COMMUTING from Seattle to Tacoma (Puyallup, Gig Harbor: living in, buses, airport)

[617to253]

I am moving to start a job in the Tacoma area in the next few months, and am trying to decide whether to live in Tacoma or aim my sights north, at Seattle. Some of the threads here have been really helpful, and I thought I would garner some opinion before physically moving.

My question is simply:

How realistic would it be to live in Seattle and commute to Tacoma in the mornings (very early) and back in the evenings (fairly late)? Commuting isn't new to me, but I was wondering how long a trip this could be particularly in the morning, going south mainly against traffic on I-5. I have done this a few times during the week, and each time made it in 30-40 minutes from downtown Seattle to Tacoma.

Is this typical, or am I fooling myself into believing it's not going to be a drag?

Any advice or insight is hugely appreciated!

[scirocco22]

Everything that you said leads to the obvious answer: go for it!

Yes, it is definitely a reverse commute. Traffic is usually flowing nicely southbound in the AM, especially since you said "early."

The PM commute may be more difficult but when you say "late" I'm assuming you mean after the main rush hour is over. hmmmm, which in the Seattle area could be after 8:00 PM. *laughs*

No, you should be fine doing that. It isn't like the Lake Washington floating bridges where there is no such thing as a reverse commute. Traffic on 520 and I-90 is heavy and congested in both directions during the rush hours.


Thanks.

--'rocco

[AZ_singlemother]

I agree, you will be opposite flow of the heavy traffic. If you do get tired of driving - which has happened to me several times with that commute, you could take the express bus. There are many park and rides and routes.

[ChadPettingill]

It's worth a try because the bad traffic will usually be headed in the opposite direction. Keep in mind though it's cheaper to live in Pierce County so maybe you should consider living down there. Yeah Ttown has a bad rap, but North Tacoma and Northeast Tacoma are very nice areas although a bit expensive. Maybe a suburb like Gig Harbor or Puyallup?

Good luck!

[hamcan]

I drive every night from 5:30 and return by 7:15 olympia to the sea-tac airport (exit 154). I know these are different stretches, but the only time you would really worry about miserable traffic is around the holiday's. You will definatley want to look into some short cuts around that.

[617to253]

Thanks, everybody, for the thoughtful responses! I appreciate it tremendously. I am not decided yet, but will probably hatch a plan in the next few weeks after visiting again. I am emotionally attached to living in Seattle but agree that there are great places in Tacoma, and I don't believe all the bad hype that's so commonly heard.

Thanks again!

[MomInVA]

You could always try that Sounder Commuter Rail.. Here is a schedule

http://www.soundtransit.org/x71.xml


ETA: oops It shows it going from Tacoma to Seattle... Let me do some more research...

[scirocco22]

Originally Posted by MomInVA

You could always try that Sounder Commuter Rail.. Here is a schedule

http://www.soundtransit.org/x71.xml


ETA: oops It shows it going from Tacoma to Seattle... Let me do some more research...

The only problem with the commuter rail, MomInVA, is that it's a round-about way to Tacoma (through Puyallup) AND I believe it's only in the peak direction so in-other-words, it's only going towards Seattle in the AM and back to Tacoma during the PM rush hour.

ST does have express buses in the reverse direction, however. Or I think they do, I'd have to research that too to make sure.


Thanks.

--'rocco

[scirocco22]

Confirmed: Seattle to Tacoma in the AM and Tacoma to Seattle in the PM.

http://www.soundtransit.org/x4413.xml


This is with ST bus service. They not long ago bought a fleet of "highway-type" buses with elevated seating, big tinted windows, adjustable cloth seats, air conditioning, and a cushy ride.


Thanks, MomInVA!



Thanks.

--'rocco

[617to253]

rocco - Thanks a million! I really appreciate your input and exhaustive help with this. I think I'll give it a whirl!