New to Naples?

Visiting while you check out what’s available in real estate?

As this recent post noted, Naples covers a huge geographic area. Getting around town isn’t all that difficult - but can be time consuming, especially during season. Here are a few pointers:

Driving in general:

  • Naples has a great infrastructure of divided thoroughfares. Traffic flow on six-lane divided roads makes for smooth traffic flow, even during season when traffic volume picks up. 
  • Watch those medians; they’re great places for Collier County Sheriff deputies to clock your speed. And make no mistake - deputies maintain a high level of visibility all over Collier County and Naples. 
  • U -turns are allowed at red lights, even at major intersections. 
  • And be careful on rainy days. It’s surprisingly slippery! 

Around Town:

  • Naples’ main roads are laid out on a simple grid, running (mostly) due N, S, E, and W. Things get a little trickier on US 41 east of 5th Avenue. There, the “East Trail” picks up, although it’s technically US 41 South.
  • The most direct route may not be the fastest. You’ll find the lightest east/west traffic on Vanderbilt Beach Rd. during most hours of the day. North/south traffic is lightest on Goodlette Frank Rd., Livingston, or Collier Blvd. 
  • Naples’ busiest intersection is at Airport Pulling and Pine Ridge. No surprise - this is the epicenter of many main shopping centers. Other busy intersections are Pine Ridge and 41 and Immokalee Rd. and 41. 
  • Learn how the grid work of roads works so that you can easily spot alternate routes at busy times of day. Traffic picks up significantly after about 3 pm. 

Beyond Naples:

  • Headed north to Bonita? If you’re close to US 41, just head north. If you’re close to 75, take the freeway.
  • Fort Myers bound? 75 is almost always the best bet. US 41 will get you there - but heavy traffic and red lights will slow you way down.
  • If you’re up for a day on Marco Island, just get to Collier Blvd. (FL 951) and head south over the bridge. 
  • Need to visit Florida’s “other” coast? Jump on I-75 and take Alligator Alley. Southbound 75 makes a sharp turn at Collier Blvd; you will find yourself heading due east on southbound 75. Fort Lauderdale is just over an hour away via “the Alley.” Be sure to buy gas ahead of time, though. Alligator Alley takes you through the Everglades, and stops are few and far between. 

 

Before you know it, you’ll be cruising Naples like a local. Safe travels!