House on an A road
Discussion
We moved from a flat with massive old single pane sash windows, on the London road in Bath, to a cul-de-sac on a new build estate. My wife complained for some time that she couldn't sleep because it was "too quiet".
Although I would say make sure there's not a manhole cover or similar that will go THUNK-CHUNK randomly when a vehicle goes over it just outside the house, otherwise... you'll get used to it.
Although I would say make sure there's not a manhole cover or similar that will go THUNK-CHUNK randomly when a vehicle goes over it just outside the house, otherwise... you'll get used to it.
I used to live on a quiet cul de sac in a quiet village. The problem there was that it was so quiet, all “new” noise is noticed, usually it was me, doing the place up…
Now I live on a bus route in Aylesbury. For most of the time I don’t notice the noise as I leave early in the morning before it starts and arrive back in the evening when it’s calming down. Its summer weekends when I notice it, as I’m in and out of the back garden via the patio door all day.
If the TV is on, or radio/hi-fi - I don’t notice it.
Stoke Mandeville hospital is close by and thankfully the ambulance crews don’t use the sirens when they are on a call unless it’s obviously serious (and they don’t care how much noise they make) or someone is being a numpty at the roundabout.
Would I buy a house on a main road like this again? No.
IME - The point above about possible THUNK-THUNKs is valid. In my case it was a rut in the road.
Now I live on a bus route in Aylesbury. For most of the time I don’t notice the noise as I leave early in the morning before it starts and arrive back in the evening when it’s calming down. Its summer weekends when I notice it, as I’m in and out of the back garden via the patio door all day.
If the TV is on, or radio/hi-fi - I don’t notice it.
Stoke Mandeville hospital is close by and thankfully the ambulance crews don’t use the sirens when they are on a call unless it’s obviously serious (and they don’t care how much noise they make) or someone is being a numpty at the roundabout.
Would I buy a house on a main road like this again? No.
IME - The point above about possible THUNK-THUNKs is valid. In my case it was a rut in the road.
irocfan said:
there are A roads and then there are AAAA roads. We live on a minor A road which gets a little busy from time to time(rush hour generally) but most times it's quite quiet. You couldn't pay me enough to live on the A12/A127A13 in east London.
My dad used to have a flat on the A12,even with single glazed windows the noise soon became a hum you didnt really take notice of. It wasnt at ground level though, but with the traffic even at ground level with less trafficc, I imagine it would be the same m3jappa said:
What surprises me is how many lovely houses are on busy roads, either a or b roads. I suppose when they were built the roads weren't as busy and people probably never gave resale a second thought.
At one time living on a main road was advantageous and desirable. Back roads were muddy tracks. When young we lived on a B road that was busy at commute times. House was 3m off the road. We got used to the noise. Since then I have lived away from main roads, present house is in a cul de sac.
My suggestion is to arrange a viewing at the house during the busy time AND at quieter times. If rain is imminent then factor that in for a viewing if possible. In that way you will get a sense of the noise. Remember that you will get used to it.
Do the checks on plans for development of the area too. That could change the scenario.
Traffic density is another issue to check.
Our present house location leads to a roundabout that gets BUSY at commute/school times. A visitor took 20 mins over the last half mile late last year. We have learned to live with it and use local knowledge to ease it. There is little scope for any road restructuring to provide diversions yet planning have passed some large housing developments and a new school making it busier. There are now 3 large schools to service.
I would not move or be fearful of moving here due to this as it is a very minor glitch only. The plusses easily beat the one minus. No noise issue though, just traffic density at known times.
My suggestion is to arrange a viewing at the house during the busy time AND at quieter times. If rain is imminent then factor that in for a viewing if possible. In that way you will get a sense of the noise. Remember that you will get used to it.
Do the checks on plans for development of the area too. That could change the scenario.
Traffic density is another issue to check.
