Traffic

Getting Around Princeton: Jughandles, turnpikes and transit

Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Princeton really takes.

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Diane Briante
Princeton Local Expert

Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move

Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.

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Written with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts

How Do You Get Around Princeton?

Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.

The time I spend getting to/from work every day is

Dinky to NJ Transit, latte still warm

Traffic congestion areas to avoid

Nassau Street at school drop off, Route 1 near Carnegie Center

Ability to get around without a car

Downtown yes. Suburbs no. Winters test your bike loyalty

Locals dream of driving around in a

vintage Volvo wagon, smelling faintly of tenure and artisanal granola

The reality is that most locals drive

Subaru Outbacks with NPR stickers and lacrosse sticks rattling

Quirky local driving habit

Yielding to deer like they have tenure too

The likelihood of finding parking

Downtown Nassau Street, mythical. Spring Street Garage saves weekends

#1 driving tip

Master jughandles. Respect cyclists in orange and black

Local's Q&AReal answers from someone who lives here

Where I Go for a Quiet Escape

The D&R towpath is a great retreat in any season. In autumn the leaves are spectacular, the winter starkness is inspiring, you can see the flowers and leaves begin to pop in spring and the breeze and shade make summer comfortable.

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— Diane Briante

New Jersey Local Expert

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