Commute from Santa Cruz to San Jose? Commute from San Francisco to San Jose?

Question

I'm looking at transferring to a new job in San Jose, CA. I've visited the Bay Area extensively, but I've never lived there. One thing I know is that I do not want to live in Silicon Valley.

Two nearby communities I LOVE are Santa Cruz and San Francisco (for very different reasons). But the commute time is a major consideration.

Now, Google Maps tells me that the Santa Cruz --> San Jose commute is 41 minutes, and the San Francisco --> San Jose commute is 50 minutes. But given that I'll have to commute during peak weekday times, those estimates don't consider TRAFFIC.

So, for any of you who have actually done one of the those commutes at peak times, can you give me REAL-LIFE estimates on average commute times, and how much variation there is from the average? Making the right decision on this will really affect the quality of my life....THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Keep in mind that there are express trains that run from downtown San Francisco to downtown San Jose during commute times. These trains take just under an hour and are almost always faster than driving. Check it out at http://www.caltrain.com.

I agree with the previous poster, Santa Cruz to San Jose during commute times is going to be a real drag... plan on at least double what MapQuest says. There is the Highway 17 Express bus. It doesn't get you there any faster, but you won't have to deal with the traffic - you can read, do work, relax, etc.

Brian

Answer 2

You will be absolutely MISERABLE commuting from Santa Cruz to San Jose. That requires highway 17, which is always crowded in the direction you'd be commuting, and one accident causes severe delays. Also, it's winding for an 8-mile stretch, so it's not a relaxing drive even when there isn't traffic.

From San Francisco to San Jose, you've got to take I-280, it's far better than US-101. I haven't done this commute personally, but I often use portions of 280, and have found it to be one of the more pleasant routes to take in the area. Since you'll be going south in the morning, you'll have a smoother ride than people going in the opposite direction, as you approach San Jose. By the way, 280 is known as the World's Most Beautiful Freeway, for good reason.

Out of curiosity, why don't you want to live in Silicon Valley?

Answer 3

No. The vacation from Oakland isn't accessible and the only from San Jose receives to you particularly speedy. you'd be some distance extra perfect off to stay in Santa Cruz and vacation to the bay section once each and every couple weekends for the cultural scene.