it sounds like you know your options. the one is better suited for you, so if you want it, you are going to have to take an hour off of work to go see it. or as you said, contact managment to see if you can get the woman to stay later. but if this is someone you are going to have to deal with on a regular basis, do you want to get on her bad side by going over her head? and do you want to have to live in a place with a manager who is so inflexible? and 45 minutes from work where you will be driving during rush hour every day to and from work making it even longer drive? all for convenience of familiarity. i commuted forever because it was more comfortable to live in the rural setting then in the city i worked. then when it came time for me to move five years ago i took the leap and got an apartment in the city close to work. OMG! i cant believe how thrilled i am to be off that road 30-45 min each day going to and from work, especially in the winter. sometimes i literally get out of bed fifteen minutes before i have to be at work and can make it on time! it does not take long to adjust to a new area.