Train noise along riverside (Vancouver: condos, maintenance, housing)

[53rd]

I'm new to Vancouver. Looking for condo/TWH those less maintenance options. Found a really nice condo development on the SE side, on the Columbia River, called Northwynd. However when I visited the area, noticed BNSF train passed beside. It seems the train runs day and night. Anyone has experience about the train noise along the river? How bad is it? I hate to give up this place because of the train.

[bler144]

I've looked at housing over there as well, and am actually more wary of the chemical impact. Rail lines typically get pretty heavy pesticide spray to keep the rails clear of growth, not to mention the coal, etc. that's passing through on those cars.

And if there were ever an accident/derailment, you're a bit trapped.

As for noise, my perception is that it's not as noisy as the rail line on the OR side of the river. The main reason being that the WA side has very few road crossings (most of the roads I know anyway are either over/underpass). So you'll get the squeaking of the cars/wheels, but horn use at least is likely to be minimal.

Those condos are moderately cheap for waterfront, but they're not dirt-cheap, so I'm guessing the noise hasn't made them undesirable. Still, I'd try and secure a unit that at least didn't back up to the rail line.

[53rd]

Originally Posted by bler144

I've looked at housing over there as well, and am actually more wary of the chemical impact. Rail lines typically get pretty heavy pesticide spray to keep the rails clear of growth, not to mention the coal, etc. that's passing through on those cars.

And if there were ever an accident/derailment, you're a bit trapped.

As for noise, my perception is that it's not as noisy as the rail line on the OR side of the river. The main reason being that the WA side has very few road crossings (most of the roads I know anyway are either over/underpass). So you'll get the squeaking of the cars/wheels, but horn use at least is likely to be minimal.

Those condos are moderately cheap for waterfront, but they're not dirt-cheap, so I'm guessing the noise hasn't made them undesirable. Still, I'd try and secure a unit that at least didn't back up to the rail line.

Thanks for the remind! I didn't even realize the chemical impact. That's another downside for the unit. The only available two units over there are both facing the rail line. Maybe that's why those two units are still on market.