If you're starting this year house-hunting for your ideal property, you might have heard about the “location, location, location” mantra that’s prominent in real estate. Here we’ve listed five locations that might make you think twice before living near them.
And if you ever find a house you love that's located near or next to these landmarks, it’s critical to know which could be a deal-breaker for you, and which could suit your needs and lifestyle so you can enjoy your dream home with no regrets.
Airport and flight path
Biggest pro: Ease of travel
Probably the biggest advantage and appeal of buying a house near an airport is ease of travel, especially if you're a frequent flier or traveler. No more frantic racing against the clock since you can reach your terminal within minutes, saving you time and money.
Biggest con: Noise
The occasional booming sound of planes landing and taking off can be a huge nuisance, especially if the home is located directly under a flight path. However, many airports near residential neighborhoods have noise and flight time restrictions in place that make living near them more manageable.
Pro tip: Do your research when it comes to the neighborhoods where planes fly over most. You may also be able to look up maps showing general flight paths surrounding the nearest airport. During your house hunt, spend some time on the street near your potential property to see if noise would be a bother to you. Also, don’t forget to inquire about specific noise reduction features that are integrated into the home.
Busy street or main road
Biggest pro: Accessibility
You have easy access to mass transit, such as buses and trains, and even freeways. Living next to a main road also means you're within walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, retail outlets, and shopping centers, so getting what you need will be a breeze. You may also be closer to fire and police stations, which could be critical in an emergency.
Biggest con: Safety risks
Aside from the noise from honking cars and chatting passersby, busy roads can bring all kinds of hazards, especially speeding cars. If you’re a buyer with kids and/or pets, their safety is a big priority, which means homes in these areas might be a no-go.
Pro tip: If you’ve fallen in love with a property that’s on or near a busy road and you want to live in proximity to stores and conveniences, the best thing to do is to visit at different times of the day to get a realistic feel for the noise situation.
Park or any public open space
Biggest pro: Improved physical and emotional well-being
Living on a property next to or very close to a public park or any open space makes it easy for you to start or maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Whether you like to go biking, running, or just taking your dog for a walk, spending time outside is more convenient since you don't have to travel far. And even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, just living next to green spaces can be good for your mental well-being and happiness.
Biggest con: Noise and increased traffic
As with any neighborhood feature, a park may not be for everyone. You may have to deal with the noise, whether from children playing games or people chatting and catching up. Some parks are also used to hold concerts, festivals, or other social events, so it will certainly be noisy and busy. The streets may also see increased traffic and cars parked from both sides of the road.
Pro tip: If you’re allured by the prospect of living next to a park, make sure you know what the park is like at different times of the week and during the day or night. If you have the chance, chat up a potential future neighbor or two and ask what it’s like to live in the area.
Casino
Biggest pro: Plenty of entertainment offerings
Casinos aren't all about gambling. These modern resorts often include everything, from spas, restaurants, sports bars, concert halls — even family attractions such as arcades and bowling alleys. If you’re considering buying a home into a smaller area without a lot to do, these local entertainment choices right at your doorstep can be a huge win for you.