Nov-Apr Traffic,congestion etc. (Sarasota, Port Charlotte: condo, houses, purchase)

[lrodptl]

We are preparing to purchase a condo in the next few months but have a friend trying to dissuade us from Sarasota. He says the traffic/congestion and crowds are unbearable here in winter. It must be a factor for me as I hate the traffic in my area of Boston right now. Thanks.

[Coachgns]

I get a kick out of the people who complain about the HORRIBLE traffic in Sarasota in Season.
Driving on Long island for over 30 years, it is rare when I can call what I experience in Sarasota a traffic jam. And sometimes, when I am in fact stuck in traffic, I look out my window at the beautiful, brilliant blue skies and think to myself "so what's the problem?"

[LovePalms]

At its worst, the traffic/congestion here is like driving down a typical main road in a major city at lunch-time. Lots of cars on the road, still travel at a reasonable speed, rarely you need to wait for the second light when making a left turn, etc.

The only issue I can think of is leaving a parking lot on to a busy road can take a few minutes, but if the light turns red, people will often stop early to let you in. Also, the traffic patterns do not revolve around the 9-5 workday, so you will get congestion at seemingly odd parts of the day.

The only time I've seen a real, honest to goodness "traffic jam" is when there is a special event, such as US41 being backed up for the fourth of July fireworks, or there is an accident and the road is partially closed.

[41mag]

after living in chicago all my life sarasota traffic in season is a breeze,we have traveled at different times and never found it to be all that bad,try the venice area if you want bad. besides if it's to busy take the side streets you would be surprised at the little shops and restaurants.

[mikey2]

It all depends on how sensitive you are to traffic and congestion.

I lived in the Northeast all my life and I'm damn well done with it.

I couldn't care less how bad the traffic is in LA, or Hong Kong. I really don't want to deal with it on a daily basis.

My coworkers often complain that it takes 30 minutes to do a 5 minute drive.

So my suggestion is to decide for yourself... it you don't mind dealing with it for a few months, then you're good to go.

Mikey

[TamRE]

I personally think the traffic is much worse in Sarasota and Venice than it is in Charlotte County. I have been stuck in traffic several times going on I-75 and 41 and the major roads such as Bee Ridge, Fruitville, and University Pkwy. I have run into traffic jams during busy times and when there has been an accident. What usually takes me an hour to get to my daughter in laws house in Sarasota from Port Charlotte sometimes takes almost 2 hours if there is an accicent. Some people can deal with that traffic on a daily basis. I guess if you are retired and have the time to wait it is ok. But when you are working and have to be somewhere at a certain time, there is no guarantee that you will get there when you are supposed to. I also think that I am impatient at times and really get disgusted with waiting in traffic. So Sarasota would not be for me.

[Sunshine Rules]

Traffic in Sarasota can get congested at times on the main north-south roads of US41 & 301 or the east-west roads of Bee Ridge and Fruitville, especially in the winter months or between the "rush" hours of 4:00 and 5:30 pm. However, if you live here, you quickly learn what alternative streets to use to avoid those particular busy roads. LovePalms, 41mag and Coachgns all give a good overall perspective of Sarasota traffic.

[gettinoutofjersey]

all depends on your tolerance. in season is busy, slow and congested at times. the real question is if you need to be in sarasota. i would rather live out where its less congested with room between the houses. you can always drive up to sarasota. we think its busy here in season and then go up to sarasota and realize what crowded is really like.

[lrodptl]

I have low tolerance for traffic but my wife has high tolerance. If there are options to avoid it that would make Sarasota liveable for me. If it's congested through the winter on the roads and in the restaurants etc. I'd have to reconsider. I grew up in Boston,lived there for 40 years but 12 years ago moved to a rural suburb and love the no traffic conditions. I work in Boston so have to deal with a 3-7 mile highway backup every day and detest it. Overcrowdedness will be a regional deal breaker for me.

[imwithstupid]

Originally Posted by lrodptl

We are preparing to purchase a condo in the next few months but have a friend trying to dissuade us from Sarasota. He says the traffic/congestion and crowds are unbearable here in winter. It must be a factor for me as I hate the traffic in my area of Boston right now. Thanks.

I have a cousin from Cleveland that was here 1 time in 1960 I am sure you will be hearing from ess.ess.ess.esq. very soon.