Commuting From the Mountains: Drive Times & Remote Work Reality

The most common question I get from buyers considering the mountain — right after "How's the snow?" — is about commuting. Can I work from here? How far is it to Bakersfield? What about LA? The answers depend on which community you're in, what your work looks like, and how much windshield time you're willing to accept. I'll give you the honest breakdown.

Drive Times: Community by Community

All drive times below are approximate and assume normal traffic and weather conditions. Winter storms, holiday traffic, and road closures can add time.

To Bakersfield (Downtown)

• Lebec — approximately 40 minutes. The closest community to the valley, with direct I-5 access.
• Frazier Park — approximately 50 minutes. Quick access to I-5 via Frazier Mountain Park Road.
• Lake of the Woods — approximately 55 minutes. A few minutes further than Frazier Park.
• Pine Mountain Club — approximately 60–65 minutes. The winding road from PMC to I-5 adds time.
• Cuddy Valley — approximately 55–60 minutes, depending on which part of the valley.
• Pinion Pines Estates — approximately 60–65 minutes. Similar to PMC's drive time.
• Lockwood Valley — approximately 70–80 minutes. The most remote, with additional distance on rural roads before reaching I-5.

To Santa Clarita

• Lebec — approximately 35–40 minutes south on I-5
• Frazier Park — approximately 45 minutes
• Pine Mountain Club — approximately 55–60 minutes
• Lockwood Valley — approximately 75+ minutes

To Los Angeles (Downtown)

• Lebec — approximately 75–90 minutes without traffic, 2+ hours with
• Frazier Park — approximately 85–100 minutes without traffic
• Pine Mountain Club — approximately 100–120 minutes without traffic
• Lockwood Valley — approximately 2+ hours without traffic

The LA drive is the one that comes with the biggest caveat: traffic. I-5 through the Grapevine and into the San Fernando Valley can double your travel time during rush hour. Most people I know who commute to LA do it off-peak or limit trips to two or three days a week.

I-5 Access: The Key Variable

Your relationship with Interstate 5 determines your commuting reality. Lebec sits directly on I-5, making it the easiest community for frequent commuters. Frazier Park is a short, easy drive to the freeway. Lake of the Woods and Cuddy Valley add a few minutes but are still reasonable.

Pine Mountain Club and Pinion Pines Estates require a winding mountain road to reach I-5, which adds 15–20 minutes each way compared to Lebec. In winter, this stretch can be the slowest part of the drive if roads are icy or snowy.

Lockwood Valley is the furthest from I-5 in every direction. If commuting is a significant part of your life, Lockwood probably isn't your best fit — but if remote work is your reality, the distance matters much less.

Remote Work Viability

Remote work has changed the calculation for mountain living. I've worked with dozens of buyers over the past few years who moved up here specifically because they no longer need to commute daily.

Internet connectivity varies by community, and I've written a detailed guide on internet and cell service that covers the specifics. The short version: Starlink has been a game-changer for mountain remote workers. Traditional broadband exists in some areas but is less reliable. If your job depends on a stable connection, understanding your options before you buy is critical.

The communities that work best for remote professionals tend to be PMC (with POA infrastructure and community amenities for work breaks), Frazier Park (with access to coffee shops and services), and Lebec (with the easiest fallback to valley resources when needed).

Which Communities Suit Commuters Best?

Based on years of matching buyers with communities, here's my honest assessment:

• Daily commuter to Bakersfield: Lebec is the clear winner. Frazier Park is workable.
• 2-3 days/week to LA or Santa Clarita: Lebec or Frazier Park. PMC works if you're flexible on timing.
• Fully remote: Any community works. PMC, Lake of the Woods, and Pinion Pines offer great quality of life for remote workers.
• Retired or self-employed: Cuddy Valley, Lockwood Valley, and Pinion Pines become great options when the commute constraint disappears.

The Real Commute Consideration

I tell every buyer the same thing: the commute is real, but it's also a choice. People who move to the mountains and commute are trading drive time for a fundamentally different quality of life. They come home to quiet, space, and clean air instead of traffic and noise.

The ones who are happiest are the ones who went in with clear expectations. They knew the drive time. They planned their schedules around it. And they decided the tradeoff was worth it.

If you're weighing that decision, I'm happy to help you think it through — including which properties in which communities best fit your specific commute needs.

Last updated February 2026