Busy Street or Cul-de-sac: Your Corner of the World

While typically considered to be a “dead-end street,” living in a cul-de-sac can open up avenues to communal living, safety, and even monetary prosperity. Alternatively, bustling streets can provide you with a road to convenience. Whether you go crazy for loop design or prefer the straightforwardness of a bustling street, the following information will help you decide where you fall in the great “busy street or cul-de-sac” debate.

The Sound of the Streets

Living on a cul-de-sac offers an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy street leading to commercial establishments or public institutions. Its insulated design is a great choice for people who enjoy the benefits of living next to others, but appreciate the privacy of a small living environment. Nature often provides an alluring ambiance for those living on a cul-de-sac. Alternatively, a busy street can bring music to the ears of homeowners — sometimes literally, after a strategic location choice.

Opportunity to Meet Neighbors

By virtue of a layout that emphasizes proximity, a cul-de-sac nearly guarantees regular interaction with neighbors. A communal, shared space gifts homeowners with the increasingly rare opportunity to bond with next-door residents. A popular sociology study found that communities located within a cul-de-sac had better “social cohesion” than those located elsewhere. Busy streets, however, can grant homeowners variety and a certain degree of anonymity.

Convenience vs. Accessibility

Choosing to buy a home on a busy street can virtually put the city at your fingertips. The accessibility of owning a home situated on a popular Dallas street, however, comes with certain drawbacks, primarily noise and traffic. Those who want their homes to function as sanctuaries or serene retreats may consider a dwelling on a commonly trodden road to be more of a nuisance than a nest. In addition, traffic can make driving onto and off of the property difficult or time-consuming during certain times of day, like rush hour.

Those who live on a cul-de-sac are generally granted immunity from the low notes of high-energy city life. This inoculation comes at a price, though: Cul-de-sac residents often find that they have to travel more to get to stores, schools, and places of employment, since cul-de-sacs are often largely removed from urban areas. Social lives may even be affected: The narrow streets found on cul-de-sacs may make it difficult to entertain guests, as parking can limit gatherings and their sizes.

Safety in Numbers

When trying to decide on whether to live on a busy street or cul-de-sac, consider your medical needs. It may be easier for emergency vehicles and services to reach your home if they are informed that you live on a well-known and wide street. On the other hand, cul-de-sacs have been associated with reduced burglary rates. The way that cul-de-sacs are formed and the manner in which neighbors’ line of sights naturally fall mean that potential robbers can find sneaking around a cul-de-sac difficult, if they wish to go unnoticed.

A Sound Investment

If you plan on eventually selling your house to fellow cul-de-sac lovers, you’ll be happy to know that your home’s location may work in your favor. As cul-de-sacs are currently experiencing a revival in popularity, selling a home situated on one could drive up both your home’s value and its demand. Selling at the right time and to the right buyers may net you as much as 20 percent more than your asking price.

Get more tips about home buying or consult with your local real estate agent to find the perfect home.