Commute from Lake Oswego to Hillsboro? (Portland, Beaverton: private schools, income, places to live)

[jeepman]

Using Google Maps I can see it could be a long commute, but wondering what it is really like.

Here in TX, I can usually drive about 75MPH for most of my 21 mile commute, are those speeds realistic from Lake Oswego to Hillsboro?

[davefr]

Originally Posted by jeepman

Using Google Maps I can see it could be a long commute, but wondering what it is really like.

Here in TX, I can usually drive about 75MPH for most of my 21 mile commute, are those speeds realistic from Lake Oswego to Hillsboro?

Only in your dreams!! You're lucky to do 40-50 during daytime commutes due to all the congestion. In good time you're looking at about 30 minutes. In bad times about 45-60 minutes.

[Élan vital]

and.........I wouldn't advise anyone to drive 75 MPH anywhere around here-ever!
Will admit the speed limit on the interstates here are much lower than most places. I drive the speed limit.

[figmalt]

The problem is that there are few major arteries in the Portland area, so you're severely limited in your options for getting anywhere via a freeway. Hwy 217 gets very congested during rush hour. There are a few back roads that will save you the hassle of stop and go traffic, but they don't necessarily save much time (River Road/Hwy 210).

I did the commute from Hillsboro to Oregon City a few times a week for several months, but it was in the middle of the day without typical commuter traffic. It took me about 50 minutes.

If you're working in Hillsboro, there are plenty of nice places to live much closer than Lake Oswego.

[John Shaft]

I commute from the eastern edges of Hillsboro to Tigard, which is right on the edge of Lake O. My commute is about 11-12 miles and generally takes about 30-35 minutes (shorter in summer because there are fewer people on the road).

There is really no "back way" to go because the area south of Hillsboro is hilly terrain, so you have to drive pretty slow.

Coming from Texas as I did, it takes some getting used to that there are geographic considerations (mainly hills) that affect how fast you can go and where highways can be built.

[jeepman]

Originally Posted by figmalt

The problem is that there are few major arteries in the Portland area, so you're severely limited in your options for getting anywhere via a freeway. Hwy 217 gets very congested during rush hour. There are a few back roads that will save you the hassle of stop and go traffic, but they don't necessarily save much time (River Road/Hwy 210).

I did the commute from Hillsboro to Oregon City a few times a week for several months, but it was in the middle of the day without typical commuter traffic. It took me about 50 minutes.

If you're working in Hillsboro, there are plenty of nice places to live much closer than Lake Oswego.

Thanks for the replies so far, and figmalt, this is nice to hear. Not being in Oregon yet, limits us to Greatschools type of websites, and Lake Oswego rates highly. Part of the issue is our income doesn't allow private schools, so we have to/choose to find the best public schooling.

When looking at Hillsboro, the "rating" is a 7 vs. a 10 for Lake Oswego. A compromise would be an 8.5 I guess so we will keep our eyes open.

[Spec 1]

That would be a horrible commute. Hwy 217 is jam-packed every day, and Hwy 26 after that also gets clustered. I would expect at least a 45-55 minute commute each way.

[figmalt]

I think Beaverton or parts of Tigard might be a good middle ground. The schools are good, and it's not too far from Hillsboro.

[jeepman]

Originally Posted by figmalt

I think Beaverton or parts of Tigard might be a good middle ground. The schools are good, and it's not too far from Hillsboro.

We have added West Slope to our list as well. I did read West Slope will be Annexed in 2010 by Beaverton. So it may be we will be in Beaverton either way.

[lifes2short]

Another option would be Sherwood. My DH commuted from here to Hillsboro for about a year and it took him around 25 minutes each way, all on backroads. Sherwood is a great family town, with good schools and a great sense of community.