Buying a Home on a Busy Street

For most people, location is a big factor when buying a home. While some buyers prefer to live close to family members, others want conveniences and opportunities. It can be difficult to find the right home in a great location, but what if you find it on a busy street? Do you take a closer look or walk away? Perhaps you should first weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Advantages

Living on a busy street may be a new experience, but it does have some advantages. A new home in the city may come with perks that make your life less complicated.

City Attractions

Living on a busy street provides easy access to many city attractions like retail stores, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, theaters, and public parks. You can walk to your favorite restaurant for dinner or take your dog to the park around the corner.

Access to Public Transportation

Easy access to public transportation means less driving in rush hour traffic. Whether heading to work or the local grocery store, areas with busy streets offer subways, bus routes, bike paths, and sidewalks that create easier and faster travel.

Street Maintenance

Busy streets have better maintenance because it's paid for by the local city government. Unlike streets in more rural areas, busy streets get regular maintenance to prevent potholes, road debris, and snow and ice. Streets with daily cars, taxis, and buses get first dibs on street maintenance and safety.

Price Discounts

If you're a buyer who enjoys the hustle and bustle of living on a busy street, you can save money on a new home. Not everyone wants to live on a busy street, so sellers often reduce their listing price for a faster sale. This can be a winning scenario for the right buyer.

Disadvantages

While living on a busy street provides opportunities and conveniences, it also comes with drawbacks that some buyers want to avoid.

Excessive Noise

The main drawback of living on a busy street is noise. Although well-insulated windows and doors cut down on noise levels, it's difficult to completely eliminate the constant sounds of traffic, car horns, and sirens.

Air Pollution

Busy streets are filled with cars, trucks, and buses that increase pollution and reduce air quality. Although healthy air quality may not be a top priority when buying a home, it's important to consider health effects for your family. Poor air quality contributes to allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses.

Parking Problems

Living on a busy street can create parking problems unless you have a driveway or garage connected to your home. If you're in a busy area with a lot of traffic, you may find cars that are constantly parked in front of your house or blocking your driveway just when you need to leave.

Lack of Privacy

If privacy is important, you may not enjoy living on a busy street with cars and pedestrians constantly passing your home. This may mean building a fence in your front yard and keeping windows and draperies closed during the day, and especially after dark.

Home Safety

Buying a home on a busy street may raise safety concerns for your family. Distracted or impaired drivers may increase traffic accidents near your home. If you have small children, pets, or senior family members, living on a busy street may not be your best option.

Living on a busy street has perks, but you should consider the pros and cons before purchasing a home. While it offers conveniences, the lifestyle is not for everyone, which is why you should talk to your real estate agent about the best options for you.

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