When you're considering buying a home, the daily commute can quietly become one of the biggest influences on your lifestyle. A property might check every box on your list—space, layout, neighbourhood—but if the trip to work, school, or regular appointments becomes a daily frustration, it may lose its appeal quickly.
That’s why it pays—literally and mentally—to personally test commute times before finalizing a purchase.
Online Maps Aren’t the Whole Picture
Digital tools can estimate your route and give a general idea of travel times, but they don’t capture everything. They won’t tell you how long it takes to find parking near your workplace, what traffic feels like in unpredictable weather, or how crowded a train gets at peak hour. The only way to know what a commute really feels like is to experience it firsthand.
Time of Day Matters More Than You Think
It’s important to make the trip during the same time of day you’d normally commute. A 20-minute drive on a Sunday morning can double or triple in weekday traffic. Trying the route at different times—especially during peak rush—can reveal patterns and pain points you wouldn't notice otherwise.
Stress Adds Up Over Time
Commute-related stress often builds gradually. What feels manageable on day one might become draining by week five. Testing the route gives you a better sense of how your mood, energy, and time might be affected over the long run. It’s not just about how long the commute takes, but how it feels.
It Can Influence Property Value and Satisfaction
While the right house in the wrong location can still seem like a good deal, dissatisfaction with the commute is a common reason homeowners start thinking about moving again. Testing the route helps set realistic expectations and can save you from buyer’s remorse.
Bonus: You Learn About the Neighbourhood
When you test your commute, you naturally get a feel for the community—local coffee shops, gas stations, shortcuts, and schools. It’s a simple but effective way to assess whether the area matches your lifestyle beyond just the commute itself.
In Summary
Buying a home is about more than what’s inside the walls. By testing your commute before committing, you get a clearer, more honest picture of daily life in a new place—and that insight can make all the difference.
