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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 07:55:53 PM

Title: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 07:55:53 PM
Because the Kansas City metro, where I live, is in two states, lots of people live in one state and work in the other, thus crossing a state line when going to work every day. (Some others in the KC area, including me, work two jobs - one on each side of the line.)

That got me thinking: what situations are there where people's commutes might take them across two different state lines, which would mean driving through three states every day on their way to and from work? I can come up with a few examples, such as people who:

Any other examples?
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Mapmikey on July 29, 2020, 07:59:10 PM
Plenty of people work in DC who live in WV, PA, or DE
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 08:04:09 PM
There are plenty of commuters who live in PA (Poconos and Lehigh Valley) and commute to NYC, going through New Jersey to get there. It's also possible to have people living in Ohio and working in PA (or vice versa), crossing West Virginia's northern panhandle.


Another possiblilty is a four state commute. Given that there are many commuters who travel 100 miles or more between their residences in PA and their workplaces in NYC, it's entirely possible that there's a few who live in PA and work in Connecticut. For example, the distance between Easton, PA and Greenwich, CT is 106 miles using I-78 and I-95. Stroudsburg, PA to Greenwich, CT is 108 miles via I-80, I-287, and I-95.

Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Flint1979 on July 29, 2020, 08:31:46 PM
I think it's possible to live in the SW corner of Michigan and work in Illinois taking you through Indiana.

New Buffalo, MI is about 75 miles from the Chicago Loop.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:43:55 PM
Quote from: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 08:04:09 PM
Another possiblilty is a four state commute. Given that there are many commuters who travel 100 miles or more between their residences in PA and their workplaces in NYC, it's entirely possible that there's a few who live in PA and work in Connecticut. For example, the distance between Easton, PA and Greenwich, CT is 106 miles using I-78 and I-95. Stroudsburg, PA to Greenwich, CT is 108 miles via I-80, I-287, and I-95.

There's a much shorter example of this further west - Chambersburg, PA to Winchester, VA is 65 miles, crossing the panhandles of Maryland and West Virginia on I-81.

https://www.google.com/search?q=chambersburg+pa+to+winchester+va+distance&oq=chambersburg+pa+to+winchester+va+distance&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.11917j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:49:02 PM
Another example I just thought of - Liberal, Kansas (in the southwest corner of that state) is home to a meat-packing plant. I'm sure it's got some workers who live in the north end of the Texas panhandle - which, in that case, would take them across the Oklahoma panhandle.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: I-55 on July 29, 2020, 09:01:57 PM
Ashland, KY to/from Huntington, WV would most likely utilize US-52 in Ohio (crossing the Ohio River 2 times each way) unless the Huntington location is right along I-64

Anyone commuting from Northeast Alabama to Chattanooga will enter Georgia either by I-59 or I-24 and exit to Tennessee on I-24. If you cross the AL/TN line on US-72, you'll cross TN's southern border 3 times one way
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: epzik8 on July 29, 2020, 09:02:38 PM
Dover, Delaware to Washington, DC or Northern Virginia, passing through Maryland and crossing two or three state lines.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Ketchup99 on July 29, 2020, 09:20:26 PM
Conneaut, OH to Ripley, NY through Erie - a distance of 52 miles.
Cairo, IL to Union City, TN, is 51 miles through Missouri and Kentucky.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: jmd41280 on July 29, 2020, 09:30:43 PM
When PA Turnpike 576 opened between Pittsburgh Int'l Airport and US 22, I recall there being a campaign by Steubenville, OH to attract Pittsburgh commuters to live there. From Steubenville to downtown Pittsburgh via US 22 and I-376 is 39 miles through 3 states (OH, WV, PA). Likewise, Steubenville to Pittsburgh Int'l Airport is 25 miles via US 22 and PA Turnpike 576 through the same 3 states.

Personal story...I work in Washington, PA (not far from the junctions of I-70 and I-79). I had a coworker that had a 3-state commute (also OH, WV, PA) from St. Clairsville, OH to the office (41 miles via I-70 and I-470).
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 09:34:49 PM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:43:55 PM
Quote from: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 08:04:09 PM
Another possiblilty is a four state commute. Given that there are many commuters who travel 100 miles or more between their residences in PA and their workplaces in NYC, it's entirely possible that there's a few who live in PA and work in Connecticut. For example, the distance between Easton, PA and Greenwich, CT is 106 miles using I-78 and I-95. Stroudsburg, PA to Greenwich, CT is 108 miles via I-80, I-287, and I-95.

There's a much shorter example of this further west - Chambersburg, PA to Winchester, VA is 65 miles, crossing the panhandles of Maryland and West Virginia on I-81.

https://www.google.com/search?q=chambersburg+pa+to+winchester+va+distance&oq=chambersburg+pa+to+winchester+va+distance&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.11917j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Absolutely true, and much more reasonable in my opinion :)

While we're at it, there's Warfordsburg, PA to Winchester, VA on US 522 at 47 miles, crossing MD (at its narrowest) and WV.

