Only first names were used to protect the privacy of our respondents.

In recent years, a growing number of Americans have become super commuters — individuals who travel at least 90 minutes each way to work. This trend is increasingly notable in major metropolitan areas such as New York, San Francisco, and Boston, where rising housing costs, demand for talent, and the desire for a better work-life balance are reshaping the way people approach their careers and daily routines. 

While the long commutes may sound exhausting to some, many super commuters find unexpected benefits that make the journey worthwhile.

The geography of the super commuter

One of the primary reasons people opt for super commuting is that it’s part of their quest for affordable housing. Similar to other areas of the country, housing prices in New England have skyrocketed in recent years, making it difficult for middle-class families to afford living near their workplaces. As a result, many workers choose to live in more suburban or even rural areas where they can get more bang for their buck in terms of homes.

Stephanie, a nurse practitioner based in Portsmouth, N.H., has embraced the super commuter lifestyle. While she loves the work she gets to do at a Boston-area hospital, the 90-minute commute is a conscious choice that allows her to achieve a specific quality of life.

“I love where I live as well. I’ve tried living in big cities like D.C. and New York and have never thrived,” says Stephanie. “This is the way I get the best of both worlds; I live on an island, so there’s obviously a beach. My kids go to a small school and receive a great public education without the competition of schools in Boston. And we are an hour from a nice ski mountain and still close enough to Boston that I can get city life if I desire it.”

The routine and the mental space

For some, the lengthy commute is actually part of the appeal. It allows time for personal reflection and a mental transition between home and work life. For Stephanie, her daily drive offers valuable time to prepare for her demanding work in a bustling hospital. 

“I love my commute because I have a quiet time to wake up and get myself in the right headspace for a 12-hour shift. I can listen to music or a book or a podcast and sort of zone out,” she says. “I love stopping at Starbucks and getting a coffee, and I love that the whole world is still waking up while I’m already driving to work.”

The commute can also be a time for entertainment or self-improvement. Ken, a software engineer based in Stow, Mass., who commutes to Cambridge by train, uses the time for activities that he might not have the chance to do at home. “Time on the train is less stressful than driving. I can read, watch videos on my phone, or play games,” Ken shares. This ability to use travel time productively makes the commute feel less like a burden and more like a valuable part of his day.

The hybrid work model

Another important factor in the rise of super commuters is the growing flexibility of work arrangements. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers have shifted to hybrid models that allow employees to work from home part of the week. This change has significantly reduced the time that workers spend commuting, especially those in tech or office-based jobs.

Ken, who worked from home during the height of the pandemic, now enjoys a hybrid schedule. “Since the pandemic, [my company] only requires coming into the office three days a week, but I like the mix of ‘work from home’ and ‘work from the office,’” he says. “I’m more focused when I’m in the office than when I work at home. At home there are distractions, and I enjoy being around other people. I would get lonely if I only worked from home.”

This flexibility has made long commutes more manageable for many people, as they no longer need to be in the office five days a week. By splitting time between home and the office, employees can retain the benefits of city-based jobs — such as higher salaries, larger career networks, and access to specialized occupations — while reducing the frequency of long-distance travel.

The benefits of super commuting

Although the thought of spending hours on the road or on a train may seem daunting to many, super commuters often find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

“I work with incredibly talented people who teach me how to be a better nurse practitioner. I am always learning new things. And there’s nothing quite like it where I live,” says Stephanie.

For many, the cost of housing in major cities is simply too much to bear, and moving outside the city can provide a better standard of living for the same amount of money — or even less. 

Ken has experienced similar results due to his super commuter lifestyle. “We have a much larger and nicer house than we could afford closer to Boston, and my wife prefers living outside of the city,” he said. “Stow is a quiet town of 6,000 people with only two traffic lights. There is one elementary and middle school, and there are hiking trails behind our house where we can take our dog on long walks.”

The commute can offer a chance for self-reflection or even personal growth. Whether listening to podcasts or audiobooks, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet, many super commuters cherish this time as an opportunity for learning, relaxation, or personal development.

Achieving work-life balance and finding better health

When individuals are able to dedicate time to both their professional responsibilities and personal lives, they experience lower levels of anxiety and burnout. This balance provides the opportunity to focus on self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones, which contribute to improved mental health and overall happiness. As a result, people are better equipped to face the challenges of daily life with a positive outlook, ultimately leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Increased work-life balance not only benefits individual health but also enhances longevity. A lower stress level is linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression, all of which can shorten life expectancy. By prioritizing well-being, individuals contribute to the greater good of their communities.

The rise of super commuters is a testament to the evolving nature of work in the United States. While long commutes may seem like a hassle to some, they offer unique benefits for those who are willing to trade convenience for their desired lifestyle. And as remote work continues to change the dynamics of professional lives, the super commuter lifestyle may become even more appealing to those striving to strike the perfect balance between career success and personal happiness.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company, provides nationally ranked health plans and care-based programs and services to nearly 900,000 members in New England and beyond. Founded by doctors more than 50 years ago, it builds on that legacy and partnerships through an expansive network of doctors and hospitals nationwide to improve health outcomes and lower costs through clinical quality and innovative care management.  A leading, not-for-profit health and well-being company, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care guides members — and the communities it serves — to better health each day.

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