When do you find time to work out?

I get up at 6 AM just to have enough time to get ready, have breakfast, and dart off to work. I get home at 6 PM and by that time I COULD work out... but I don't have my own place. I'm sort of living with my boyfriend and his 2 (sometimes 3) other male room mates. I'd like to run, but I don't trust the neighborhood. I don't feel comfortable running around there. I'm looking to move this summer but I don't want to NOT start working out until then. That seems stupid. OH. And I can't afford a gym membership. I think I'd really prefer running than working out to a fitness DVD. I think maybe my only option would be to run at a park after work. But is working out in the evening good for you? Or is the morning better? Help please!!

Also, do you guys think running works better for weight loss than yoga, fitness DVD's, etc.?

I've heard that working out whenever you have the time is what works best!!  I run in the evenings and find it works just fine for me.  Although, if I run too late, I have a little trouble falling asleep at first.

If you can find a park that is convenient, go after work and before you go home.

You don't need much, especially if you are just starting out and/or trying to find something you can live with, long-term. 30 minutes, 3 times a week, is enough for cardio-vascular fitness. I've just written a long post about how you really shouldn't be thinking about exercising as "burning calories" if you are truly trying to make a life-style change; you are too likely to overdo and get an injury. Aim for something you can live with and, over time, it WILL contribute to your fitness and over all health. If you combine a consistent fitness program with a calorie-deficit diet, you'll lose weight, albeit slowly. BUT you are also much more likely to keep it off, if fitness is fun and injury-free and doesn't become a new source of stress in your life!

Morning, afternoon, evening--doesn't matter if  you like it and keep with it. Look for a nearby YMCA--their memberships are on a sliding scale and they will work with you to make it affordable. Running is popular mostly, I think, because of its "calorie burning" appeal but unless you love it, it's a hard game to stick with, and you really should only run every other day.

Good luck.

my "gym" is the big city park that has a 5k track around it.  I tried running in my own neighborhood and almost got ran over for my efforts.  If you can run, it can be really time efficient and cheap.  But I have workout dvds for days I can't go outside or to exercise different body parts (Billy Blanks' Basic Training Bootcamp is excellent for calisthenics!). 

We also have city pools that have adult lap swimming.  $1/day, cheaper if you buy a pass. 

I don't think it matters when you workout-whatever is safest.  I ran last evening and the shade made it really comfortable.  I don't think running on the street is safe at dusk because of traffic and emissions. 

I'm like you, I get up at 5am.  I have three kids and it's almost impossible to fit it in anywhere else.  I'm lucky that my neighborhood is lit and no traffic in the morning.  I also have an elliptical trainer if it's gross outside.  But, I really don't think it matter what kind of exercise you do as long as you are raising your heart rate.

Working out in the evening is fine.  Just if you have trouble sleeping maybe set your alarm for 5am and work out before breakfast.  I used to get up at 4:30 have a couple cups of coffee work out for an hour get ready for work.  Now I workout after work.

If your work in a building with steps take the stairs instead of the elevator - or during breaks and lunch walk the steps or just walk outside.  Park in the furthest spot away from any buildings - IE stores, malls, work, apt etc  and just walk that extra few feet.  If you don't feel safe walking in your home neighborhood walk the area you work in before heading home.  Or go to a neighborhood you feel better at and walk there. 

I can't afford a gym membership either but do take classes at the local community college -- 12 weeks of classes for about $50 you might try that too.  Good luck and squeeze in just whatever little extra "activity" you can and it will be helpful.