Commuting - how far is too far?

KittenChops

KatieDee wrote: »

<snip>... or a £1184 a year rail/tram/bus pass ...<snip>

My commute used to be almost 2 hours each way (door to door) consisting of 2 trains and a tram each way. If you might end up doing a commute with more than one leg each way, consider that even a small delay at the beginning could mean you miss a connection later on...

I was in my early thirties when I started and did it for about 7 years. I wouldn't even consider doing it again.

I'm in the south east so not sure how public transport costs compare to where you are, but the cost of my season ticket went up 40% in that time.

Robots

I just left a high-paying job in Birmingham because of the commute. On paper, it should have been a 45mins-1hr journey, in reality, it was almost 2hrs each way.

I tried every which way to try and cut the commute down but nothing worked - setting off at different times, going by different routes, etc.

You should try the journey yourself, at rush hour, then see how you feel.

bamgbost

Hi KatieDee

2 Weeks on what are you thinking? You reckon you can hack the commute?

Just a brief update from me. I am doing a 95mile round trip commute each day. I am 3 weeks in and I must admit you have to enjoy driving to do it! And luckily I do..!

Its been taking me anywhere from 1hr5 to 1hr 20 e/w. Luckily theres been no accidents along my route so far. Only roadworks and loadsa roundabout traffic!

Its ok. But I admit, when you first get it to work or home, you do need "extra time" to perk up. Its a change from previous commutes of 35mins ish. But none the less doable!

Also, dont forget additional Fuel costs, and car maintenance that would come from the extra distance!

chunkytfg

warby68 wrote: »

PS Its NEVER distance, its TIME and EASE which make commuting good or bad.

THIS!!!

I used to commute into london from THe middle of Norolk 100miles each way by car and it was never a pain! The lack of 1 single motorway having sections of single carriageway A roads and then the bit of town driving at the end should have been enough on paper to make it horrible. It never was!

I work shifts so never travelled in rush hour. The roads were so quiet that it would take me 1hr40 each way every time!

Before that I lived 25 miles away coming into town from the other direction and it was a nightmare. I would have to be 30 mins early because to arrive on time meant leaving barely 5 minutes later the traffic built up so fast! Constant delays and accidents and then for nearly 2 years 50mph speed cameras on the motorway while they widened it!

Would take the easy 100 miles over the difficult 25 any day

MissMarble

Hi KatieDee,

Did you manage to find somewhere or are you still looking? We ventured to Macclesfield last weekend via car and found a lovely house that needed a big hug but we were unable to go back for a second viewing! Hope you're having better luck finding a place than us!

bamgbost

THis threads been buried in the list of posts. thought to revive it.

Any updates KatieDee?

KatieDee

Unfortunately not!

We viewed a few more properties in and around Disley but the commute to view there and back has really put me off. I just don't think I could handle that day in, day out, regardless of how beautiful the area is. If something amazing came up there, I can't say I wouldn't be tempted, but it really made me think about the ongoing stresses of a long drive ten times a week.

We started looking around the Glossop area and really fell in love with it. It's very similar, if a little more "League of Gentlemen" in some parts. Very affordable too.

The commute is of course a total nightmare, but it's somewhat more convenient than Disley was for us both, especially regarding public transport. In terms of mileage, it's a fair bit shorter too. We've also been advised about the bypass (which to be fair, there have been talks of for a least a billion years) so I can see room for an increase in house prices in the next few years.

So we're just keeping an eye out for that perfect forever home. We've seen a few that have tickled our fancy, but nothing which ticks every box. We're happy where we are, so we're in no rush.

I am so glad we didn't put an offer in on the original house though - I still love the design of it, but it was just too far out. It's still for sale now, several months later!

theartfullodger

I was living in the Highlands of Scotland but working, contractor, in Belgium, Brussels: 3 days a week & small-flat paid-for. Drive/Train to Inverness or Glasgow, fly Brussels.

Do I win?

Highest ever per day rate.

thelem

I'd consider the time and money separately.


Time - typical work day (adjust to your own timings)

Sleeping - 8 hours
Breakfast etc - 1 hour
At office (inc lunch) - 9 hours
Other - 6 hours


If you have a minimal commute, then you have 6 hours each evening to spend how you want.
If you have a 90 minute commute, then you only have 3 hours. If your commute is too long your future young kids may be in bed when you leave, and in bed when you get back home.


Money
How much money will the commute cost you per year? If driving, remember to include maintenance and depreciation, not just petrol.
How much more per year would your mortgage be if you bought a more central property?
How would you feel if you had to have a smaller property because of the location?

pimento

I wish my commute was only an hour.

I travel nearly two hours each way and my annual season ticket is £5000.

I'm counting down the days til retirement in 2020.