Traffic/Crowds in Naples (Christmas, Lee: how much, home, purchasing)

[tomyco]

I'm looking at purchasing in naples and was told that traffic is unbearable the winter months. I am going down the first week in December to see how bad it really is. My question is, is the first week of December a good indication of how traffic/crowds will be, or do most snowbirds go to Naples after Christmas. Thank you for your responses.

[tmozer]

I seem to find that people complain about traffic where ever they are. We just returned to Central NJ after several months in Naples FL and Murrells Inlet SC. We have spent the "heavy" seasons in both places and there was increased traffic. However, the worst traffic encountered in Naples (and it does get heavy sometimes) is no where close to the lightest traffic times in NJ. I just spent two days hitting the stores here to prepare for Thanksgiving and stocking up and spent most of that time sitting in gridlock.

IMHO, traffic in Naples and the surrounding area is never "that" bad to the point of bothering me.

[motordavid]

Seasonal Naples person here...7 seasons and I do find the Jan/Feb 'traffic' to be pretty severe. I don't go out and drive around daily, so my opin is simply anecdotal, but it is crowded and 'clumpy' in spots.

I find the very long and multi-setting traffic lights, combined with left turns only on a green or green arrow to be part of the funeral procession back up found at many of the main intersections. Combine that with some suspect driving skills, and an enormous population gain for a few months = traffic. I would not call it 'unbearable', however.

I do agree with tmozer above, that very dense traffic areas such as northern NJ and metro NY seem to move large volumes better. After ~30 yrs in NYC/metro NY working, I sometimes wonder how all these people driving around Collier/South Lee counties ever got to freakin work, back in the day?! Lol!

I don't like the traffic and the 5 min stop lights/packed intersections, but I put up with it, and it is what it is...
And, December will not give the OP a real sense of late Jan/Feb 'traffic' and getting around logistics, imo.
My 50Cts...
GL, mD

[Cleopatra1981]

The season REALLY starts in January. It's not the stationary road congestion that bothers people, it's the way people drive. Sometimes it really amazes me to see the maneuvers these snowbirds make on these roads...it's dangerous.

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by tomyco

I'm looking at purchasing in naples and was told that traffic is unbearable the winter months. I am going down the first week in December to see how bad it really is. My question is, is the first week of December a good indication of how traffic/crowds will be, or do most snowbirds go to Naples after Christmas. Thank you for your responses.

"unbearable" is relative. Depends on what you're used to, but it's really not that bad. We love snowbirds!

December is a busy month, but the traffic gets much worse in February and March which is the height of the season.

[Tripower455]

Originally Posted by Cleopatra1981

The season REALLY starts in January. It's not the stationary road congestion that bothers people, it's the way people drive. Sometimes it really amazes me to see the maneuvers these snowbirds make on these roads...it's dangerous.

Agreed! The volume is not as much of an issue as the complete moronacy that I see every single time I get in the car...... All it takes for an accident is a few cars, driving right next to each other, and you've got a recipe for disaster, since no one is ever in the lane they want ot be in, and no one ever looks before changing lanes, sans signalling. of course. I've been sideswiped 3 times in the last 25 years here, and I avoid it on a daily basis. It really is unbelievable....

Oh, and it's not just the snowbirds. Cell phones and an overall "ME" attitude has made everyone drive like they're 110 years old.....

[magemom]

I'm from Central NJ so it takes a lot for me to call it "traffic." When January, Feb and March roll around I will avoid driving during rush hour, will take to some of the lesser traveled streets and be thankful to live in my modest home west of 41 where I can get around without the congestion. Unless you've experienced brutal NYC traffic in the cold with snow, you might not know Naples in the winter is easy-breazy.
I do hope you are all enjoying your Turkey Day!!!

Maggie

[JMark72]

Go to the East Coast of FL and see what bad traffic is... Road structure here is very good and the worst thing you'll do in season, is wait at a set of lights just like everyone else.. Otherwise its pretty much plain sailing getting to where you want. I've live in cities such as London, LA, NY and trust me, that's traffic.. Naples is like heaven in comparison. I know the area well, if you want any other info on the best parts to relocate too, just PM me, i'm always happy to help. This is part of what makes Naples so special, people willing to help ! When i first moved here, people said watch out for the snobby people, but my experience was how much everyone around was willing to go out of their way to help. So i tend to do the same.

Thanks.