Around Puget Sound, Long Commutes Worth It For Some

Some people prefer the suburban sprawl, in spite of soaring gas prices and hour-long commutes. Schools, open space, and lower cost of housing may offset costs.

1 minute read

June 7, 2006, 6:00 AM PDT

By bsalmons


"Urban visionaries who think the Puget Sound populace is ready to abandon its suburban homes should talk to Lisa Smith and Money Sounn first.

They are not going anywhere.

When Sounn moved to Puyallup in 2001, he spent $15 a week to fill up his Honda Civic for his 85-mile round trip commute to downtown Seattle. This spring, his weekly gasoline tab has reached $60.

But Sounn believes staying in the Puyallup schools is good for his two daughters' future.

'It's worth the sacrifice,' said Sounn. 'I'm really just doing this for my children.'"

"Rather than complaining about gas costs, Sounn looks upon his situation as an infrastructure problem."

Friday, June 2, 2006 in Puget Sound Business Journal

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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