Our present house location leads to a roundabout that gets BUSY at commute/school times. A visitor took 20 mins over the last half mile late last year. We have learned to live with it and use local knowledge to ease it. There is little scope for any road restructuring to provide diversions yet planning have passed some large housing developments and a new school making it busier. There are now 3 large schools to service.
I would not move or be fearful of moving here due to this as it is a very minor glitch only. The plusses easily beat the one minus. No noise issue though, just traffic density at known times.
As someone pointed out resale values are limited, and/or the choice of future buyer.
Only my opinion and experience;
Saw a brand new property in a purpose built cul-de-sac not far off the busy A54 near Oulton Park, whilst standing in one of the bedrooms your could feel the rumblings/tremblings of HGV's passing over 250-300 metres away, other properties were in between. This was at circa 1pm on a weekday, which if at work you would not notice. Although Saturdays and Sundays get busy on that road with cars passing through.
Another property we saw was on the A537, near Chelford, another busy road. It was set about 30-40 metres back from the road with gates and a wall. Whilst it was a 30mph zone, it leads onto a 50mph zone. People regularly give it a good squirt as the road opened up just before the 50mph, or sat in a low gear ready to give it some beans. Bike's were a problem. This was at about 2pm on a weekday.
To add balance, another property we saw over on the B3085, near Wilmslow, backed up onto the road to a degree. Whilst a 30mph, people gave it a considerably good go at doing 50mph down there, or sat in a low gear waiting for the national speed limits further down the road. Was not helped by the Cheshire set with their various Ferrari's, Lambo's etc. Lovely to hear, but by god not to live next to. Couldn't hear it in the back garden as it was deflected by the shape of the house - but on occasion you could hear a bike going for it.
We also have two young children, so properties next to a major road was not going to work.
At that point we stopped looking at properties near roads of any major significance e.g. A and big B roads, and inevitable rat runs and cut throughs.
Only my opinion and experience;
Saw a brand new property in a purpose built cul-de-sac not far off the busy A54 near Oulton Park, whilst standing in one of the bedrooms your could feel the rumblings/tremblings of HGV's passing over 250-300 metres away, other properties were in between. This was at circa 1pm on a weekday, which if at work you would not notice. Although Saturdays and Sundays get busy on that road with cars passing through.
Another property we saw was on the A537, near Chelford, another busy road. It was set about 30-40 metres back from the road with gates and a wall. Whilst it was a 30mph zone, it leads onto a 50mph zone. People regularly give it a good squirt as the road opened up just before the 50mph, or sat in a low gear ready to give it some beans. Bike's were a problem. This was at about 2pm on a weekday.
To add balance, another property we saw over on the B3085, near Wilmslow, backed up onto the road to a degree. Whilst a 30mph, people gave it a considerably good go at doing 50mph down there, or sat in a low gear waiting for the national speed limits further down the road. Was not helped by the Cheshire set with their various Ferrari's, Lambo's etc. Lovely to hear, but by god not to live next to. Couldn't hear it in the back garden as it was deflected by the shape of the house - but on occasion you could hear a bike going for it.
We also have two young children, so properties next to a major road was not going to work.
At that point we stopped looking at properties near roads of any major significance e.g. A and big B roads, and inevitable rat runs and cut throughs.
Edited by BobSaunders on Wednesday 22 January 11:02
We looked at a 4 bed house near the a20. 70 mph zone. About 100 meters away from the road.
Beautiful property and the added room for the price of an average property with a 3 bed further out.
We chose the latter.
Triple glazing helped the nice house but open the doors or sit in the garden and it sounded like you were listening to a sea shell
Beautiful property and the added room for the price of an average property with a 3 bed further out.
We chose the latter.
Triple glazing helped the nice house but open the doors or sit in the garden and it sounded like you were listening to a sea shell
I live 2m from the A77 with single pane sash windows. Luckily with a 20mph limit.
It was horrible for about 3 months trying to sleep. 7 years later still in the place and don't notice or think about the road noise anymore.
