properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

A couple of houses that are on the market right now in the town I want to live in either has a backyard butt up against train tracks totally covereed can't be seen...but I am sure can be heard (not a really busy line...but still active)

OR is across the street from tracks with VERY tall bushes covering them...but therefore doesn't have houses across the street

Anyone live in these...I can imagine the cons...but any pros?

do you recommend? avoid at all costs? happy? ok? pizzed?

Please share if you have any experience!

Thanks

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

I grew up with the train behind me. It was very noisy even though it was the last stop so it wasn't like they were speeding by. I wouldn't want to live with the trains behind me again.

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

DH & I had an apt. in Deer Park that was basically on top of the RR tracks. Never again! Not only are the trains themselves loud as they fly by but then there's the whistle that they blast at ALL hours

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

My friend from HS lived across the street from the tracks (not a main line) and I remember not being able to hear her on the phone b/c the train was so loud over the receiver.

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

My friend lives on the tracks (right behind her back fence) in Bayport. The kids LOVED it when we were there for a playdate. I believe she said shes so used to it, that it doesnt bother her, but I dont think I could handle it.

I think the pros may be you might be able to get more house for the money, but it also might not be as easy to sell.

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

I lived in an Apt in Lindenhurst that was right next to the tracks. The good thing there is that since its elevated they rarely blow the whistle. But in the summer it was so loud with the windows open and you not only heard the train but the ding of the doors and the annoucements.

It was fine while we rented and we took the train so we could walk there but I would never buy near the train and resale wil be hard.

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

You couldn't pay me to live within 5 blocks or less from a train, especially one that wasn't elevated. I currently live about 1 1/2 miles from an elevated LIRR station and I can still hear it sometimes.

JMO.

Re: properties that the property is up against or across the street from train tracks...

The only pro I can think of is that you get a lot more for the money. In my area you can get a beautiful house for hundreds of thousands less if it backs the train or is on the opp. side of the street. I will tell you though - these houses take a LONG time to sell - I see them listed for a LONG time. Many of them have been renovated to the nines and I wonder why b/c they def. don't get the money back. The homes are often reduced several times before they sell. This is true even if they have a large lot size sep them from the actual tracks.

Honestly, myself, I don't even bother looking at these houses for a number of reasons...mainly, I wouldn't want to live in one and, wouldn't want to have to deal with selling one.

Message edited 7/31/2011 9:09:27 PM.