It's possible to commute to VA from PA (or vice versa) at only 22 miles using US 522. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.4390212,-78.3077821/Mellott+Company/@39.4401664,-78.3027124,2542m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89ca3deb13f9d867:0x1d40bd12128df256!2m2!1d-78.1795795!2d39.7259451?hl=en

Anyone have a five-state commute?   :-D
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: 1995hoo on July 29, 2020, 09:50:00 PM
The OP mentioned people who commute from Maryland to Virginia via DC. There are also plenty of people from Maryland who commute to DC through Virginia by going over the Wilson Bridge and then up through Alexandria. Some people from Virginia likewise commute to DC via Maryland.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Max Rockatansky on July 29, 2020, 11:01:46 PM
A fairly good amount of people commute from Needles, CA up AZ 95 to Laughlin, NV. 
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: ilpt4u on July 29, 2020, 11:25:22 PM
Quote from: Ketchup99 on July 29, 2020, 09:20:26 PM
Cairo, IL to Union City, TN, is 51 miles through Missouri and Kentucky.
Possible, but more likely would be anyone commuting Western KY <-> Southeastern MO, since the Cairo, IL Ohio & Mississippi River Bridges are needed to make the commute without a boat
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: webny99 on July 29, 2020, 11:40:54 PM
Quote from: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 09:34:49 PM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:43:55 PM
Quote from: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 08:04:09 PM
Another possiblilty is a four state commute. Given that there are many commuters who travel 100 miles or more between their residences in PA and their workplaces in NYC, it's entirely possible that there's a few who live in PA and work in Connecticut. For example, the distance between Easton, PA and Greenwich, CT is 106 miles using I-78 and I-95. Stroudsburg, PA to Greenwich, CT is 108 miles via I-80, I-287, and I-95.

There's a much shorter example of this further west - Chambersburg, PA to Winchester, VA is 65 miles, crossing the panhandles of Maryland and West Virginia on I-81.

Absolutely true, and much more reasonable in my opinion :)

While we're at it, there's Warfordsburg, PA to Winchester, VA on US 522 at 47 miles, crossing MD (at its narrowest) and WV.

It's possible to commute to VA from PA (or vice versa) at only 22 miles using US 522.

How 'bout an even shorter 4-state commute?
Oxford, PA to anywhere on the NJ side of the Del. Mem. Bridge passes through both Maryland and Delaware. That's about 40 miles, which is a very doable commute.

As far as five states, New England is going to be the best bet. Kittery, ME to southeastern CT is about 2.5 hours/160 miles via NH, MA, and RI.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: dlsterner on July 29, 2020, 11:51:59 PM
Charles Town WV to Frederick MD, by way of VA, about 25 miles.
Or start at Harpers Ferry WV to cut it to about 20.

(Picking cities with a reasonable population and number of businesses that could be a realistic commute, as opposed to dinky little towns)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 30, 2020, 01:21:32 AM
Someone who commutes between La Crosse, WI and Decorah, IA (about an hour) would go through Minnesota.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Road Hog on July 30, 2020, 02:29:57 AM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:49:02 PM
Another example I just thought of - Liberal, Kansas (in the southwest corner of that state) is home to a meat-packing plant. I'm sure it's got some workers who live in the north end of the Texas panhandle - which, in that case, would take them across the Oklahoma panhandle.
The closet Walmart to Perryton, TX is in Liberal, so I imagine a lot of people make that trip.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: jp the roadgeek on July 30, 2020, 03:25:41 AM
Hartford to Albany (114 mi, about 2 hours).  Yes, CT and NY are neighboring states but the quickest way is through MA via I-91 and I-90.  One could conceivably live in the Canaan, CT area and commute to Albany (about 60 miles), the quickest way also involving catching the southwest corner of MA.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Mapmikey on July 30, 2020, 06:42:27 AM
Quote from: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 09:34:49 PM


Anyone have a five-state commute?   :-D

Cheating a little, but one direction of DC commuter rail goes to Martinsburg WV.  There could be people in the Chambersburg PA area who drive to Martinsburg, then catch the train to DC.

This would be PA, MD, WV, MD, DC.    Plus there are several places you could look out the window and see Virginia.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on July 30, 2020, 08:12:26 AM
If we're counting DC as a state, the year I lived in Alexandria, VA, my commute to Suitland, MD, went through DC.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: debragga on July 30, 2020, 10:13:50 AM
Living in Texas somewhere between Texarkana and Bloomburg and commuting to the Shreveport/Bossier City area takes you through Arkansas.

Living in far northeast Louisiana (East/West Carroll parishes specifically) and commuting to Greenville, MS takes you through Arkansas as well.

Both of those commutes are about an hour each way.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 10:34:23 AM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:49:02 PM
Another example I just thought of - Liberal, Kansas (in the southwest corner of that state) is home to a meat-packing plant. I'm sure it's got some workers who live in the north end of the Texas panhandle - which, in that case, would take them across the Oklahoma panhandle.

I've found a much more likely three-state commute that involves Kansas.

