When you’re shopping for a new home, it pays to be open-minded. If you’re flexible in terms of neighborhood choice, construction style, and other variables, you’ll see more options and be more likely to encounter a perfect fit.
However, you should also be aware that many areas and features come with both strong advantages and strong disadvantages – and it pays to know what those are before making a decision.
For example, does it pay to buy a house on a main road?
The Cons of Buying a Home on a Main Road
In this context, a “main” road is any road with substantial traffic volumes throughout the day and connects people from one popular area of town to another.
There are some major drawbacks to purchasing a house on this type of road:
1. Safety
Living near a main road means being around significant traffic volumes. And as you might suspect, higher traffic volumes mean a higher risk of accidents. In extreme cases, vehicles may crash into your property. If you’re not careful, someone playing in your yard could wander into the street. And if you’re driving on this road on a daily basis, you’ll be at higher risk of being in an accident while traveling. If you decide to live near a main road, take some extra precautions; invest in good insurance, drive with extra caution, and have a personal injury attorney you can contact if you’re involved in an accident.
2. Noise
One of the biggest complaints of people living in houses on main roads is the level of noise they have to deal with. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles are driving through this area constantly, making it incredibly hard to enjoy peace and quiet. Revving engines, honking horns, and even people singing loudly along to music might drive you crazy if you keep your windows open.
3. Pollution
You also need to think about pollution. Vehicles generate a lot of exhaust, and they kick up a lot of dust and debris. Houses in areas near main roads tend to accumulate dust more frequently, and they’re associated with lower indoor air quality. At the very least, you’ll want to set up some kind of air filtration system in this situation.
4. Parking
Parking on or near this property may also be difficult. Whether you’re backing in or backing out, it may be hard to get your vehicle on the road or into the driveway. Additionally, there may not be much available space for your vehicle or the vehicles of your guests.
5. Privacy
For many people, living near a road raises privacy concerns. People driving by your house will be able to see it, and in certain conditions, they may be able to see into it.
6. Construction
Periodically, maintenance teams will have to service this roadway. One of the advantages of living near a main road is that it stays well-maintained. But the drawback of this is that you may have to endure construction noises and detours on a more frequent basis.
7. Home value
Even if you don’t mind living near such a busy street, most people shopping for a new house are going to want something in a quieter area. Accordingly, you may not see great resale value in your house.
The Pros of Buying a Home on a Main Road
Despite all those disadvantages, there are some very positive aspects of buying a home on a main road.
1. High-traffic location
First, if your home is on a main street, it’s going to be in the middle of a high-traffic area. These areas typically have ample schools, tons of businesses, and interesting options for recreation. If you like having access to more community resources and businesses, this is one of the best areas to live.
2. Easy transportation access
Living on a main road is also very convenient. Because this road functions as a central connector, you can use it to get almost anywhere very quickly. It may also be valuable for shortening your commute to work.
3. Lower crime rates
There are a few factors that make it common for neighborhoods on main roads to have lower crime rates. For starters, would-be criminals become wary around witnesses; they’re less likely to commit crimes in areas with high traffic. Additionally, main roads are more frequently patrolled by law enforcement officers, making the area more secure.
4. Reliable maintenance
When it comes to road maintenance, the most heavily populated paths get the most attention. Accordingly, you should never have to worry about your street being in undrivable condition; potholes are going to be addressed quickly and your road will be one of the first ones plowed after a snowstorm.
5. Lower price
Because most people don’t like the idea of living near a main road, these types of houses tend to be underpriced. It’s a smart strategy to find a favorable deal.
Does buying a home on a main road make sense? That all depends on your priorities. If you don’t mind the privacy issues, if the noise doesn’t bother you, and you love the idea of easy transportation access and a lower price, a home on a main road might be a perfect fit.
Make sure you understand your personal goals and needs before finalizing this decision.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