We are getting a bypass and got a feeling I'll struggle with the eerily silent roads once it's built.
With a 40mph limit the volume won't be too bad, but 60 will become like the motorway type drone that could be rather unpleasant anytime you went outside the house.
It was horrible for about 3 months trying to sleep. 7 years later still in the place and don't notice or think about the road noise anymore.
We are getting a bypass and got a feeling I'll struggle with the eerily silent roads once it's built.
With a 40mph limit the volume won't be too bad, but 60 will become like the motorway type drone that could be rather unpleasant anytime you went outside the house.
I have to say most of these replies are opionated or subjective at best.
I live next to the A38 between two major towns, 40mph limit, about 40 metres away. I can't say I notice the road, especially at night when it's quieter. And as for re-sale, its one of the most sought after areas locally!
I live next to the A38 between two major towns, 40mph limit, about 40 metres away. I can't say I notice the road, especially at night when it's quieter. And as for re-sale, its one of the most sought after areas locally!
I often look at the rows of houses along roads like the A12 out through, say, Redbridge (there are lots and lots of other roads very similar) and I wonder just who turns up for a viewing,looks around, and thinks yes, this is the place for us. Would never be for me. I'd rather have somewhere half the size and twice the price in a quiet location!
Similarly, houses where a public footpath runs past at peering-through-the-window distance.
Similarly, houses where a public footpath runs past at peering-through-the-window distance.
My old flat was on a busy road. No problem, I thought, when I bought it as a young man.
But the pollution thing is real; front of the building is coated with grime and needs cleaning regularly - you also notice it from the grime on the front windows even just when compared to the back ones. And also, whilst you can deal with traffic noise (soundproofing, noise reducing glazing panels etc.), you cannot deal with emergency vehicle sirens, sometimes at grim hours. And as for motorcycle/moped cretins with obnoxiously loud exhausts - don't get me started.
And worth £100k less on sale than one on a surrounding road with parking and no noise, with fewer buyers interested. Garden was just a wash of noise from the road.
My new house? Detached, on a quiet road. 14 years of living on a main road has given me a healthy hatred for vehicle noise.
DON'T DO IT!
But the pollution thing is real; front of the building is coated with grime and needs cleaning regularly - you also notice it from the grime on the front windows even just when compared to the back ones. And also, whilst you can deal with traffic noise (soundproofing, noise reducing glazing panels etc.), you cannot deal with emergency vehicle sirens, sometimes at grim hours. And as for motorcycle/moped cretins with obnoxiously loud exhausts - don't get me started.
And worth £100k less on sale than one on a surrounding road with parking and no noise, with fewer buyers interested. Garden was just a wash of noise from the road.
My new house? Detached, on a quiet road. 14 years of living on a main road has given me a healthy hatred for vehicle noise.
DON'T DO IT!
Edited by Harry Flashman on Wednesday 22 January 16:10
chappj said:
Thanks for all the replies so far.
Some more info...
It’s a single carriageway A road connecting two rural villages. Speed limit is 40 mph. The house is just outside the village where it goes to a 30 mph.
As somebody already stated, the house is priced within our affordability because of its location. It would be 20-30% more if down a single track country lane.
Directly opposite the house is a bridleway/foot path leading to pretty much endless country walks. Countryside aspect from all windows and in a plot of 0.5 acres. Village cricket pitch next door. Nice spacious driveway with potential to build my dream 3 bay garage. There are many positives, but obviously the busy road is a major turnoff.
I’m more interested to hear experiences from folks who have lived near a busy road to get a better sense of whether the noise gets to a point where it becomes unbearable or more like living near a flight path where you seem to not notice it after a few weeks.
Our first house was a new build and was, I reckon, about 30m south of the start of the westbound off-slip at J1 of the M56. Some more info...
It’s a single carriageway A road connecting two rural villages. Speed limit is 40 mph. The house is just outside the village where it goes to a 30 mph.