It's only a ten-minute commute from this trailer park to the nearby casino (https://goo.gl/maps/2exzovZWaao2ZwD27).
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: GaryV on July 30, 2020, 10:41:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 10:34:23 AM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:49:02 PM
Another example I just thought of - Liberal, Kansas (in the southwest corner of that state) is home to a meat-packing plant. I'm sure it's got some workers who live in the north end of the Texas panhandle - which, in that case, would take them across the Oklahoma panhandle.

I've found a much more likely three-state commute that involves Kansas.

It's only a ten-minute commute from this trailer park to the nearby casino (https://goo.gl/maps/2exzovZWaao2ZwD27).

Change that to the "Downstream Casino RV Park' and it's less than a mile.  People might live full time in an RV.  Or if not, there's houses nearby.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: formulanone on July 30, 2020, 11:08:21 AM
There have to be some commuters on I-275 who make their way from Ohio to Kentucky (and vice versa) with a five-minute dip into Indiana.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: hbelkins on July 30, 2020, 11:13:03 AM
Steubenville to Pittsburgh was the one I thought of.

Until the Cumberland Gap Tunnel was built, a trip from Harrogate, Tenn., or points south to Middlesboro, Ky., took you through the southwestern tip of Virginia.

It's probably not too far-fetched for someone to commute from Jenkins, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., which would involve US 23 through Virginia.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:23:17 AM
Going back to a few more 3-state examples:

Coal Grove, OH to Kenova, WV (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Coal+Grove,+OH/Kenova,+WV/@38.4470078,-82.6359222,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x884674047e1e1133:0x2e1af3471fa3cbe!2m2!1d-82.6471057!2d38.5034142!1m5!1m1!1s0x8845e0b97a681243:0xcce74598a7b4b1b8!2m2!1d-82.5782139!2d38.3989711!3e0!5m1!1e1) passes through Kentucky. 10 miles/20 minutes
Wheeler, VA to Middlesboro, KY (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Wheeler,+VA+24248/Middlesboro,+KY/@36.6071067,-83.7046665,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x885b62daf0370f8f:0x248cdafc196e8af9!2m2!1d-83.558243!2d36.620712!1m5!1m1!1s0x885c852a4c65c50b:0x1ec5ad588a39d39a!2m2!1d-83.7142848!2d36.6072567!3e0!5m1!1e1) passes through Tennessee. 10 miles/14 minutes
Chesterfield, NH to Bernardston, MA (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Chesterfield,+NH/Bernardston,+MA+01337/@42.7864067,-72.6540451,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e10e224311870b:0x52d4001ea69ca5e2!2m2!1d-72.4494848!2d42.9030941!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e1233e2a92a643:0x67b68485321fb86d!2m2!1d-72.5483277!2d42.6710048!3e0!5m1!1e1) passes through Vermont. 23 miles/24 minutes
Glocester, RI to Webster, MA (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Glocester,+RI/Webster,+MA/@41.9772815,-71.8556048,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e43bc07bc9a575:0x5547c065d98a2163!2m2!1d-71.691066!2d41.9043113!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e418d0ea0fc4cf:0xeb32bd9d1bbd98ed!2m2!1d-71.8800628!2d42.050091!3e0!5m1!1e1) passes through Connecticut. 18 miles/27 minutes




Quote from: webny99 on July 29, 2020, 11:40:54 PM
How 'bout an even shorter 4-state commute?
Oxford, PA to anywhere on the NJ side of the Del. Mem. Bridge passes through both Maryland and Delaware. That's about 40 miles, which is a very doable commute.

As far as five states, New England is going to be the best bet. Kittery, ME to southeastern CT is about 2.5 hours/160 miles via NH, MA, and RI.

Can anyone beat 40 miles for a 4 state commute, or 160 miles for a 5 state commute?
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Mapmikey on July 30, 2020, 11:44:28 AM
New Jersey to DC from the Virginia side is 130 miles-ish (NJ, DE, MD, VA, DC)

Nobody would do this but NJ to Harpers Ferry WV is also less than 160 miles (NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 11:51:40 AM
Maine - Boston commutes

Northeast PA - NYC commutes

WV - DC commutes

Maybe some commuters from SW Michigan going to Chicago
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:53:17 AM
Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:23:17 AM
Can anyone beat 40 miles for a 4 state commute ... ?

Actually, yes. (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Warfordsburg,+PA/Cross+Junction,+VA+22625/@39.5607271,-78.2942236,9.67z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89ca3c31746b4ab9:0x8b08066fbb6c6c8b!2m2!1d-78.1874484!2d39.7516545!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b58b4cd576544b:0xdaca21696cd40fb6!2m2!1d-78.2933381!2d39.3203784!3e0!5m1!1e1)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: debragga on July 30, 2020, 11:54:05 AM
Beclabito, NM to Aneth, UT passes through Arizona and Colorado, and it's only 40 miles. The drive goes right by the Four Corners Monument where the 4 states intersect.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Beclabito,+NM/Aneth,+UT/@37.0487523,-109.1537014,10.5z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x873a39f3d7046bf7:0x44a11fa47a8c7704!2m2!1d-109.0195438!2d36.8413878!1m5!1m1!1s0x87398d4b60ce537d:0xbf391d685a40f876!2m2!1d-109.187057!2d37.216108!3e0
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 12:03:15 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:53:17 AM

Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:23:17 AM
Can anyone beat 40 miles for a 4 state commute ... ?

