reasonable commute times to West Haven VA?

Submitted by Ok_Juice_7556 t3_11khwml in newhaven

Hi soon to be neighbors - I am relocating to the area for a job at the West Haven VA (standard 8-4:30 hours). Would you say living in Hamden and Branford offer reasonable commute times to the VA? (I'm also looking at Milford, but I assume given the proximity, that is an easy/reasonable commute). I've been looking on Google Maps at what would be my drive times, and it seems like it wouldn't be too bad at rush hour, but I've also seen lots of chatter about how bad the traffic gets, especially on 95 in New Haven.

For context, I'm moving from one of the worst traffic/commuting areas in the country - without traffic, my commute is 35 min door to door, but it more often takes at least 1 hr+ in stressful conditions - so my definition of "reasonable" commute is basically anything better than that.

Also just want to say thank you for all of your active participation in this sub - ever since I learned about the job I've been lurking here and I am so excited to be part of this community.

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Comments

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x372 t1_jb7opbj wrote

The trip back home will take an extra 15 minutes, morning traffic isn't bad until you get off 95 at 1st street.

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Somar2230 t1_jb8blwr wrote

Depends on where in Hamden you can go Ella T Grasso to RT 10 or Forest Rd to RT 15 and avoid 95.

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myfriendcoffee t1_jb96k3j wrote

It is true that you will likely have to drive through New Haven on 95 to and from Branford or Hamden. This will slow you a bit especially during normal "rush hour," but, as others have said, this isn't horrific. I personally can't stand Rte 15/Merritt, but that's probably because I got stuck once for hours when a 13' tractor-trailer tried to go under a 12' bridge. If you are coming from a place with bad traffic, then New Haven shouldn't be too painful. I go to the VA from Milford (avoiding NH) and it is a relative breeze. Welcome and thanks for serving those who served.

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XDserpa t1_jb9e8wn wrote

Idk I moved from south Florida, traffic in CT is nowhere near traffic in south Florida, compared to what you are used to, you will find it a breeze

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ruiner9 t1_jbat36k wrote

If you start work at 8am, I91/ I95 shouldn't be a problem. I commuted from Hamden out that way for 7 years and it was very smooth. I would get to the interchange around 7:45. You could also take route 15, get off exit 59, and have a pretty straight shot to the VA through town. 25 minutes tops. Best bet is to use an app like Waze, it'll give you the quickest route each day.

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Lifeandall2 t1_jbav5dc wrote

I work at the VA. Plenty of folks here that come from Hamden and Branford. If your schedule is consistent, the carpool benefits are worth checking into.

Oh, and reddit is blocked at work. Lol

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elmcityboy t1_jbbnmzr wrote

worth looking at your options with the train! i see the VA shuttles every time i go to the west haven train station. milford and points west are on the metro north with regular service to west haven -- branford you would take shoreline east and transfer at new haven, which is doable depending on your schedule.

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MochaUnicorn369 t1_jbbwm16 wrote

If you go w Hamden I suggest you look in the Centerville or Mt Carmel areas which are close to I-91 and the Wilbur Cross Pkwy. From there to the VA in the AM would be about 25-30 min. Another issue to factor in at the VA is parking. The lots fill up fast and you may have to spend time finding a space and then walking from it to your work site. Shouldn’t be too bad if you start at 8 AM but ask people who are there now what to expect.

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Ok_Juice_7556 OP t1_jbca48m wrote

Wow, this is all exactly what I was hoping to learn and more! Thank you so much, this is the inside intel I needed!!

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Saint_Chrispy1 t1_jbj0e8u wrote

I'm from Branford and have commuted to west haven to work for 13 years... It's not terrible. I now live in Wallingford and it's also not bad. I avoid going to Hamden, i call it the hole in the donut. There's no good way to get there lol. Branford, east haven, new Haven, north Haven, orange, Milford are all better options.

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