I don't think I'd mind Helix if there was no car break in issues. Without a secure parking structure, I'd be scared to park there. I'd really like to keep the commute below 10 minutes. I'm hoping that I'd be able to get Clairmont or Diamond Bar. I tried looking for stuff on Craigslist just to get an idea. But, I'm not finding a whole lot for those two cities. I think I may have to come up and brows around one of these weekends.
I don't know how you do it from the coast, Cyclohexanol. If I remember correctly, you live west from Western U. So, I'm thinking Santa Monica or Venice. Isn't traffic on East 10 to downtown bad in the morning? After passing downtown, you are going against traffic. But until you pass downtown, I'm sure traffic is a nightmare!
Southwest, specifically - Long Beach (hence the LBC under my avatar). 22E to 57N, usually zero traffic. Sometimes there will be a 5-10 minute snafu getting onto the 57N, but generally no. Takes 45min-1hr (I think its about 46 miles), which works great for me because it gives me time to listen to Goljan. Coming home usually takes a little longer just because of the time of day.
Next year will be a little different, I have 6 months of rotations at arrowhead which is 78 miles from my place, but in my experience so far it takes about 1hr20min, so its not too bad.
However, I do know quite a few people who commute from Santa Monica, Westwood, WeHo, et al. so its not just me. I also know a 4th year I know who drives out from Santa Monica to Arrowhead for rotations.
But again, if you aren't into commuting, check out claremont, diamond bar, upland, chino hills, rancho cucamonga, etc..
BTW, I lived at "The Crest" in phillips ranch during first year, it was pretty decent and quite a few students lived there as well. Might want to check it out if you haven't yet.
