The main entrance street to a neighborhood (crime, house)

[texas7]

Is it a bad thing to live on the main entrance street that goes in and out of a neighborhood? I don't really like all the traffic but have found a couple of homes I like a lot but they are on the main street. Will that hurt me or not matter if I decide to sell in a few years.

I've heard people say its better to be in a busy area where others say it is better to be tucked away. Any thoughts?

[MikeEsq]

Its not good. Its dangerous for kids. Crime is probably higher too. Kids can run into the street by accident and chances of them getting hurt or kidnapped or something like that are higher. Same for pets. And criminals have easier access to your house and faster getaway. Plus less privacy, just going in and out of your house, everyone will see you and your family. I wouldnt do it if I had better options. Thats why dead ends are the prime spots in neighborhoods. Kids can play all day on their bikes and the only cars coming in are immediate neighbors.

[ToyYot]

I don't see it as bad as the above but I agree it will hurt resale which, while not a big deal in this market, will kill you in a down market if you are forced to sell.

[texas7]

No kids so that isn't an issue. So for us the issue is the visibility to everyone and their grandma and crime - is it higher or lower? Resale issues? Safety - less or more?

[GTRdad]

In gated neighborhood it would be great. More people sees your yard which is great if youve been working hard on it

[texas7]

It's not gated - just a standard neighborhood.

[300zxtwinturbo]

I just don't understand the complete fear of being seen by anyone. And the mentality of wanting to be completely closed off to society. I don't get it.

[Schumacher713]

It is bad for resale.

[texas7]

It isn't not wanting to be seen. It is a lowering the burglary and petty property crimes thing -- easy access, in and out to the main highway versus being a bit tucked away where you still have your neighbors but it takes your burglars and petty thieves a longer time to get out so they often don't want to bother winding around a neighborhood. For those who have kids and grandkids, it is a concern with the speed and number of vehicles going by.

[travelguy_73]

My first house was on a main street for my neighborhood. Here are my thoughts:
(1) you will (should!) pay quite a bit less for a house on a busier street.
(2) resale will be harder and you will get less for it (however, you paid less for it, so I will call that a wash).
(3) if you are sensitive to traffic noise, or don't like people driving (speeding?) by your house, rethink the busy street. In my circumstance, I didn't mind the car volume (it was a two-lane street, not 4-lane), but the cars that sped or played loud music really irritated me. Plus emergency vehicles!
(4) if you want to show off your landscape, a main street is great! The downside is that you don't enjoy the peace of being in the front yard as much.
(5) Neighbors: I found that my neighbors kept to themselves a lot more on this street, like they had lawn services and never went in their front yards. And I honestly never met the people across the street!
(6) Risk of public entity taking right of way to widen street: a risk in some areas, not so much in others. Do your homework.