Actually, yes. (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Warfordsburg,+PA/Cross+Junction,+VA+22625/@39.5607271,-78.2942236,9.67z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89ca3c31746b4ab9:0x8b08066fbb6c6c8b!2m2!1d-78.1874484!2d39.7516545!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b58b4cd576544b:0xdaca21696cd40fb6!2m2!1d-78.2933381!2d39.3203784!3e0!5m1!1e1)

For example, I imagine a school custodian commuting home to his house on this cul-de-sac (https://goo.gl/maps/sgWqjD1dqGvaREcp8)–25 miles, three state lines crossed.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: NWI_Irish96 on July 30, 2020, 12:38:06 PM
Commutes from the SW corner of Michigan to Chicago are not uncommon.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: TEG24601 on July 30, 2020, 12:56:14 PM
Would you count living in Blaine, WA or Bellingham, WA and commuting to Pt. Roberts, having to cross into BC, then back into WA?


I did have friend in college, who lives with his family during his Co-Op terms.  They lived just off of Ohio 49 near the the turnpike, and worked in Coldwater, MI, always going to work via I-69.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 01:08:05 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 29, 2020, 08:31:46 PM
I think it's possible to live in the SW corner of Michigan and work in Illinois taking you through Indiana.

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 11:51:40 AM
Maybe some commuters from SW Michigan going to Chicago

Quote from: cabiness42 on July 30, 2020, 12:38:06 PM
Commutes from the SW corner of Michigan to Chicago are not uncommon.

Finally, someone has more than just a hypothetical maybe!
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 01:19:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 01:08:05 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 29, 2020, 08:31:46 PM
I think it's possible to live in the SW corner of Michigan and work in Illinois taking you through Indiana.

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 11:51:40 AM
Maybe some commuters from SW Michigan going to Chicago

Quote from: cabiness42 on July 30, 2020, 12:38:06 PM
Commutes from the SW corner of Michigan to Chicago are not uncommon.

Finally, someone has more than just a hypothetical maybe!
Oops I didn't read the rest of the thread.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Flint1979 on July 30, 2020, 01:28:22 PM


Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 11:51:40 AM
Maine - Boston commutes

Northeast PA - NYC commutes

WV - DC commutes

Maybe some commuters from SW Michigan going to Chicago
I mentioned the last one in the 4th post.

Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Flint1979 on July 30, 2020, 01:32:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 01:08:05 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 29, 2020, 08:31:46 PM
I think it's possible to live in the SW corner of Michigan and work in Illinois taking you through Indiana.

Quote from: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 11:51:40 AM
Maybe some commuters from SW Michigan going to Chicago

Quote from: cabiness42 on July 30, 2020, 12:38:06 PM
Commutes from the SW corner of Michigan to Chicago are not uncommon.

Finally, someone has more than just a hypothetical maybe!
I have shadows.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Ga293 on July 30, 2020, 03:10:32 PM
At less than 10 miles, I imagine the number of people that commute between North Sioux City, SD and South Sioux City, NE through Sioux City, IA is non-zero.

Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Crown Victoria on July 30, 2020, 03:56:24 PM
Possible 5-state commute from Elkton, MD to Staten Island, at only 120 miles:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Elkton,+Maryland+21921/40.52491,-74.2436/@40.5494275,-74.8980813,10z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m10!1m1!1s0x89c7a59172dcc743:0x15853b66805e0c08!2m2!1d-75.8332718!2d39.6067789!3m4!1m2!1d-75.3083946!2d39.868618!3s0x89c6c2c641cb3afb:0x4ed88a3f32ce27ea!1m0!3e0?hl=en

I realize that this would be more likely to be a 4-state commute, avoiding PA by using the Delaware Memorial Bridge. However, it's a possibility, and not unreasonable depending on the time of day and the amount of shunpiking one wishes to do.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Scott5114 on July 30, 2020, 09:01:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 12:03:15 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:53:17 AM

Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:23:17 AM
Can anyone beat 40 miles for a 4 state commute ... ?

Actually, yes. (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Warfordsburg,+PA/Cross+Junction,+VA+22625/@39.5607271,-78.2942236,9.67z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89ca3c31746b4ab9:0x8b08066fbb6c6c8b!2m2!1d-78.1874484!2d39.7516545!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b58b4cd576544b:0xdaca21696cd40fb6!2m2!1d-78.2933381!2d39.3203784!3e0!5m1!1e1)

For example, I imagine a school custodian commuting home to his house on this cul-de-sac (https://goo.gl/maps/sgWqjD1dqGvaREcp8)–25 miles, three state lines crossed.

"Burnt Factory, West Virginia" has to be among the least appealing toponyms in the United States.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 09:06:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 30, 2020, 09:01:01 PM
"Burnt Factory, West Virginia" has to be among the least appealing toponyms in the United States.

