Does Your Commute to Work Suck?
TAYLOR LAMBERT March 3, 2025
TAYLOR LAMBERT March 3, 2025
According to the US Census Bureau, the city with the worst average commute time to work in all of California is Brentwood, with residents averaging over 40 minutes of travel time. Suckyyyyyyy. On the other hand, Palo Alto enjoys one of the shortest commutes, averaging around 20 minutes—the key benefit of its proximity to major employment hubs. Think big tech. While the folks from Brentwood gotta hump it all the way from the depths of the East East Bay.
In the South Bay, San Jose commuters face an average one-way commute time of about 31 minutes (Vital Signs), with delays adding up to an extra 72 hours annually (San Jose Spotlight). That's almost two work-weeks of you sitting in your car due to traffic or accidents! FUN! Mountain View offers a less sucky experience, with an average commute of 23 minutes (BestPlaces). Sunnyvale clocks in at 24.1 minutes and Santa Clara at 25.3 minutes.
So, why do so many people endure long commutes? Affordability, bro. Duh. Real estate prices in and around Palo Alto and Mountain View are among the highest in the country, making it challenging for many (any?) homebuyers to live close to work. The further you move from these job centers, the more homes you can afford. Which is the sucky truth.
The Bay Area presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize a shorter commute or more affordable housing? If being close to work is your top priority, areas like Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, MV and North San Jose may be worth the higher price tag. If you’re looking for more space and affordability, exploring neighborhoods further South might be the smarter move (Blossom Valley represent!).
If you're considering buying or selling a home and want to strike the right balance between affordability and commute time, let’s chat! I’d love to help you navigate the Bay Area real estate market to find the perfect fit for your needs. Avoid the suck, give us a call!
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