As somebody already stated, the house is priced within our affordability because of its location. It would be 20-30% more if down a single track country lane.
Directly opposite the house is a bridleway/foot path leading to pretty much endless country walks. Countryside aspect from all windows and in a plot of 0.5 acres. Village cricket pitch next door. Nice spacious driveway with potential to build my dream 3 bay garage. There are many positives, but obviously the busy road is a major turnoff.
I’m more interested to hear experiences from folks who have lived near a busy road to get a better sense of whether the noise gets to a point where it becomes unbearable or more like living near a flight path where you seem to not notice it after a few weeks.
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DTtdvGDWqy1z8x5
Moving from the very centre of Manchester, for us it seemed much quieter. Traffic noise mostly dropped off after about 8pm, so really only experienced it a couple of hours a day given we both worked. That was in '02. By the time we moved 10yrs later the noise was practically 24hr - much busier in the evenings and early hours than when we first moved in. Perhaps also we got used to it and it reset our noise boundaries.
The noise at the previous place did grow tiresome, but we were 10yrs older by then so it's hard to say how much of it was simply down to that generally natural desire to lead an ever quieter existence. I did notice we spent less time in the back garden in the latter few years. It's all about context tbh - on the face of it a 40mph A-road wouldn't put me off. I think the greater acid test would be whether it felt uncomfortable walking into the village, or if the noise in the rear garden was too much in the summer months.
Oh and it didn't affect re-sale value at all. As the agent said at the time - it's the one compromise for this property versus another compromise for another property (ours was quite spacious for a 2 bed and decent sized garden). It slimmed down the numbers through the door, yes, but we got what we wanted for it. 1st to view wanted it but was put off by her rural-living parents. 2nd to view bought it. Sold in 4mo of being on market
Edited by Swervin_Mervin on Wednesday 22 January 16:31
A point on the "electric cars will mean silence and clean air" thing.
Yes, less particulate pollution - a good thing. But:
- we won't be all electric for decades,
- the smell of Ozone may make you weep tears of blood,
- tyre noise is a thing - really,
- I bet some 2@ invents a V8 Ultra Decibel Noise Projector LOL thing for EVs, so some weapons end up driving their commuter milk float around, pretending they are in NASCAR.
- you'll still have emergency vehicle sirens waking you up all the time.
- trying to park on your driveway, or get off it, will still be a pig in rush hour.
Yes, less particulate pollution - a good thing. But:
- we won't be all electric for decades,
- the smell of Ozone may make you weep tears of blood,
- tyre noise is a thing - really,
- I bet some 2@ invents a V8 Ultra Decibel Noise Projector LOL thing for EVs, so some weapons end up driving their commuter milk float around, pretending they are in NASCAR.
- you'll still have emergency vehicle sirens waking you up all the time.
- trying to park on your driveway, or get off it, will still be a pig in rush hour.
hang on, I have two already....defblade said:
Although I would say make sure there's not a manhole cover or similar that will go THUNK-CHUNK randomly when a vehicle goes over it just outside the house, otherwise... you'll get used to it.
This to me is key. I live on a quiet ish A road and each car passing simply makes a gentle whooshing noise as it goes by as it is neither accelerating nor decelerating. Make sure the house isn't next to a junction, calming measures, noisy grating etc and with any luck vehicles will pass by with minimal noise.My house is slightly up a valley so not on the same level as the A road which helps too. Also it is a single carriageway 40mph road. Adjacent to the road is also a canal, river and railway ... I have plans to put a seating area on the front to watch all this traffic going by that from time to time includes the Flying Scotsman and traction engines, to me this location has big advantages.
My parents live somewhere that is literally dead quiet... too quiet for me. Likewise I couldn't live next to the A1 or M25 etc.
With electric vehicles becoming more common I expect the noise level from each vehicle to become less albeit total number of vehicles will no doubt keep on increasing.
Being near an A road will put some people off buying no doubts about it but there can be benefits too.
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