If you work in San Jose but want more space, better schools, and a suburban lifestyle, the Tri-Valley is one of the most popular relocation choices. But how realistic is the commute?
I get this question all the time:
“Rebecca, how bad is the commute really?”
So let’s talk honestly — especially if you’re leaving home around 6:00 AM and leaving San Jose around 4:00 PM.
Because timing changes everything.
The Morning Commute (Leaving at 6:00 AM)
If you’re out the door by 6:00 AM, you are beating the worst of the traffic. That’s the key.
Pleasanton → San Jose
Typical time: 35–45 minutes
Pleasanton is the shortest distance and the most direct access to 680 South.
Before 7:00 AM, Sunol Grade moves smoothly.
If you commute 4–5 days per week, this is the easiest morning option.
Dublin → San Jose
Typical time: 40–50 minutes
Dublin is just slightly north of Pleasanton, so you’re adding a few extra minutes. Still very manageable if you leave early.
West Dublin (near 680) makes a big difference versus deep East Dublin.
Livermore → San Jose
Typical time: 45–55 minutes
Livermore requires taking 580 West and merging onto 680 South. That merge adds time, even early.
It’s absolutely doable at 6:00 AM — but it is the longest of the three.
San Jose → Pleasanton
Typical time: 50–65 minutes
Once you clear Sunol Grade northbound, Pleasanton exits come quickly.
This is the most predictable return drive.
San Jose → Dublin
Typical time: 55–70 minutes
Very similar to Pleasanton, just slightly farther north.
Traffic through the 580/680 corridor can stack up during heavier days.
San Jose → Livermore
Typical time: 60–90+ minutes
This is where the extra distance matters.
You deal with:
• 680 North congestion
• Then 580 East congestion
That second stretch can turn a 60-minute drive into 80–90 minutes on heavier days.
What Most People Don’t Realize: Neighborhood Location Matters
Within each city, freeway access changes everything.
Faster Access Areas
Pleasanton
-
Bernal Ave corridor
-
Sunol Blvd
-
Stoneridge area
Dublin
Livermore
-
West Livermore near 580
-
Isabel / Airway access
If you’re deep east in any of these cities, you can add 10–15 minutes before even hitting the freeway.
That adds up fast.
The Yearly Math
Let’s say Pleasanton saves you 20 minutes per day compared to Livermore.
20 minutes × 5 days × 50 weeks =
83+ hours per year
That’s over two full work weeks of your life back.
Commute isn’t just about distance.
It’s about lifestyle.
So Which City Is Best for a San Jose Job?
If you commute 4–5 days per week:
Pleasanton usually offers the best balance of time, access, and resale demand.
If you’re hybrid (2–3 days in office):
Dublin or Livermore become much more manageable options.
If you value larger lots or slightly lower price per square foot and only go in occasionally:
Livermore may make sense.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on how often you’re driving and what you value most.
Thinking About Moving to the Tri-Valley?
If you’re relocating for a San Jose tech job and trying to decide between Pleasanton, Dublin, or Livermore, I can help you compare:
• Commute patterns
• Neighborhood access
• Schools
• Long-term resale
• Lifestyle fit
The right location inside the right city can save you hours every week.
And that’s a decision worth getting right.
— Rebecca Rook
Broker Associate | Tri-Valley Real Estate
