In Fullerton, while it may seem close to LA, Anaheim, Buena Park, and Brea on the map, in reality, it's an area that also comes with traffic congestion.

The most important road in Fullerton is the CA-57 freeway, which runs north and south through the city and serves as a key transportation corridor.

To the north, it passes through Brea, Diamond Bar, and Pomona, while to the south, it connects Anaheim and Orange. This route is particularly important for both students and workers as it runs right next to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).

To the west, there's I-5, one of the major highways in the western United States. Taking this road allows travel north towards downtown Los Angeles and Burbank, or south towards Irvine and San Diego. Buena Park and Garden Grove, which are frequented by many Korean residents, are also connected via I-5.

The problem arises during rush hour.

In particular, the interchange where the 57 and 91 freeways meet is notorious among Southern California drivers.

Traffic starts to build up significantly after 7 AM, and by 4 PM, the influx of commuters leads to congestion. It's common for a 10-mile distance to take 30 to 40 minutes. Those who have lived in LA might say, "This isn't too bad," but newcomers from other states often find it quite overwhelming at first.

Another point to note is that while the distance from Fullerton to downtown LA is only about 25 miles, it often takes over an hour during rush hour. On days when accidents occur, it can take more than 90 minutes. As a result, many residents commuting to LA adjust their work hours or opt for remote work.

Public transportation is better than expected. Many people don't realize that Fullerton Station is a significant rail hub in Orange County. It serves the Metrolink Orange County line and the 91/Perris Valley line, and long-distance trains like the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner are also available. In fact, Fullerton Station is considered one of the busiest stations in Southern California.

Taking the train to LA Union Station takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Many commuters prefer the train to avoid the stress of driving, especially when considering parking issues and traffic congestion, making it a surprisingly competitive option.

The OCTA bus system is also in operation, but realistically, most residents rely on their cars. Considering errands, hospital visits, school pickups, and trips to tutoring centers, having a vehicle is essentially a necessity. Living solely on public transport, like in New York or Chicago, is not easy here.

In summary, the traffic in Fullerton can be described as "fairly good for Southern California, but a car is definitely necessary."

Considering family life and daily activities, a car is practically an essential item. However, thanks to its central location in Orange County, Fullerton offers great access to LA, Anaheim, Irvine, Long Beach, and Riverside, which is one of its significant advantages.