Owning a Home on a Main Street – Good or Bad?
If you’re in the market to buy a house in Toronto or even a condo in Toronto, there is a good chance that you will stumble upon options for sale on a main street, especially if you are looking to buy house in Toronto, Scarborough or North York.
Toronto is a large city with many main roads with high traffic flow connecting major areas. While some people would see that as a disadvantage, others may want to live on a main road for various reasons which we will explore in this blog.
Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind when buying a home located on a main/major street:
Pros of Owning a Home on a Main Street
- Convenience & Accessibility
- Living on a main road, you are close or even in walking distance to major retailers, essential shops, restaurants and amenities. For people who take public transit around the city, this can be a major selling point as living on a main road like Yonge St, Bloor St, Danforth or Eglinton Ave East or West, is conveniently accessible to a subway station.
- Higher Visibility & Business Potential
- This is ideal for home-based businesses – if your property is on a main road, this will be easier for your clients to commute to and for new clients to become aware of your business if you plan on having a visible storefront.
- Often More Affordable
- Homes on main streets may be priced lower than those in quieter neighbourhoods, which is great for buyers who don’t mind or prefer to live on a main street, and for those who are working with a strict budget.
Cons of Owning a Home on a Main Street
- Traffic & Noise Pollution
- On a main street, there are higher vehicle and foot traffic that can impact daily living compared to homes on a side street. Houses with a driveway backing onto the main road, this can raise the concern of accidents, especially for families with children or pets.
- Less Privacy
- For people who prioritize privacy, living on a main street has more exposure to passersby, making outdoor and indoor privacy limited. Due to the high volume of traffic passing by the house daily, homeowners may feel the need to shut the blinds to prevent people from looking in, which can impact the enjoyment of living in the space.
- Resale Challenges
- On the selling side, finding a buyer down the line may be more challenging. Compared to homes on quieter side streets, sellers might need to account for the main street location as a drawback, potentially pricing the home lower than the competition.
Tips for Making It Work
- Installing soundproof windows and privacy fences.
- Installing high-quality security systems.
- Evaluating the areas pros and the cons for future urban planning development.
If you’re planning to enter the market and purchase your next home, we’re here to help you navigate the pros and cons throughout your search with confidence! Reach out to our team today for a discovery call to buy a house in Toronto!