Source: AJC Homefinder.com

Atlantans travel 131.7 million miles every day. (Source: 2005 Air Quality Report, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority)

The average one-way commute in Atlanta is 19.7 miles, and the average one-way travel time is 35.9 minutes. (Source: Atlanta regional commuter survey, 2007, conducted by the Center for Transportation and the Environment on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation)

You probably don’t need Homefinder to tell you that traffic is tough in Atlanta, and commuting times are getting longer.

“Over the past 10 years, daily traffic on Georgia’s urban roadways has increased by 51 percent, and as one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country, Atlanta traffic is likely to keep getting worse,” says Tracy Paden of the Clean Air Campaign.

“Research shows that 16 percent of Atlanta commuters moved residences or changes jobs within the past year. Of those, 42 percent said the ease of their commute was more important than other factors in their decision to move or change jobs; 34 percent said it was of equal importance,” says Paden.

Advice from a Realtor

Craig and Barbara Christie of Jenny Pruitt & Associates sell a lot of homes near MARTA and bus lines to commute-conscious buyers. “We find a lot of people have heard about the traffic issue in Atlanta, but they didn’t realize the magnitude of it. They buy a home and then get discouraged in their quality of life, and they want to make a change,” says Craig.

The Christies are often in the positionof advising their clients on things to consider when buying for a better commute. Craig says, “What we’re looking for is a win-win, where they get a better quality of life and a home that meets their needs. A lot of it is like any home buying purchase, but here are several things to consider when buying with commuting in mind.”

  • Does this home fit my lifestyle? Price is an issue, so if you’re moving closer to downtown, you may not find a large lot on a cul-de-sac in your price range. If the commute is right, do the house and the neighborhood have enough of what you’re looking for? Do you feel comfortable there?
  • Will the commute allow me to spend more thing with my family? This has a huge impact on quality of life. Being home in time for dinner or to participate in school activities can make a big difference. Are there churches, synagogues or mosques nearby.
  • Reducing your commute can substantially reduce your auto insurancerate, as well as cut gasoline and maintenance costs. Will this offset any additional costs in home expenses? Can your family now keep only one car instead of two? Saving this much money can even help you secure a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year mortgage, accelerating the equity in your home. Some mortgage lenders say they’re more likely to approve a larger mortgage for a person with one car, instead of two or three.

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