I used to be based in Australia in one city and commuted to another. I would say about half of all CX basees commute. Only you can answer the question on commuting. Depends on your personal stress levels. If there are plenty of flights just before CX flight, buy a fully refundable full fare on last flight on one carrier, then ID90 on earlier flight with another carrier. This will keep you from losing your job should you end up missing CX flight due weather etc. CX will still get sh#ty with you though.
We are currently voting on new rostering practices. If the vote passes there are some helpful basee items that are too lengthy to explain here. Bottom line is you shouldn't have to go to NY to do reserves very often. I have always found crew control to be very flexible with where I did reserve.
Good luck on your course