You’ve found a house that checks all the boxes—spacious layout, appealing price, and a great backyard for weekend barbecues. But have you given much thought to your commute? When shopping for a new home in the suburbs, there’s more to consider than just square footage and granite countertops. One of the most important, and often overlooked, factors is the daily commute. After all, what good is a spacious backyard if you’re stuck in traffic for hours every day?
A home should complement your lifestyle, not complicate it. Long commutes can steal time from family dinners, morning workouts, or hobbies you love. Being constantly stuck in traffic can also increase stress, and impact your overall happiness. Having a commute strategy when you're house shopping can make all the difference in your homebuying decision.
Understanding the Suburban Appeal
The suburbs continue to attract homebuyers for a variety of reasons. The combination of larger homes, bigger property sizes, and solid school districts makes it an appealing package for a lot of families. Add to that the better value per square foot compared to urban properties, and it's easy to see why so many buyers look beyond city limits. It's not all roses though, it's important to factor in transportation costs and time commitments – aspects that aren't always obvious when you're out house hunting.
The Science of Commute Times
Experienced commuters know all too well that mapping apps can be overly optimistic. That “30 minutes door-to-door” might hold true when roads are empty, but a rush-hour logjam is a different story. Schedules can vary dramatically across weekdays—Monday morning might be calmer than a chaotic Thursday evening. Toss in holiday travel, road construction, or a sudden downpour, and your plan to slip home early can go sideways.
Make the actual commute during rush hour before committing to anything. Yes, it might feel like overkill, but it's better than discovering deal-breakers after you've already moved in. Try the route on different days, and pay attention to how local events, school schedules, and weather conditions affect your travel time.
Using Public Transportation
Public transit can give you back some breathing room in your day. Instead of gripping the steering wheel in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you could scroll through social media, answer emails, or listen to your favorite playlist or podcast. Many suburban areas offer express services during peak hours, turning a slog of a drive into a calmer, more predictable experience.
Why It’s Underrated
Predictable Travel Times: Trains and buses often bypass road congestion, saving you from constant brake-tapping.
Cost Savings: Less wear and tear on your car (it might also mean you don't need a second vehicle).
Eco-Friendliness: Fewer vehicles on the road helps cut emissions.
Consider factors like how long it takes to get from your home to the station, or whether you’ll need to drive to a park-and-ride. It’s a little planning, but might open up your day in a surprising way.
Remote Work and the New Normal
Even if you're working from home right now, you should still consider what commuting might look like. Jobs change, offices reopen, and hybrid schedules evolve. Think of a manageable commute as insurance for your future self. Plus, homes that are ideally located for commuting tend to hold their value better – something your future self will definitely appreciate.
Neighborhood Dynamics
Different suburbs have distinct personalities when it comes to traffic flow. Some areas see a mass exodus in the morning, while others experience inbound traffic from a nearby industrial park or college campus. School zones add another layer of potential backups. If you have or expect children, factor in what school drop-offs and pickups might do to local roads.
The True Cost of Commuting
A lot of people count gas money and then stop there. But commuting expenses aren't always so obvious. More driving can mean more frequent oil changes, higher insurance rates, and quicker depreciation on your vehicle. Time is money, too—an hour each day spent behind the wheel is an hour you’re not spending at home, at the gym, or enjoying other parts of your life. Sometimes that house with a higher price tag but a shorter commute might be the bargain in the long term.
Lifestyle Strategies
Your daily drive isn’t just about the road; it’s about how you want to structure your life. Here are a few quick tips:
Plan Smart: If you’re a morning person, leaving before peak traffic can shave minutes off your trip. For night owls, consider a schedule that starts later.
Carpool or Rideshare: Sharing the ride can cut costs and let you split driving responsibilities.
Map Multiple Routes: Having a backup plan or alternate route can help if an accident blocks your usual path.
Work Flexibility: Discuss with your employer whether you can adjust your hours to dodge the worst traffic blocks.
Using Technology for Commuting
Our apps have grown more advanced, offering minute-by-minute traffic updates, route customization, and even parking spot information. Smart home devices can sync with your commute schedule, letting you know when it’s time to leave or automatically adjusting your home’s temperature for your arrival. You can’t wave a digital wand to clear the road (yet), but technology can help you be a lot more strategic in how you approach it.
Looking to the Future
Cities and suburbs keep changing, so ask your agent or do some homework about future developments. Are there new roads or rail extensions scheduled? Is a major employer relocating nearby? Sometimes a location that’s difficult now might see big improvements in a year or two. On the flip side, a place with mild congestion might be headed for traffic overload if huge new projects are in the pipeline.
Consider the Different Seasons
We often tour homes on comfortable, sunny weekends—and forget about what winter or rainy seasons might do to our route. Will you face heavy snow removal every winter? Will seasonal tourism inflate traffic times? If you’re not sure, try to talk with people who’ve been around the neighborhood for a while and get a sense of the year-round conditions.
Life Changes and Commuting
While we can't predict every twist and turn life might take, we can plan for likely changes that could affect our commute. That two-car garage might seem plenty spacious now, but what happens when your teenager starts driving? The morning routine that works perfectly for two adults might need serious adjustment when children enter the picture.
Consider potential career changes as well. If you or your partner might switch jobs in the next few years, look at major employment centers in your area. A home positioned well for multiple job markets offers more flexibility.
Community Resources
A manageable commute isn't just about the drive time to work – it's about how easily you can access everything your life requires. Think about your weekly routine: grocery shopping, medical appointments, religious services, social activities, and everyday errands. A slightly longer commute to work might be worth it if it puts you closer to other important destinations.
Consider if and where essential services are found along your route. Is there a reliable grocery store between work and home? Gas stations? Having the ability to combine errands with your commute can save a lot of time and reduce stress. Some communities have park-and-ride lots near shopping centers, making it easier to handle quick errands on your way home.
Don't forget about emergency services and alternate transport options. How close is the nearest hospital? Is there a bus route you could use as backup? Even if you don't plan to use these services regularly, knowing they're available can provide valuable peace of mind.
Making Peace with Your Choice
Remember, no commute is perfect. The goal isn't finding a magical route without traffic – it's finding a journey you can manage while still loving where you live. Some people use their commute time for professional development or learning new languages. Others arrange their schedule to avoid peak hours completely The key is finding your own rhythm and making the most of your situation.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Home?
At NewHomeSource, we’re here to help you navigate the path to your next home. With our extensive listings and resources, we’ll guide you to a place that strikes a balance between a home you love and a commute you can live with. After all, coming back to a neighborhood you’re happy to call home is what it’s all about.
Michael Letendre
Michael Letendre is a writer for NewHomeSource and Builder Magazine.