Mid-Week Musings - Cul-De-Sacs
I have lived on cul-de-sacs most of my life (some call it a dead-end street). After living on cul-de-sacs for so long, my wife and have a hard time picturing living any place else if we are living in a city (a vacation house or country house would be a different story, as we would be looking for peace, quiet and tranquility).
Our current house is on a small cul-de-sac street and there are many kids with varying ages for our kids to play with. We know our neighbors very well and have enjoyed the extra “community” the cul-de-sac brings. An example is that we close the street off for a block party for the 4th of July holiday and have a potluck and fireworks as neighbors. Since we know our neighbors so well, if one of us is out of town, the others will keep an eye on the house, and perhaps feed a pet. We also have used neighbor kids for babysitting. The street is quiet, and any cars coming on the street that are not recognized are immediately noticed and scrutinized by many eyes. It definitely is a “community” as opposed to neighbors.
While I think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few disadvantages that I can think of before considering a house on a cul-de-sac. One is that there is usually an added cost to living on a cul-de-sac, with some houses going for 20% more than the general area as a premium. Also, if you are more private, don’t want kids around, or do not want the relationship with the neighbors, that would be an issue. A personality conflict or dispute with the neighbor would also be a disadvantage, as there is no avoiding them. Also, there can be parking issues or access issues for people living on a cul-de-sac. There is also the “comparison game” where neighbors scrutinize/hold grudges or critique other neighbor’s house appears (think lawncare or house paint).
All that being said, we have thoroughly enjoyed being on a cul-de-sac and are nearing 8 years of being in our current house. With Jacob and Kendra getting bigger, there will be ample opportunities to take advantage of the “community” of the street… hopefully we do not annoy any of the neighbors too much!
How do you feel about cul-de-sacs?
Brian
Cul-de-sacs are homelier. Generally friendlier neighbors. In my experience though...
I agree! They usually want to be there!
I also currently live on cul-de-sac in a neighborhood in NC. In my life I have also lived where neighbors are miles away, as well as apartment/condo living, and I must say I do prefer cul-de-sac life. Similarly we also have 'community' gatherings at the park and pond that is on our cul-de-sac. You are very right that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and it is nice to have relationships with the people you live around. Great post, thanks!
Positively. There are some drawbacks (you can drive to your house only from one side or some heavy load truck is used for furniture delivery) but I think they are beaten by advantages.
omg such a great concept of friendly neighbourhood..i didnt know about cul-de-sacs and i have to google it..i am into cul-de-sacs from now
When I was a kid I always lived on a super busy street which sucked as far as being able to play and always made my parents nervous when I wanted to go on a bike ride... but now I’m living in a small town where pretty much everyone knows everyone and our kids can run around and have all kinds of fun, plus the neighbors also watch out for one another, I’ve lookex at houses on cul-de-sacs and u r definitely right they seem to always have a higher price then on the main road, but the less traffic is always a plus
Yes, I think the extra cost is worth it... thanks for stopping by!
Hmmm.. i think i would love to live in a community like that. Though the disadvantages you mentioned are on point, the advantages are cant be ignored too. Just like how you can leave your child with your neighbor without worrying a thing. :) And closing the road celebrating holidays together! That's beautiful. It's like a community of an extended family.
Great Information Post..
Please Upvote Now
Good post, I am a photographer, it passes for my blog and sees my content, I hope that it should be of your tastee :D greetings
'Venus in Fur' is very Polanski: you have the knife of 'Rosemary's Baby'; you have Thomas disguised as a woman as in 'The Tenant,' when Vanda puts makeup on him, it's like 'Cul de Sac'; the dress of Tess and other details that are very Polanski. He fell in love with the play because it was so much him.
Beautyfull PhotoGraphy.......
Keep it Up.....😁