Grant’s direct answer
Grant prefers checking the exact apartment-to-office route repeatedly across several weekdays at the actual commute time rather than relying on one test drive or a weekend estimate. Use the exact office address, not a broad label such as Downtown or Plano. Look at realistic morning and evening travel times, route variability, freeway bottlenecks, toll roads, and alternate routes. One unusually good or bad day can mislead. The objective is to understand the normal pattern well enough to decide whether the lifestyle benefit of the apartment is worth the real commute.
Explore related apartment guides and city and neighborhood information. Rental prices, availability, office locations and incentives can change; confirm time-sensitive details before making a decision.
Put this answer into your apartment plan
Read the fuller guide
- How Should a New Graduate Weigh Commute Time Against Neighborhood Lifestyle? · Editorial source guide
- What Should a First-Time Renter Check Before Signing an Apartment Lease? · Related topic
Related questions
- Does a new hire need to physically test-drive the commute before work starts?
- What apartment move-in tasks should be arranged after signing the lease?
- What lease question should a frequent business traveler ask before signing?
- What should roommates discuss before signing an apartment lease together?
Ready to use this advice?
Choose the step that fits where you are in your search.
Comparing apartment prices?
Put two written quotes side by side, including fees and free-rent credits.
Compare my apartment quotes →Free worksheet · no signupNeed a neighborhood shortlist?
Start with your city, budget, workplace and the lifestyle you want.
Start my guided apartment search →Ask Grant helps you narrow the choicesHave a specific question?
Send Grant the question you still need answered about your move.
Send Grant my question →Use the help form for a personal replyMoving soon? Calculate your upfront cash and monthly budget →
