I have exactly 2 viable routes - one 14.5 miles and the other 15.5 miles. The 14.5 mile route is terrible, with nearly all 2-lane no shoulder roads and plenty of traffic, and HILLS! The 15.5 mile route has less hills, far less traffic, and a bit less 2-lane roads. I take the latter. I had to take the first route home the other day since I had to stop by the bank, and ughh it was awful.
I recently figured out a way that would connect parts of each route, but there's really no good reason to go that way unless I have to stop by the bank again when leaving the office.