Noise near Forest Park Metrolink station (Parkway: apartments, condos, houses)

[qwertyz]

I will be a graduate student at Wash U next year and, after doing quite a bit of research, am seriously considering living in the DeBaliviere neighborhood. There seem to be numerous condos in that region that are very close to the Forest Park Metrolink station.

For the condos right on Pershing, how concerned should I be about noise during rush hour times, i.e. in the morning and afternoon. Based on looking at a map, it looks like the back of condos on the south side of Pershing are right along Forest Park Parkway and then the light rail tracks. In this case, would it be better to look for a condo more to the North?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[billiken]

My best friend lived on the south side of Waterman (1 street north of Pershing) and noise wasn't an issue at all. I think you might hear street noise from Forest Park Pkwy if you have a unit on the back of the building on the South side of Pershing...but could vary based on how good the windows are.

[Dawn10am]

I don't know about the noise, but you are correct. The Metrolink tracks and Forest Park Parkway run through almost the backyards of those houses. However, you might get used to it after a while. I live close to Barnes Jewish Hospital and for the first month the constant sirens and helicopters were unbearable, but I got used to it and now I don't hear them at all. I actually can't sleep well when I go somewhere quiet now!

[glamatomic]

I had friends live in apartments along Pershing- they never complained (to me at least) about Metrolink noise. I think it depends on the individual and where exactly the apartment is located (front or back of the building and on which side of Pershing).

Personally, it wouldn't bother me but I'm not noise sensitive in the slightest.

Good luck

[aragx6]

Traffic and sirens are more likely to be an issue than the metro -- it's pretty quiet. Unless you're particularly noise sensitive I think you'll be fine.

[Chicago76]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Traffic and sirens are more likely to be an issue than the metro -- it's pretty quiet. Unless you're particularly noise sensitive I think you'll be fine.

100% agree. This was never a problem w/ my friends living in the area.

Even if you are somewhat noise sensitive, I'll say something that I think should give the OP some assurance: you're almost entirely get used to the noise within 4 days. I lived in Chicago about 75 feet from the L train on a second floor (above a 12 foot retail floor). In other words, my bedroom was eye level with the train w/ nothing between my window and a much louder heavy transit system. After 3 days, I totally adjusted, and I was a lighter than avg sleeper. Granted, even years later I can sleep through an attack of zombies setting off fireworks, but you will adjust to noise quicker than you realize even if you are initially disturbed.

[aragx6]

^I had a friend who could (and did) wave at passengers on the red line from her place :P