When you are thinking about buying a home, location is likely to be one of the biggest factors in your decision. You might want to shorten your commute to work, live close to good schools or choose a home that is close to places you often visit, such as parks, libraries or shopping centers. Some people like a quiet, out-of-the-way neighborhood, while others want to be close to where the action is. Here are some of the pros and cons of relocating near a freeway.
Easy Commute
If you have to drive to and from work every day, living near a freeway might add convenience to your commute. Freeways are often the fastest way to travel a longer distance. You could avoid the hassle of stop-and-go traffic on city streets by using the freeway for as much of your commute as possible. Closer freeway access could shorten the length and duration of your drive to and from work, school or other destinations. If you routinely take flights for your job, freeway access could also make it easier for you to get to the airport.
Close to Shopping
Most large shopping centers are located close to freeways. This is also true for big box stores. If you have a family, living close to a large grocery store or a big box store where you can do almost all of your shopping could add convenience to your life. Instead of having to drive a long distance to get to a shoe store, home supplies store, garden center and grocery store, you could easily get on the freeway and access all of these places within a short drive of your home.
High Noise Levels
Freeways are noisy. If you are the type of person who likes to sit in your backyard and read a book or toil in the garden, the noise level outdoors might be more than you can bear. Not all places have erected sound barriers, and the noise of a freeway can penetrate into a neighborhood. If you like to sleep with your windows open at night or have them open on a nice spring or summer day, this might not be possible if you live in a home that is close to a freeway. In addition to the noise pollution, air pollution from the freeway could also be a problem.
Lower Property Values
Houses located adjacent to a freeway often have a lower property value than those that are located a greater distance away from such busy thoroughfares. On one hand, this could make a home with more square footage or more amenities more affordable. Homes with lower property values also have lower taxes, so you could save every year when your property tax bill is due. On the other hand, selling your home may prove to be more of a challenge, and you might not recoup the costs of upgrades you make to the property.
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