Your New Commute Matters More Than You Think

A map may show that a home is only 15 miles from the office.

That sounds reasonable.

But those 15 miles might involve congested highways, toll roads, construction, school traffic, or difficult downtown parking.

A 20-minute drive during the middle of the afternoon could become 50 minutes during rush hour.

Relocating employees should evaluate commute time during the hours they will actually travel.

If possible, drive the route before making a housing decision.

The employee's commute is important, but it may not be the only commute that matters.

Does a spouse or partner work outside the home?

Where will children attend school?

Where is childcare?

How far away are sports, activities, doctors, and everyday errands?

A location that creates a perfect commute for one person may create difficult logistics for everyone else.

Housing decisions should consider how the entire household will function.

Every city has its own traffic patterns.

Local residents quickly learn which highways back up, which roads flood, where construction is common, and which routes should be avoided at certain hours.

New residents do not have that knowledge yet.

This is one reason local destination support can be especially valuable.

An area orientation can help employees understand not just where neighborhoods are located, but how those neighborhoods connect to workplaces, schools, shopping, medical services, and major transportation routes.

Commutes have financial costs as well.

Employees may need to consider:

• Toll roads
• Fuel
• Parking
• Public transportation
• Vehicle wear
• Insurance differences
• Time spent driving

A home with slightly higher rent located closer to the office may actually be more affordable once commuting costs are considered.

A long commute does more than increase fuel costs.

It reduces personal time.

An additional 45 minutes each way can mean more than seven hours every week spent commuting.

That is time employees could spend with family, exercising, cooking, attending children's activities, or simply resting.

Over time, commute quality can significantly influence how someone feels about both the job and the relocation.

If possible, employees should spend time in the destination before choosing permanent housing.

Visit neighborhoods at different times of day.

Drive to the office.

Drive to the school.

Visit nearby grocery stores.

Look at weekend traffic.

Check whether public transportation is realistic.

Explore several areas instead of choosing based entirely on online research.

You are not just choosing a house.

You are choosing a daily routine.

RELO USA's destination services help relocating employees understand the communities they are considering before they make permanent decisions.

Our personalized support can help employees compare neighborhoods, housing options, schools, commute considerations, and local resources based on what matters most to their household.

Because the right home should not simply look good on a listing.

It should work for your life.

Planning a relocation to an unfamiliar city?

Contact RELO USA and discover how area orientation and home-finding support can help you make a more informed decision.