Originally Posted by
exile
I think it kind of depends on the traffic involved. I had a former boss who purposely bought a house approximately 40 minutes away by car. He said not only was the house cheaper, but it also gave him a chance to psych up or cool down after work. However there was limited traffic to contend with.
Right now I am looking for a place to rent and a reasonable commute time by bike is definitely a priority.
Traffic-free commutes aren't bad at all. I used to have a 30 minute commute, but it was all on 75 mph interstate that was surprisingly scenic (rolling hills and long views). I really enjoyed it. 30 minutes to chill out and listen to music before and after work. Never once ran into a traffic jam, and only had a handful of stoplights off either end of the interstate. However, that was when gas was $2/gallon. I also liked the 20 minute bus ride to campus I had in graduate school. 20 minutes to chill out and listen to music before class. Not a bad way to start the day.
A friend of mine lives in a rural area and has a 45 minute commute on very scenic, rural 2-lane roads through the National Forest without a single stoplight. I'm a bit jealous.
Right now I have a 3 mile commute, all on city streets. I much prefer riding my bike. Additionally, since I drive so seldom, when I leave the city to go somewhere else I find I actually enjoy driving. Another job I had in the past required me to drive at least an hour in heavy urban traffic every day, which made me despise driving.