Living Near the Train Tracks in Madison (or other towns) (Newark: real estate market, houses)

[goonsquad]

Hi all. I'm looking to buy at some point in the next couple years probably somewhere along one of the NJ Transit train corridors. Can anyone with experience tell me what it's like living adjacent to the NJ transit train tracks? Houses on Kings road in Madison have back yards that back up to the tracks and I'm wondering if the tracks' vicinity is a big drawback. Thanks in advance.

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by goonsquad

Hi all. I'm looking to buy at some point in the next couple years probably somewhere along one of the NJ Transit train corridors. Can anyone with experience tell me what it's like living adjacent to the NJ transit train tracks? Houses on Kings road in Madison have back yards that back up to the tracks and I'm wondering if the tracks' vicinity is a big drawback. Thanks in advance.

I would think its a non-issue since no freight trains run this line. My folks live within viewing and audible sight of the commuter trains in Bergen Co. and its a non-issue. Freights I have heard otherwise.

The only concern in a down real estate market could be concerns with electrical EMF's. But Madison, with the MidTownDirect to NYC will IMO always be a sellers market in any economy.

[tallguylehigh]

I think that no matter how nice the house is, no matter how nice the area is, having railroad tracks in your backyard, or even across the street is going to be a detriment. It will never be an asset, unless you are SUPER close to a station.

I looked at a house in Madison in the Fairwoods section, it was across the street from a house that backed to the tracks. I didnt think anything of it, until one went by. The thing was loud, and it made things in the house shake.

So you might find a deal on a house backing train tracks, but as a whole, buyers see train tracks and just move on...

Also, the line which Madison is on will take you to 33rd street, but nothing about it is Direct. Due to the stops it is considerably longer than it should be.

[goonsquad]

I appreciate the responses. As the tall guy suggests, my first inclination is to move on too. The only reason I'm even considering it is because some of the houses closer to the tracks are closer to my price range (low-mid 400s). Perhaps the one good thing about the tracks in Madison is that they are below ground, not buried, just below ground as in dug out but open air. I would think that this might reduce the noise but not the ground shake. I'd want to take a look for myself by being there when the train goes by.

Regarding the length of the trip, this bugs me. Why can't a more efficient, faster system be designed? I'd think that tens of thousands of peoples' lives would be improved immesurably if the trains were sped up.

[Gerania]

I wouldn't buy a place that backed up to an 'on grade' train. Actually, I wouldn't buy a place anywhere near a train, but if it's below grade and not too loud, it might be a consideration for many. If the house looks good, has some kind of yard, nice neighborhood, I'd keep it on the list until you're finished looking around.

[tallguylehigh]

Originally Posted by goonsquad

I appreciate the responses. As the tall guy suggests, my first inclination is to move on too. The only reason I'm even considering it is because some of the houses closer to the tracks are closer to my price range (low-mid 400s). Perhaps the one good thing about the tracks in Madison is that they are below ground, not buried, just below ground as in dug out but open air. I would think that this might reduce the noise but not the ground shake. I'd want to take a look for myself by being there when the train goes by.

Regarding the length of the trip, this bugs me. Why can't a more efficient, faster system be designed? I'd think that tens of thousands of peoples' lives would be improved immesurably if the trains were sped up.

It's not so much the speed but the number of stops. I have long been a proponent of a Morris County Express that makes stops in Morris County, but when it hits the eastern most city (chatham) after than its penn station, nothing else.

[jcjh20]

I never understood why you have to switch trains in Newark, Hoboken or Jersey City with most lines if you catch one a bit further away from NYC.. Most lines should be like Amtrak and just go straight to downtown or Penn Station. I am a south Jersey guy, but I never understood why they've made it so difficult for commuters in counties not directly near manhattan.