Fwiw, in my neck of the woods, it isn't uncommon for people to commute from the Wyoming Valley, Lehigh Valley, or the Poconos to NYC on a daily basis. It's about 2 and a half hours on Martz or Trans-Bridge coach buses. Last time I checked, a commuter pass for Martz was $800.

I think, for less than a year, commuting to Harrisburg on Amtrak is manageable. Delays are less common and the Keystone is really comfortable compared to a coach bus. Being cheaper than Martz is a plus, too. Anything more than a year or two might be excessive.

I recommend doing what another commentor said and try the commute before you take the job.

Good on you for doing the research for this person lol. They should've but hey...

It is certainly doable, especially if you'll be in the Capitol complex or walking distance from the train station. I worked with a woman who commuted from PHL to HBG for years. She would occasionally stay over at a colleagues place if the weather was especially bad. Her work in HBG eventually led to a very good offer in PHL.

The train is reliable, and the ride lets you get work done before you get home.

For context, I spend about $600 a month driving to work in northeast Philly from western Chester County. Between gas and turnpike tolls... commuting is pricey. No regrets.

… geothermal heat pump ….

I have dealt with similar long distance commutes at various points in my life. I found the train rides to be relaxing. I wouldn't want to do it long term, and I wouldn't want to commit to a two hour each way drive twice a day... but the train? For a year? Sure. If the opportunity was right, I would do it again.

Maybe you should do the trip before you accept the offer. If you can, travel from home to the office and back at the times you would be going. You will have to kill 8.5 hours in Harrisburg. Then you’ll know what your door to door time will be. And if you are living with your parents, there is no lease so you can find a place in Harrisburg as soon as you can afford to or as soon as you hate the commute.

Are you locked into a lease in Philly? Maybe you could just rent a room in Harrisburg for some weeknights.

I know someone who lived almost to Lancaster and commuted into Philly on Amtrak. It was 1.5 hours each way. He was in school to be a veterinarian and had several kids. His wife’s parents had a house they allowed them to live in rent free. He said he was able to do all his schoolwork while commuting, so it worked out. If you are able to fall asleep easily, you can do some of your sleeping on the train to gain some free time.

[deleted]

There is no job in Harrisburg worth doing this commute for that you couldn’t also do in Philly area

Having had a two hour a day train commute before, if you can take the train and have a project to work on the commute could be great. That was the time I was most productive in terms of professional goals that required personal time to achieve.

[deleted]

[removed]

not worth it. Your mental health will suffer.

I feel like the op is pretty set on their decision to do this. Everyone saying it’s a bad idea you’re disagreeing with. Just do it then lol best of luck

I work in Harrisburg and my boyfriend lives in Phoenixville ( I live in Lebanon). I go up the turnpike and it takes me 90 minutes. It takes 90 minutes to go back. That’s without traffic. I do it 1-2 times per week. I’m ok but it’s not every day. The days I do it are very long. I’m not even in Philly but a suburb 30 minutes out. I also work on the side which is close to the turnpike. Going into the city will add at least another 15-20 mins. 83 is a bitch on good days and if there’s an accident, it’s worse.

If you need to do this for the job, I’d look into staying in a hotel/motel close by during the week.

That commute will get old real quick and the gas and tolls will get expensive.

[deleted]

[deleted]

[deleted]

I would probably do 15. Like someone else had mentioned, Lewisburg is a nice town.

I live 40 miles outside philly. It takes me almost 1-1/2 to get home when I leave work. I’m doing night shift now it’s 1-45 on the way in and 40 home.

Why would you ever do that to yourself

Haha fair enough, thank you.

We're eating at Ambar Capitol Hill for lunch, so the plan is to eat enough that we won't even want dinner until late. I'm also generally fine with traffic, I've done a lot of Toronto driving in my life, so as long as i know what to expect and can plan accordingly, I should be good.

But I get what you're saying, plan for up to 4 hours of driving, traffic could be a nightmare.

[removed]