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What would it take for you to consider....
What would it take for you to consider a house near the freeway? We have been looking for awhile now, and found a neighborhood that we really like. We actually looked at a house back in December but found it had foundation issues so that was the end of that. The location is very ideal. We want to move away from the city, but need quick access to the freeway for work. The area we are looking in seems to be very stable, therefore not much has really gone up for sale in the last few months.
The house is gorgeous, and I would love to go check it out, but only if I am sure we would consider it. It has a great backyard that seems to back up to field/wetlands/woods, so very private from that standpoint. However, to the east of the property is a main road, then just east of that is the freeway. It's only 2 lane freeway, but a freeway none the less. The house does not face the freeway, but sits parallel to it. From the Bird's Eye View (thank you Bing!) it looks like mature landscaping, but some tall pines (I know, they several years to grow to ideal size) would help.
Basically, I love the house, and I would love for this property to work out, but the only downside is the closeness to the freeway. Thoughts? I have a feeling everyone will talk me out of it.... aaaaannd go!
Re: What would it take for you to consider....
If you love the house and the location, go sit in the driveway or on the street and listen to the traffic noises and see how much traffic is going up and down your street.
Is the street the house is on a main road with access to the freeway that lots of people use? Do you have kids so that the busy-ness might be dangerous?
I personaly don't mind the freeway proximity or noise. We live right off of a very busy boulevard with 2 lanes in each direction, and we are up on a hill, so you can hear the noise of rte. 95. Doesn't bother me a bit, but it's city living and that's why it's ok with me.
I wouldn't need any convincing other than great nice in a good (for you) location.
Good Luck!!
The house is not on the main road, but it is the first house as you pull into the neighborhood (only one entrance/exit) into the neighborhood. It is set back about 100 from the street, set about 100 feet from the main road and 200 feet from the freeway.
No kids as of now, but will be in the future and this house would be bought with the intention of staying there fore awhile. I don't think that bothers me as much as there is a very large backyard.
It seems like you're completely aware of what you'll be surrounded by so we don't need to remind you. So, my suggestion is go to the neighborhood and walk around at different times. See if you mind the noise or if you even notice it.
Some people love background noise. Other people need absolute silence.
I grew up along train tracks. In my experience, after awhile you don't even notice it anymore. Kinda like when the planes all stopped flying after 9/11... no one noticed all the jet noise until it suddenly stopped.
http://pandce.proboards.com/index.cgi#general
I think you should at least check out the house and get the feel of the area.
You've pretty much thought through this, but I think you'll know if you want the house if you visit it.
The only thing you probably should consider is the resale ability in the future other than noise, kids, number of cars, etc.
ETA: You could probably also visit the neighbors and ask them questions, they may know some things that you may not see during your visit.
The Beltway is about 2 streets over. We have those huge sound barriers, and if I look in one direction from my backyard, you can see one of the highway signs.
Outside, you can hear the highway, but it's not over powering and you get used to it. We have a GREAT neighborhood- people try to get in and can't because the houses go so fast. It's a great location and great school district. There is a community group that runs various social activities, which I love.
So.... to answer your question, all the above would make me consider.
We didn't know about the community group when we bought, but location, school district, look/feel of the neighborhood, and clearly the house all played a role in buying.
As it's a sought after neighborhood, clearly the location to the highway (2, really) doesn't keep people from wanting to move here.
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
I would visit the house at different times of the day including weekends and sit outside to see what hear. And of course make sure that you can't hear noise inside house.
It would have to be my dream house and yard at a really low price in order for me to consider.
Thanks ladies! We are going to check it out this weekend. I'm hoping the scale on the aerial map is off and that there is more than 200' to the freeway. My husband pointed out what 200' was while walking today, and that was enough to reconsider. I am sure that we would get used to the noise, but like pp mentioned, will someone else down the road be used to the noise and willing to buy?
Thanks again!
Edited by moderator.