My current commute is actually quite okay. Not awesome, not awful - just fine.
If I take the "front way" (as I call it), it's about half MUP, part urban bike lane or downtown streets, and about 3.5 miles on a narrow two-lane road (45-55MPH) with a painted bike lane. The MUP is well-maintained, but trash slides onto it whenever it rains. There are some sketchy sections at night, but less sketchy than the alternative route. I'm happy to have a painted bike lane.
The "back way" is all roads - with narrow roads and no bike infrastructure, but reasonably light traffic. As far as bike rides go, it's more fun, and avoids the downtown people who are simultaneously on phone/GPS/looking for parking. There are more sketchy segments, but it's fine during daylight. Bonus, I don't have to dodge runners/bunnies/trash/high school kids cutting class to get high.
I seriously lucked out on this one. Especially since I hate driving, and the closest public transit drops off three miles from work.