Perfect fit for the Rust Belt, though.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Roadgeekteen on July 30, 2020, 09:58:38 PM
Do any people commute from the Florida Peninsula to Mississippi and vice versa?
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Sctvhound on July 30, 2020, 11:39:40 PM
Toccoa, GA to Cashiers, NC. 55 miles going through SC.

https://goo.gl/maps/8s1bgMPkGJnVu7TH6
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: wxfree on July 31, 2020, 01:44:46 AM
Quote from: GaryV on July 30, 2020, 10:41:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on July 30, 2020, 10:34:23 AM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 08:49:02 PM
Another example I just thought of - Liberal, Kansas (in the southwest corner of that state) is home to a meat-packing plant. I'm sure it's got some workers who live in the north end of the Texas panhandle - which, in that case, would take them across the Oklahoma panhandle.

I've found a much more likely three-state commute that involves Kansas.

It's only a ten-minute commute from this trailer park to the nearby casino (https://goo.gl/maps/2exzovZWaao2ZwD27).

Change that to the "Downstream Casino RV Park' and it's less than a mile.  People might live full time in an RV.  Or if not, there's houses nearby.

The people who live here could have a short 3 mile "in-state" commute, living and working in Oklahoma, but traveling through two other states to get to work at the casino.

It looks like there's a way through a private lot to the casino parking lot in Kansas.  That would still involve two state line crossings.  By public roads it would be four.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.998143,-94.6399631,469m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.998143,-94.6399631,469m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 31, 2020, 12:30:45 PM
When I worked in northern Delaware, it was much faster for me to go NJ-PA-DE across the Commodore Barry than NJ-DE across the Delaware Memorial.

I would imagine there may be a few people that would take themselves from NJ or PA thru DE to the Baltimore area.  This commute can be around 90 minutes or less.

Quote from: Crown Victoria on July 29, 2020, 08:04:09 PM
There are plenty of commuters who live in PA (Poconos and Lehigh Valley) and commute to NYC, going through New Jersey to get there.

Bucks County thru NJ to NYC is also a relatively common commute, especially for those that catch the NJ Transit NEC trains in Hamilton off of 295.

Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:23:17 AM
Can anyone beat 40 miles for a 4 state commute, or 160 miles for a 5 state commute?

Logan Twp NJ to Elkton MD via 322 West to 95 & 495 South can be done under 35 miles if work and home are right off the highways.

Quote from: Mapmikey on July 30, 2020, 11:44:28 AM
Nobody would do this but NJ to Harpers Ferry WV is also less than 160 miles (NJ, DE, MD, VA, WV)

I took a day trip there once doing this exact route.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: I-55 on July 31, 2020, 12:48:33 PM
Emerson, MB to Hallock, MN. 26 miles, passes through the Pembina customs station in ND. Hallock has an oil company which likely employs at least someone from out of town. This example wouldn't exist if the US-75 border station at Noyes was still in operation.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: webny99 on July 31, 2020, 01:55:09 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 31, 2020, 12:30:45 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 30, 2020, 11:23:17 AM
Can anyone beat 40 miles for a 4 state commute, or 160 miles for a 5 state commute?

Logan Twp NJ to Elkton MD via 322 West to 95 & 495 South can be done under 35 miles if work and home are right off the highways.

I suppose it depends on the exact start and endpoints, but Google seems to generally recommend the Del. Mem. Bridge, missing PA.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Brandon on July 31, 2020, 04:05:27 PM
Quote from: cabiness42 on July 30, 2020, 12:38:06 PM
Commutes from the SW corner of Michigan to Chicago are not uncommon.

I actually came across a lady who did exactly that, 3 times a week, from Sawyer to Chicago, managing a condominium association in Streeterville.
Approximate commute: https://goo.gl/maps/HTTCqq22yMiepdHr9
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: frankenroad on July 31, 2020, 04:28:05 PM
Quote from: KCRoadFan on July 29, 2020, 07:55:53 PM

That got me thinking: what situations are there where people's commutes might take them across two different state lines, which would mean driving through three states every day on their way to and from work? I can come up with a few examples, such as people who:

  • Live in southern Maine and work somewhere in on the Massachusetts North Shore (or vice versa), going through New Hampshire
  • Live in Southaven, MS and work in West Memphis, AR (or vice versa), going through Memphis, TN
  • Live in southeast Indiana and work in northern Kentucky (or vice versa), going through Cincinnati, OH
  • Live in Fairfield County, CT, and work somewhere in New Jersey (or vice versa), going through Westchester or through NYC
  • Live in one of the inner-ring DC suburbs in Maryland [Suitland, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, District Heights, etc.] and work in Arlington or Alexandria, VA (or vice versa), going through DC
  • Live in Elkton, MD and work in Chester, PA (or vice versa), going through Delaware

Any other examples?

Don't know any any other specific ones, but I can confirm/elaborate on a couple you mentioned.

I had a co-worker when I worked in Massachusetts who commuted from Maine every day.  He lived in Kittery, which is the closest Maine city to Mass.

