Commute from Art Museum to King of Prussia? Or should I move? (Philadelphia: home, college) - Pennsylvania (PA) - City-Data Forum

MarianoE · 06-16-2008, 08:55 AM

Hi,

I just took a job in King of Prussia and I currently live in the Art Museum of Philadelphia.

Is this commute doable on the daily and what should I expect for morning and evening traffic as far as time?

I'm married and we have a one year old son. We have explored moving west into the burbs, but we want to avoid getting a second car. My wife wants to be in a area where she can walk to grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, parks, etc and also feel safe. So, if anyone has any suggestions on areas/towns that will offer the above, please let me know!

Thank you,

Mariano

FindingZen · 06-16-2008, 10:21 AM

It's doable but it will be a long commute by Philadelphia standards. The probability for traffic buildup and accidents on the Schuykill Expressway (I-76)is high. Even though it's technically a "reverse commute", KOP is the biggest job center in the area (not to mention the shoppers drawn to the second largest mall complex in the country).

To shorten your commute, consider Roxborough, Conshohocken or any Main Line town south of Radnor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarianoE

Hi,

I just took a job in King of Prussia and I currently live in the Art Museum of Philadelphia.

Is this commute doable on the daily and would should I expect for morning and evening traffic as far as time?

I'm married and we have a one year old son. We have explored moving west into the burbs, but we want to avoid getting a second car. My wife wants to be in a area where she can walk to grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, parks, etc and also feel safe. So, if anyone has any suggestions on areas/towns that will offer the above, please let me know!

Thank you,

Mariano

MarianoE · 06-16-2008, 10:31 AM

Thanks, do you know how long it takes to get to KOP in the mornings and evenings? I would jump on and get off at kelly drive to avoid the city traffic I-76.

Yeah, Conshohocken might be a good place to check out.

FindingZen · 06-16-2008, 11:20 AM

On a map website, it says about 18 miles or 24 minutes. The mileage may be right but the reality of the minutes is probably double at least.

bryson662001 · 06-16-2008, 01:33 PM

I occasionally leave center city to be in Conshohoken at 8 or 9 AM and it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. I have tried Kelly drive and Ridge Pike but it isn't any better. Depending on where in KOP I would allow an hour to one and a quarter. (west bound traffic is just about as bad as east bound and is also unpredictable)

rainrock · 06-16-2008, 05:57 PM

You could try the western mainline towns. Wayne,Devon,Paoli,Berwyn,Malvern. You might want to check out West Chester as well. The downtown area of West Chester is like a tiny slice of Center City,sort of a Pine/Spruce Street type vibe.KOP to West Chester is a straight shot(18 miles) down 202-rush hour tends to get backed up but if there is no traffic its a 15 minute commute tops.

good luck

ibis888 · 06-25-2008, 11:47 AM

My wife and I will be relocating to philly as well for a job in KoP. The Fairmont area is also high on our list right now.

A friend who does the I-76 commute out of the city to KoP says that it is "soul crushing" but worth it to live in the city. It looks like parking is tough in the Art Museum/Fairmont area as well which may add to the frustration. Given all of the hassle we are looking for areas closer to KoP with less traffic. West Chester/Conshohoken seem ok... the main line seems a little too suburban (we have no kids and are in our mid-20s). Manayunk seems to college party for us. Any other suggestions and experiences from everyone would be much appreciated.

FindingZen · 06-25-2008, 11:56 AM

For a mid-20's couple, Conshohocken and West Chester might be the best choices for a relatively short commute and a fairly lively scene after coming home from KOP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibis888

My wife and I will be relocating to philly as well for a job in KoP. The Fairmont area is also high on our list right now.

A friend who does the I-76 commute out of the city to KoP says that it is "soul crushing" but worth it to live in the city. It looks like parking is tough in the Art Museum/Fairmont area as well which may add to the frustration. Given all of the hassle we are looking for areas closer to KoP with less traffic. West Chester/Conshohoken seem ok... the main line seems a little too suburban (we have no kids and are in our mid-20s). Manayunk seems to college party for us. Any other suggestions and experiences from everyone would be much appreciated.

NatasNJ · 06-25-2008, 04:35 PM

I lived in South Jersey (Cherry Hill) and worked at Vanguard Group in Malvern. BIG MISTAKE. Lasted 1 week before I quit. Commute in morning (leaving around 6am before major buildup) was around 50-70 minutes. But the commute home leaving at 4pm on the dot was 90+. Wanted to kill myself. Learned really quick I don't have ability to do that type of commute. I would move out there. Nice area but yeah you are far from city. But living in the city will eat up 40+ hours a week extra on commute. Good luck...

ibis888 · 06-25-2008, 05:37 PM

Thanks for the advice... cherry hill to malvern, jeez that looks horrible. Right through downtown and then you have to have the entire length of 76. I don't blame you for not being able to take it.

We'll take a look at Conshy and West Chester. My only concern with West Chester is how far it is from the city....