Potential buyer in Glen Rock concerned about train noise (Shrewsbury: buying a house, neighborhood)
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My wife and I are considering purchasing a home in Glen Rock. We love the town and all that it offers to its residents. The one question we have is around the trains that run through the town. The home we are looking at backs up against the train track. We heard a few of the commuter trains run by and it didn't seem too bad, but just found out that freight trains also ride on these tracks. Can any current residents provide their feedback as to the noise near the tracks and how annoying (or not annoying) the freight trains are, and how often they run? Also does anyone happen to know what these freight trains carry through the town? Thanks!
I can say it was a deal breaker for me when I was in the exact same situation. I looked at 2 houses in Glen Rock both on the tracks. The one was obvious as it was right by where they blow the horn when coming into the station, no chance. The 2nd had trains coming through every 30 minutes during rush hour and hourly off peak, I could never "get used to" that. Especially when paying Glen Rock prices and Glen Rock taxes.
I can say it was a deal breaker for me when I was in the exact same situation. I looked at 2 houses in Glen Rock both on the tracks. The one was obvious as it was right by where they blow the horn when coming into the station, no chance. The 2nd had trains coming through every 30 minutes during rush hour and hourly off peak, I could never "get used to" that. Especially when paying Glen Rock prices and Glen Rock taxes.
The horns (or bells for lowering crossing gates) would be incredibly annoying. I might be able to get used to the actual train/track noise.
I had a friend that lived up in Harlem near the elevated 1 train around 125th St. It's surprising what people can get used to. Whenever the Subway would pass when I was over I'd ask 'how can you deal with that' and she wouldn't even register it!
Although not the same as a train, I lived in a house for several years right next to the Ocean Ave/Shark River drawbridge. Each time the bridge was raised or lowered, bells would ring. It bothered me for the first week or so but after that, I never heard it.
Also, I know someone who purchased a house in Shrewsbury very close to the NJ Transit train tracks and he says his property taxes are reduced by 1/3 because of the location. You might want to consult NJ Transit.
Do the trains run through there all night? During the day I assume you will be at work and won't hear the trains, and during the 6 or 7 months out of the year when your windows will be closed you probably won't hear anything either. As far as the train whistle, I could see that being annoying depending on where you are located in relation to the whistle. I can hear train whistles from 2 miles away where I live. On a related note, I know people who live in the flight path of a major airport and they told me they don't even notice the planes roaring overhead.
I would not buy a house like that. Commuter trains run every fifteen/twenty minutes during rush hour. From what I know, the freight trains are very infrequent and in general are less of a concern. If someone is home during the rush hour every day, I think they might develop a hearing problem. Especially small kids. Also keep in mind, believe it or not, that both Main and Bergen county lines are not electrified. The trains are pushed/pulled by diesel burning locomotives which means you will also be smelling some fumes.
If you are considering buying a house like this, I would make sure that it is significantly cheaper than similar houses away from the tracks. And I would plant a mini forest on the property to shield you from the train.
Also keep in mind, believe it or not, that both Main and Bergen county lines are not electrified. The trains are pushed/pulled by diesel burning locomotives which means you will also be smelling some fumes.
That's a good point. I forgot that area is diesel. If the house is in an area where the train is accelerating the fumes will likely be a lot worse than if the train is just rolling by. It may also be worthwhile to talk to some of the people that currently live in that neighborhood. This time of year you'll likely find people outside, so it's not even like you would have to go knocking on doors.
It all depends on your tolerance of noises. Also, depends on what street, and where the house is located. The freight trains are very infrequent, 1 or 2 a day, and they are not long trains at all. There is no oil transported on those lines. The NJT diesel trains do not emit enough fumes to even notice at all. I do think it is good advice to go talk to the neighbors, and visit the neighborhood you are looking at. The trains are required by law to sound the horn 4x at the at-grade crossings, and the horns are ver loud. Also, trains run from 5:30am until 2:30am, if you were wondering.
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