I worked for a large Federal Agency in the Maryland suburbs of DC, and we always heard that we had commuters from 6 states plus DC.  Depending on where in W Va they lived, they might come through Virginia, and the ones from New Jersey had to commute either through Pennsylvania or Delaware.   Many of these people participated in van pools.

In the Cincinnati area, many people who live in Ohio commute to Kentucky by way of Indiana, and vice-versa.   Most Indiana people commute directly to Ohio or Kentucky as needed, unless they work in Cincinnati's far east/southeast Ohio suburbs, then they would probably commute via Kentucky.  If someone from Batesville IN were to commute to Ky, they would probably take 74 into Ohio, then 275 back into Indiana, and then into Kentucky, so three border crossings, but only three unique states.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: amroad17 on August 02, 2020, 08:39:49 AM
Quote from: formulanone on July 30, 2020, 11:08:21 AM
There have to be some commuters on I-275 who make their way from Ohio to Kentucky (and vice versa) with a five-minute dip into Indiana.
Count me as one who used to do this.  I live in the Latonia area of Covington, KY and used to manage the Bob Evans in Harrison, OH.  I would get on I-275 at the Taylor Mill interchange and go west around Cincinnati to get to Harrison.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2020, 12:03:21 PM
One very plausible commute I haven't seen mentioned:  between West Memphis, AR and Southaven, MS.

Pre-COVID, my commute was Windsor CT «» Montréal QC (2 state lines and an international border), but I did that monthly, not daily.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: bing101 on August 02, 2020, 09:22:38 PM
I heard the claim one time that certain investors of the Venture Capitalist companies commute from Austin, TX to San Jose, CA for work reasons

Or from Seattle, WA to San Francisco for work reasons yes its rare though but that story was out prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just not sure how true this is at this point.

https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-live-in-Seattle-and-commute-to-San-Francisco-every-day (https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-live-in-Seattle-and-commute-to-San-Francisco-every-day)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: clong on August 02, 2020, 09:34:23 PM
Quote from: I-55 on July 29, 2020, 09:01:57 PM
Anyone commuting from Northeast Alabama to Chattanooga will enter Georgia either by I-59 or I-24 and exit to Tennessee on I-24. If you cross the AL/TN line on US-72, you'll cross TN's southern border 3 times one way

I have several relatives that have made the AL to GA to TN commute. The alternate route for them would be AL to TN to GA to TN.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: KCRoadFan on August 02, 2020, 09:42:50 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2020, 12:03:21 PM
One very plausible commute I haven't seen mentioned:  between West Memphis, AR and Southaven, MS.

Well, actually - it was mentioned in the OP - which was by me.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: DandyDan on August 03, 2020, 05:54:17 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 30, 2020, 01:21:32 AM
Someone who commutes between La Crosse, WI and Decorah, IA (about an hour) would go through Minnesota.
I work with a guy who previously worked at my company's former distribution center in La Crosse who said he worked with people there from both New Albin and Lansing, Iowa. They routinely drove in through Minnesota.

Quote from: KCRoadFan on August 02, 2020, 09:42:50 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2020, 12:03:21 PM
One very plausible commute I haven't seen mentioned:  between West Memphis, AR and Southaven, MS.

Well, actually - it was mentioned in the OP - which was by me.
I wonder how many people drive from the Missouri Bootheel to Memphis.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: The Nature Boy on August 06, 2020, 03:26:40 PM
Pittsburg, NH to Sherbrook, Quebec is 51 miles and you have to pass through Vermont to get there. Sherbrook is probably the biggest "city" in that region but I think that the international border is a barrier to actually commuting.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: SectorZ on August 06, 2020, 04:50:36 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 06, 2020, 03:26:40 PM
Pittsburg, NH to Sherbrook, Quebec is 51 miles and you have to pass through Vermont to get there. Sherbrook is probably the biggest "city" in that region but I think that the international border is a barrier to actually commuting.

Add 30 miles eastward to Upton, Maine and you have a conceivable 81 mile commute thru 3 states and a province.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on August 08, 2020, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 29, 2020, 11:51:59 PM
Charles Town WV to Frederick MD, by way of VA, about 25 miles.
Or start at Harpers Ferry WV to cut it to about 20.

(Picking cities with a reasonable population and number of businesses that could be a realistic commute, as opposed to dinky little towns)

i have driven that route many times - charles town to columbia md via us 340/i-70 -- its quite a pretty drive, actually.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: dlsterner on August 08, 2020, 07:53:56 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on August 08, 2020, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on July 29, 2020, 11:51:59 PM
Charles Town WV to Frederick MD, by way of VA, about 25 miles.
Or start at Harpers Ferry WV to cut it to about 20.

(Picking cities with a reasonable population and number of businesses that could be a realistic commute, as opposed to dinky little towns)

i have driven that route many times - charles town to columbia md via us 340/i-70 -- its quite a pretty drive, actually.

Funny that you should mention that ... I just made that drive again earlier today.  Yes, a very scenic drive.

Actually went from central MD to Cumberland MD via I-70 - US 340 - VA 7 - I-81 - US 48 - US 220 - MD 53 which actually crossed five state lines!  MD -> VA -> WV -> VA -> WV -> MD.

