. Normally, it is about a 20 minute drive at the most. Keep in mind that finding parking at CSULB can take quite a bit of time - I'd add 20 minutes to find parking and walk to class (or take on-campus transportation).

[EscapeCalifornia]

Traffic through that area is normally worst going south in the morning and north in the evening so you'd be going against it. You'd also have the option of taking Magnolia up to the 22 or even Westminster Blvd into Long Beach if the 405 were a total mess.

[NaplesRes]

Move to Belmont Shore. A lot of Long Beach State students there.

[Reivax]

I take 405 north from Harbor Blvd. each morning. Even "rush" hour, 405 north in morning is moving right along. It's light traffic, compared to 405 south at same time.

HB to Long Beach State is not a bad drive. The bad part for you would be driving north in afternoon to a late class, or having a class end at 9am, and having to head south on 405. Ugh. that would be a parking lot.

If you want my advice, take 8am courses, leave the house at 6:30, there's almost no traffic. You'll find parking a lot easier, Then use that extra time to study, eat breakfast on campus, prep for class etc.

Also, don't underestimate side streets.
A lot of the area between Long Beach and Huntington is empty land and Boeing. You can make good time, better than freeway, depending on conditions.

But in general, that's not a bad drive.

[Momzilla]

I used to make it from Brookhurst and the 405 in about 30 min - I would take Magnolia to Westminster and take Westminster into LB.

[smellythongs]

A lot of my friends live in HB and commute to Cal State LB. It's not that far of a drive but then again I know a lot of people who moved out there to be closer to school. It's all on timing and how you want to deal with it.

[TSO]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

Traffic through that area is normally worst going south in the morning and north in the evening so you'd be going against it. You'd also have the option of taking Magnolia up to the 22 or even Westminster Blvd into Long Beach if the 405 were a total mess.

Opposite...folks work in LA and drive home going south in the evening. I work rotating shifts so I go both directions at both times of day.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by TSO

Opposite...folks work in LA and drive home going south in the evening. I work rotating shifts so I go both directions at both times of day.

And I live right off the 405 in Fountain Valley and see it every day. I can drive up the 405 in the morning with little traffic. Cars going south are in a parking lot. Likewise, if I leave Irvine in the afternoon and head home (north) its bumper to bumper the whole way and beyond.

[TSO]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

And I live right off the 405 in Fountain Valley and see it every day. I can drive up the 405 in the morning with little traffic. Cars going south are in a parking lot. Likewise, if I leave Irvine in the afternoon and head home (north) its bumper to bumper the whole way and beyond.

Hey, I'm off the 405 and Magnolia!!!! We're neighbors!!!

All I'm saying is, if you leave past 6am, going north, you're hosed. I leave for work at 5pm, going 25 miles north...30 minutes...coming home at 5pm, going south 1-1 1/2 hours.
Are we talking Magnolia to CSULB or to Irvine? It makes a difference.

Edit: You're right about the parking lot. When I come home at 6am, it's clear until about Magnolia...then it jams up.