Georgetown to Temple commute (Waco, Spring: 2015, apartment complexes, home)

[txrelo2015]

Hello,

Possibly accepting a job in Temple, Texas. What do you think about the commute from Georgetown to Temple? It would typically be early morning (leave prior to 7am) and late evening (leave after 7pm).
Would this be doable or is the construction so bad on I35 that it is not worth it? Also, when is the construction expected to be completed?

Thanks for your help!

[ChristieP]

The worst of the construction is currently around Salado, which that commute would take you through EVERY DAY. there was a bridge accident in Salado last week, and I would bet that will delay the construction even more. I honestly do not know when it is going to be completed...except that it can't happen soon enough!!!

[texasdiver]

I'm guessing you'd face about a 45 minute drive. You would be doing something of a reverse commute so that would mitigate some. Those are some long days at work. You sure you want to drive home tired in the dark all winter? I have no idea when that section of I-35 will finally be done but I'm guessing they still have years to go. But perhaps the section south of Temple may get done faster than the section between Temple and Waco which is an equal mess. I think the state has an I-35 web site that will have construction timeline details.

Once you get to Belton you do have alternative routes that will avoid I-35. For that matter, you could avoid it entirely and take 95 up through Bartlett and Holland if I-35 became unmanageable. That would probably add about 10 minutes in normal traffic but if the freeway is shut down would be an alternative and probably a lot more peaceful.

[txrelo2015]

Hello,

Thanks for the advice! I think Georgetown will be a bit too far at this time with the long work hours. If the construction wasn't so bad I would consider it. Do you happen to have any advice on apartment complexes in the Belton or Temple area? Looking at these:
River Springs at Barge Ranch (3300 N. Main in Belton)
Chappell Oaks Apartments (200 Lake Rd. in Belton)
Pecan Pointe Apartments (463 Westfield Blvd. in Temple)
Encore Landing Apartments (764 Marlandwood Rd in Temple)

Are these in good areas? Any input on them or their location would be extremely helpful!
Thank you

[metroxian]

The Temple locations should be pretty good areas. The Westfield area is all fairly new constuction. Temple is trending that way but lots of open space. The Marlanwood is just south of Scott & White and the mall but is also somewhat undeveloped west of S 31st.

I haven't been around Belton for a couple of years so won't comment on that area. I would say that the Belton addresses are below the lake dam, a place I wouldn't want to live myself. Otherwise those are good areas.

Without disclosing any detail, what general area will you be commuting to work?

[txrelo2015]

Thanks for this helpful info! I will be commuting to the area near Scott and White.

May I ask why you wouldn't want to live below the lake dam? Possible flooding? Maybe there is an obvious reason I am missing!

Thanks again!

[metroxian]

Originally Posted by txrelo2015

Thanks for this helpful info! I will be commuting to the area near Scott and White.

May I ask why you wouldn't want to live below the lake dam? Possible flooding? Maybe there is an obvious reason I am missing!

Thanks again!

I would be constantly aware of the water in the lake just waiting for an opportunity to escape. That's just me The same reason I prefer higher ground wherever I am.

[txrelo2015]

Thanks again for your help. Hoping to make another trip to Temple this May to make a decision on where to live.