Mind you, that's not the normal route between the two.  But this was a road-geeking trip.  I'm sure everybody here understands LOL!
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Road Hog on August 08, 2020, 10:46:36 PM
Speaking of the Missouri Bootheel ... Rector, AR to Cairo, IL is only 108 miles. If you just crossed over to Kentucky, that's a 4-state commute.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: formulanone on August 09, 2020, 07:34:09 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on August 08, 2020, 10:46:36 PM
Speaking of the Missouri Bootheel ... Rector, AR to Cairo, IL is only 108 miles. If you just crossed over to Kentucky, that's a 4-state commute.

Who is commuting 108 miles from a town of about 1,900 people to a town with an ever-dwindling population of around 2,500?

(Don't get me wrong: if I was stuck there for some time, I'd totally try it at least once.)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Jim on August 09, 2020, 08:42:59 AM
A pretty short "cut the corner" would be from Hoosick, New York, to work in Williamstown, Mass.  One would likely cut the corner through Pownal, Vermont.  When I worked in Williamstown, I lived in town, but I knew some who lived in New York or Vermont.  I'm not sure if any of the New Yorkers commuted via Vermont.  I did "commute" to Troy for some research meetings from Williamstown, and often would go via Pownal to take Route 7 rather than the more scenic but much more winding Route 2 through Petersburg and Grafton.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: kphoger on August 11, 2020, 01:13:07 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on July 29, 2020, 11:25:22 PM

Quote from: Ketchup99 on July 29, 2020, 09:20:26 PM
Cairo, IL to Union City, TN, is 51 miles through Missouri and Kentucky.

Possible, but more likely would be anyone commuting Western KY <-> Southeastern MO, since the Cairo, IL Ohio & Mississippi River Bridges are needed to make the commute without a boat

Yep.

It is was only about 15 miles from Wickliffe (KY) to Charleston (MO) by way of Illinois.  Very easy to imagine a commute to work at the Super 8 or the truck stop near I-57.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: hbelkins on August 11, 2020, 01:25:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 11, 2020, 01:13:07 PM
Quote from: ilpt4u on July 29, 2020, 11:25:22 PM

Quote from: Ketchup99 on July 29, 2020, 09:20:26 PM
Cairo, IL to Union City, TN, is 51 miles through Missouri and Kentucky.

Possible, but more likely would be anyone commuting Western KY <-> Southeastern MO, since the Cairo, IL Ohio & Mississippi River Bridges are needed to make the commute without a boat

Yep.

It is was only about 15 miles from Wickliffe (KY) to Charleston (MO) by way of Illinois.  Very easy to imagine a commute to work at the Super 8 or the truck stop near I-57.

Similarly, there's a decent-sized paper mill south of Wickliffe along US 51, so it's feasible that someone living near Charleston or Sikeston might work there.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: debragga on August 11, 2020, 09:56:13 PM
Ida, LA to Texarkana, TX is 35 miles through Arkansas
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Road Hog on August 12, 2020, 01:14:55 AM
Quote from: formulanone on August 09, 2020, 07:34:09 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on August 08, 2020, 10:46:36 PM
Speaking of the Missouri Bootheel ... Rector, AR to Cairo, IL is only 108 miles. If you just crossed over to Kentucky, that's a 4-state commute.

Who is commuting 108 miles from a town of about 1,900 people to a town with an ever-dwindling population of around 2,500?

(Don't get me wrong: if I was stuck there for some time, I'd totally try it at least once.)
I only presented a hypothetical which I assumed was the spirit of the OP.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: MikeTheActuary on August 12, 2020, 01:08:57 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on August 06, 2020, 03:26:40 PM
Pittsburg, NH to Sherbrook, Quebec is 51 miles and you have to pass through Vermont to get there. Sherbrook is probably the biggest "city" in that region but I think that the international border is a barrier to actually commuting.

If the crossing has NEXUS lanes, and if those lanes are open at the right times, it wasn't a huge barrier pre-COVID.  The best analogy would be a toll plaza where no electronic tolling was available.

The bigger hassle probably would have been getting the necessary authorizations to work.  Not a big deal if you already have status in the country where you're looking to work, but getting a work permit can be a bureaucratic hassle depending on the profession.  (I'm hoping the border will reopen before my Canadian work permit expires, as I imagine the border closure will complicate the renewal process.)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: mrsman on June 15, 2021, 05:19:00 PM
MD to VA via DC is extremely common, especially for those who use the Metro system.

I had a commute from Silver Spring to Crystal City via DC using Metro for about 6 months.

A lot of Arlingtons' main emplolyment bases are close to DC and are metro-accessible.  So if you work in Rosslyn, Pentagon, or Crystal City areas and live in MD, you wil make this commute - most likely.  And it is likely only an additional 10 minutes each way from a MD-Downtwon DC commute.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: dlsterner on June 15, 2021, 08:24:43 PM
Quote from: mrsman on June 15, 2021, 05:19:00 PM
MD to VA via DC is extremely common, especially for those who use the Metro system.

I had a commute from Silver Spring to Crystal City via DC using Metro for about 6 months.

