Commute from Victorville to OC or Downtown L.A (Los Angeles: how much, buying a home)

[ACE68]

Hi..New here...I know we in the High desert have a lot of commuters driving to work through the pass. I've only worked as far as upland and Pomona. I'm thinking of finding a much better paying job (high desert has no jobs for me that pay more than what I need) in Orange county or Los Angeles. I'm in the legal field.
What, if anyone knows, is the commute like to OC and L.A?
Thanks everyone

[BGS91762]

Only possible way is to drive down to Rancho Cucamonga and take the Metrolink train to Downtown LA. Driving, no way!!!!

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

I've only known of one person who commuted from Victorville to OC for awhile. He worked in Buena Park & did the drive for 2 years before he couldn't stand it anymore...& this was years ago, when V-ville was much smaller & traffic was bad, but not like now. Maybe you could spend a couple of nights per week in OC, or rideshare.

[ACE68]

Yeah I was thinking the Metro...and eventually I'll probably move beck form the hill, like Redlands or upland..thanks

[Podo944]

Hubby and I did a commute by car for a couple of years from Crestline to east Anaheim near the 55/91. Since we drove together it wasn't that bad and even kind of fun for a bit, but we wouldn't do it again. The money we thought we were saving just went to the commute. It's not just the gas, it's the more frequent oil changes, brakes, bigger services like timing belts and stuff, new tires, flat tires, putting lots of miles on that speedometer so the car's value plunges when you want to trade it in, etc.

Then there's the "health" issues of breathing in all those exhaust fumes sitting in traffic jams every day, and raising your risk of road hazards, not to mention the stress and aggravation especially when it rains!

Saying that, there are people who end up doing it, maybe it doesn't bother some but most people I've known who does it would much rather not.

Just make sure to think it ALL through!

[russlancea]

I used to drive from LA to Barstow once a week for maybe 2 years. That was back when I was young and...well, not smart. I agree--the wear and tear on car, time and gas wasted, bad weather (rain, snow, fog, heat), possible sig alerts, etc., etc., just isn't worth it .

My car did die one time and I was stranded in Barstow. I had to drive overnight through the pass once and it was so foggy I couldn't see past my windshield. We were all driving so slow up the mountain. It's amazing none of us drove over the side and down the mountain.

Traffic going back to Riverside on 91 is usually horrendous. Hope there are other options for you, but I wouldn't do it.

[twnxn]

How is the commute to OC or LA from Victorville? Well, considering the commute from say Rancho Cucamonga to LA or Orange County is pretty heavy, with Victorville being much further away, I can't imagine how much worse that commute will be (especially if you are doing it during prime rush hour times). You will not have a life and have much stress, wear and tear on the car, and spending more money on gas.

I would consider the other suggested posted earlier- if you still intend to do such a commute such as driving to Rancho Cucamonga and take the Metrolink to LA if you find work in Downtown LA or somewhere along the Metrolink stations. And as for OC, rideshare or stay at least a couple of nights someplace in OC. Both of these ideas, though still stressful would alleviate the stress and burdens of daily commutes by car to LA or OC.

Or move closer if you secure a job in OC and LA unless there is something that keeps you in Victorville.

[ACE68]

Thanks everyone.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

You're welcome. Please come back when you decide what you want to do, especially if you decide to "go for it" (hope you don't, for your mental health). Your experiences will help a lot of people.

[KimVanderwood]

I had a "weekend" home you could say in Hesperia for a few years. I would go up on my days off to get away from the city and would commute to and from there sometimes to work in Beverly Hills. I would have to leave 2.5 hours early to get to work around 10am and took the fastrak on the 10. It wasn't unbearable... Going down the 15 south was a pretty drive through the mountains and the 210 going west wasn't too bad. Once you pass the 57 though is where it gets rough. The traffic wasn't too much of a killer, but the anxiety of being late was haha. I am actually thinking of buying a home again in Hesperia because I really miss being away from LA and its so affordable there. The biggest hold back of the commute is the mileage on my car more so than the actual commute. Hope that helps!