Explore the pros and cons of living by the highway

When deciding to put down roots, a significant consideration is location. In real estate, the location seems to dictate whether a property is desirable, and many homebuyers don’t even consider a place if it’s not suitably located. For some, living in a quiet neighborhood and enjoying a tight-knit community is the ultimate dream, while some prefer the buzz of city life.

But what about living near a highway? You might find a true hidden gem if you overlook the misconceptions about living there. For many, hearing the constant traffic hum and dealing with air pollution is a major red flag, but there are ways to fight these predicaments.

The first thing you should do when searching for a new place to live is find a real estate agent to guide you through the process. If you consider highway living a potential option for your future living arrangements, a real estate agent can give you all the information needed to make the best choice. Still, doing your own research before reaching out to an agent is always advisable. So, keep reading if you want to discover the major pros and cons of living by the highway.

Pros of living by the highway

Living next to a highway comes with many benefits that many people often overlook. Whether it’s the easy commute, the affordability, or the plenty of businesses thriving near the highways, which means more job opportunities, there are many pros you should consider when making your decision.

Accessibility

Many of us dread the idea of commuting long distances to work. Still, it’s something most of us have to deal with. Living near a highway adds convenience to your commute, as freeways are often the fastest means of traveling long distances. The proximity to a highway could shorten the length and duration of your commute, no matter the purpose of it. And if you have friends or family that live in another part of the state or country, you can easily hop on your car and pay them a visit.

Close to shopping

Many of the renowned, large shopping centers are located near the highways. Whether you live alone or have a family, being within easy reach of grocery, home improvement, or clothing stores is a significant plus. Instead of having to drive a long distance to get to those places, you can have them a short drive away. You can save valuable time and allocate it to things that truly matter to you, like spending time with family or learning a new skill.

Lower property values

The property value of homes next to freeways is frequently lower than that of homes farther away from these congested areas. On the one hand, this might lower the cost of a house with more space or amenities. When it comes time to pay your property taxes, you may save every year if you live in a home with a lower property value and lower taxes. However, it can be more challenging to sell your house, and you might not be able to recover the costs of any improvements you make.

Business potential

Businesses seem to love areas with a lot of traffic, and highways provide just that. Besides being able to enjoy many hotels, shopping stores, restaurants, gas stations, and many other amenities that are not that accessible if you live in a small neighborhood, these businesses also provide job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for entry-level positions or management roles, you will find something that fits your skills and needs.

Good street maintenance

Nothing is worse than being rushed and dealing with poorly cared-for roads. Living on side streets or roads with less traffic makes you more likely to deal with such situations, but highways are usually well-kept. Living near a highway means you’ll be able to enjoy good street maintenance.

Cons of living near a highway

Now it’s time for the less fun part: the not-so-great things about living near a highway. As with any location, living near a freeway has pros and cons, but you must weigh both sides to make an objective decision.

Noise and air pollution

Noise and air pollution are significant concerns many consider when thinking of highway living. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can pose significant threats to our health, leading to respiratory problems, auditory impairment, sleep disruptions, and psychiatric concerns. While some overlook these issues, others don’t regard them as deal breakers and try to find ways to minimize their effects. For example, they use greenery as a barrier or air purifying systems to clean the air inside their home. Double-panel windows could also help reduce noise and prevent thin particles from infiltrating your home.

Safety concerns

Many families are concerned about safety and would never contemplate purchasing real estate near a highway. Several motion pictures demonstrate how simple it is to mug someone on the road and get away with it. Thus, most individuals favor living in gated communities or on lonely streets. This is to protect their kids and animals from roadway accidents.

Lack of privacy

Privacy goes beyond just dealing with the noise. It's about feeling like you're always on display, with cars and people always passing by your home. You can't enjoy simple things like a meal in the backyard without feeling exposed. Fences don't do much to shield you from the prying eyes of passersby, making you feel like you're always in the spotlight. Living near a highway can also take a toll on your mental health. The constant noise and feeling of being watched can lead to stress, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. It's like you never get a break from the outside world, which can be draining.

Conclusion

Whether you choose or not to live near a highway depends on your personal needs and preferences. Every person is different, and if, for example, you might never consider living near a road, some might regard it as an ideal spot for them and their families. But before diving into homeownership, you must be completely aware of what you bargained for, as it may be more than what you have asked for.

While, indeed, highway living comes with benefits like accessibility, plenty of shopping choices, lower property values, and more, you can neglect the drawbacks. For many, air and noise pollution, safety concerns, and the lack of privacy are major red flags that make them find other living arrangements.

Let us know in the comments if you have ever considered highway living or if it’s something you couldn’t get used to. Also, if you live near a highway, tell us if there are any other pros and cons we have omitted.