Minimum lot size to ensure a very quiet backyard? (how much, houses)

[waywardphilosopher]

Hi everyone,

I had previously posted a similar question in the general moving forum but was hoping for some responses specific to Arizona's natural features. I was wondering what you think might be the minimum lot size to ensure enough space between me and my neighbors so that when I'm in my backyard I won't be able to hear their cupboard doors slamming or conversations, TV, etc. I currently live in CA on a lot size of only 5,500 sq. ft. in a tract where the houses are about 12-15 feet apart and when I'm in my backyard or in my house with the windows open I can hear my neighbors music, conversations, etc. While inside my house with the windows closed I rarely hear anything I'm guessing because of high quality windows. Also my backyard is lush with foliage and trees so I believe that is reducing the noise a lot.

I'd ideally like to be able to sit in my backyard and not hear any noise from my neighbors' everyday activities. And I'd like to be able to not have neighbors hear the music I might play in my own house, conversations I might hold in my backyard etc. I'd ideally like to set up my office outdoors (I work from home) and also be able to meditate outside. My guess is that given the sparseness of foliage in AZ I will need to consider a larger lot size, but I'm not sure how much larger.

Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

[jamies]

One square mile.

[rambrush]

We are on almost 3/4 acre and that's not large enough. I am thinking at least 5 acre parcel. We also have 20.5 acres in Montana on a dead end road 8 miles off of the pavement with half mile year around creek. If we hear traffic we figure someones lost. That is summer solitude for us. KDOG can attest to that solitude

[AZJoeD]

Sound really carries in AZ. I live on a 1+ acre lot and when I am standing in the back of the yard my wife can hear me talking to myself (don't ask why).

[kell490]

No smaller then 1/2 acre I don't know how anyone can live in one of these track homes they built in the last 10 years with tiny backyards neighbors trees hanging over the fence. You can find homes here on 1/4 acre in the 300-400 range nice areas.

[jamies]

I have 1/4 acre, nowhere near large enough. It's only 150 feet wide, neighbors in back are only about 75' away.

Next house I'm moving to the other end of Rambush's road... 16 miles away, now that sounds right neighborly!

[waywardphilosopher]

Thanks everyone; these were all very helpful responses. Looks like sound does carry a lot given the topography. I'll try find a place with a little more land!

[wpme]

640 acres, roughly 1 square mile, if that is not enough maybe go for a whole township