A lot of Arlingtons' main emplolyment bases are close to DC and are metro-accessible.  So if you work in Rosslyn, Pentagon, or Crystal City areas and live in MD, you wil make this commute - most likely.  And it is likely only an additional 10 minutes each way from a MD-Downtwon DC commute.

Or those that commute between VA and MD (like one of my co-workers) over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, but it's kind of cheesy to count the few hundred feet that you are in DC without really noticing it :)
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: jp the roadgeek on June 15, 2021, 09:37:59 PM
 Here's (https://goo.gl/maps/LAEp1xsgGMSbJCef7) a 25 mile PA to NJ commute that takes you to 2 other states in between.

This one (https://goo.gl/maps/NEa4XRmwzgVFrrVt8) is a 30 mile commute to two spots in the same state that goes into 2 other states.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: SkyPesos on June 15, 2021, 09:45:13 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on July 31, 2020, 04:28:05 PM
Don't know any any other specific ones, but I can confirm/elaborate on a couple you mentioned.

I had a co-worker when I worked in Massachusetts who commuted from Maine every day.  He lived in Kittery, which is the closest Maine city to Mass.

I worked for a large Federal Agency in the Maryland suburbs of DC, and we always heard that we had commuters from 6 states plus DC.  Depending on where in W Va they lived, they might come through Virginia, and the ones from New Jersey had to commute either through Pennsylvania or Delaware.   Many of these people participated in van pools.

In the Cincinnati area, many people who live in Ohio commute to Kentucky by way of Indiana, and vice-versa.   Most Indiana people commute directly to Ohio or Kentucky as needed, unless they work in Cincinnati's far east/southeast Ohio suburbs, then they would probably commute via Kentucky.  If someone from Batesville IN were to commute to Ky, they would probably take 74 into Ohio, then 275 back into Indiana, and then into Kentucky, so three border crossings, but only three unique states.
Here's something else I found out recently:
From Lawrenceburg, IN to Downtown Cincinnati, I-275/I-75 via KY is 4 miles shorter than going via I-74 in OH.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 15, 2021, 10:08:35 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2020, 12:03:21 PM
One very plausible commute I haven't seen mentioned:  between West Memphis, AR and Southaven, MS.

Pre-COVID, my commute was Windsor CT «» Montréal QC (2 state lines and an international border), but I did that monthly, not daily.
Did you live in an apartment in Montreal or something?
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: MikeTheActuary on June 15, 2021, 10:40:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 15, 2021, 10:08:35 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2020, 12:03:21 PM
Pre-COVID, my commute was Windsor CT «» Montréal QC (2 state lines and an international border), but I did that monthly, not daily.
Did you live in an apartment in Montreal or something?

Company paid for a hotel and parking.   I assume that will be the case when the border and the MTL office reopen, but the company is rolling out office re-opening stuff now, and is introducing some new bureaucracy around working from home and corporate travel....so we'll see.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Roadgeekteen on June 15, 2021, 10:57:02 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on June 15, 2021, 10:40:26 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on June 15, 2021, 10:08:35 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2020, 12:03:21 PM
Pre-COVID, my commute was Windsor CT «» Montréal QC (2 state lines and an international border), but I did that monthly, not daily.
Did you live in an apartment in Montreal or something?

Company paid for a hotel and parking.   I assume that will be the case when the border and the MTL office reopen, but the company is rolling out office re-opening stuff now, and is introducing some new bureaucracy around working from home and corporate travel....so we'll see.
Hotel for a month? Wow.
Title: Re: Commutes that cross two different state lines, going through three states?
Post by: Dirt Roads on June 16, 2021, 12:12:10 AM
Quote from: I-55 on July 29, 2020, 09:01:57 PM
Ashland, KY to/from Huntington, WV would most likely utilize US-52 in Ohio (crossing the Ohio River 2 times each way) unless the Huntington location is right along I-64

I've posted this numerous times on both AARoads and MTR, but it bears a repeat here.  My father commuted the 50 miles from Scott Depot, West Virginia to Ashland for over 20 years.  He went through three states on the morning commute using US-52 just like the I-55 example above.  But on the way back, he only drove through Kentucky and West Virginia using US-60//US-23 and I-64.  There was too much traffic turning west on US-52 towards Ironton to allow a speedy return trip through Ohio.

The former route started out as I-64 -to- WV-94 (West Huntington Bridge) -to- US-52 -to- 12th Street Bridge (Spur US-23) -to- US-60/US-23.  After the first US-52 rerouting, WV-94 was eliminated and US-52 was multiplexed on I-64 from the Fifth Street exit to the West Huntington Bridge.  After the second US-52 rerouting, he picked up the US-52/I-64 multiplex from the Kenova exit to the West Huntington Bridge on the evening commute.  I worked in Ashland two summers during college, and got stuck chauffeuring him.  When my sister worked two summers at the Ashland Oil refinery, they had to use the Catlettsburg route both directions.

After the completion of the 13th Street Bridge in 1985, he was able to return via Ohio on US-52 but as a creature of habit, I think he only did so when traffic conditions were expected.