Railroad track noise in S. Austin (to rent, condo, house)

[Blue Belle]

I am moving to Austin and am looking for a place to live in northern South Austin. I have a couple of options that are near Manchaca and Wm Cannon, and thus are very close to the railroad tracks. Can anyone tell me if the train noise is a problem at night?

I lived in South Austin off of Slaughter years ago, and I remember hearing the train but not necessarily being bothered by it. But I was a student back then and had an erratic schedule!

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[centralaustinite]

The horn blows at the crossing at Oltorf, you can hear that on a still night all over south Austin. Never bothered me, are you near a crossing? If not, it shouldn't have much impact. About 23 trains a day run on those tracks, so just visit the house and hang out for a while!

[Blue Belle]

Thanks centralaustinite! I guess I'm more concerned about the hours the train runs rather than the loudness of the horn... Any ideas? I don't want to have a "My Cousin Vinny" experience in the middle of the night!

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Not trying to divert but that was one heck of a good, funny movie.

[austinite45]

Unless you are already accustomed to loud noise at night, don't live anywhere near the rails, especially where there is a curve or turn.

Certainly don't try to buy a house or condo close to the rails.

In my opinion, there are only 4 categories of people who aren't bothered by noise from the rails at night - 4 D's; Drunk, Drugged, Deaf or Dead.

[BentBow]

Back in the 80's I lived in the 4 plexs right on the tracks at Stassney. The first night I woke up thinking WWIII had started. Besides the rumble, they blow the horn. I think I pissed all over myself.

After that it got better, to where I would sleep right through the middle of the night trains.

[austinite45]

Originally Posted by BentBow

Back in the 80's I lived in the 4 plexs right on the tracks at Stassney. The first night I woke up thinking WWIII had started. Besides the rumble, they blow the horn. I think I pissed all over myself.

After that it got better, to where I would sleep right through the middle of the night trains.

Well, i guess i will have to add another D to my D-list ... Desensitized.

If a burglar knows about your condition, he might do something about it.

[ATX Homeboy]

Originally Posted by BentBow

Back in the 80's I lived in the 4 plexs right on the tracks at Stassney. The first night I woke up thinking WWIII had started. Besides the rumble, they blow the horn. I think I pissed all over myself.

After that it got better, to where I would sleep right through the middle of the night trains.

You forgot to mention the dogs start HOWLING whenever the train is coming too. They also do that whenever there is a siren which is nightly anyway.

[Blue Belle]

Originally Posted by austinite45

Unless you are already accustomed to loud noise at night, don't live anywhere near the rails, especially where there is a curve or turn.

Certainly don't try to buy a house or condo close to the rails.

In my opinion, there are only 4 categories of people who aren't bothered by noise from the rails at night - 4 D's; Drunk, Drugged, Deaf or Dead.

Thanks for the input! We're just looking to rent, not buy, but we will avoid those areas in close proximity to the tracks!

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

I love hearing the train at night but I don't want it 50 feet from me. It must be in my blood, my Father used to ride the rails way back when. The sound of the train and its whistle is soothing to me. (please understand I realize that if the tracks are right next to your home or building it certainly won't be pleasant)

I was reading today about the metro and all it's troubles. It makes me sad. The Metro was something I was excited about in moving to Austin. (I need to stop saying Austin because we'll be in the outskirts). I think we should go back to trains but it seems like very time trains try to make a comeback they are wrought with problems. I hope things get better for the Metro, it's a great idea. (IMO)

I love trains.