In this article, we will cover buying a house near an airport. When searching for a new home, location is everything, including proximity to an airport.
Living close to an airport also means proximity to a vast range of commercial and social amenities, such as aircraft maintenance facilities, car rental services, airport hotels, eateries, and duty-free shops.
Living near an airport may provide easy access to travel and other amenities but poses significant drawbacks. In this blog post, we examined the pros and cons of buying a home near an airport, which can act as a guide to help house hunters make informed decisions.
Property Value Concerns When Buying a House Near an Airport
Buying a house near an airport has its benefits. One of the advantages of buying a house near an airport is home prices are below market value. John Strange of Gustan Cho Associates is a frequent traveler but does not live near an airport. Here is what John Strange finds living by an airport a plus for frequent travelers:
It takes over three hours for me to travel to the airport and get situated for my flight. The congestion near the airport is horrible. Parking is another time waster. After I park my vehicle, walking to the terminal is another lengthy trip. If I lived by an airport, I can have my wife drop me off at the terminal and take me a matter of minutes.
Homes near airports generally sell 9% under market value versus comparable homes that are not near airports. Living near an airport can benefit homeowners who often travel for business due it its accessibility of travel. This is particularly true for significant hub airports providing access to many destinations.
Benefits of Buying a House Near an Airport
Airports attract a wide variety of people, including business travelers, aviation enthusiasts, and students in the aviation field, among others. These factors should be considered when purchasing a property near an airport. Dale Elenteny of Gustan Cho Associates has lived near Midway Airport in Chicago for years. Here is what Dale says about living near an airport:
Despite the potential rise in property values, it’s crucial to remember that noisy environments can hurt property values. For instance, residents living in areas that experience substantial aircraft noise pollution can be less willing to pay high prices for property. Moreover, living too close to an airport can also lead to health and safety issues, affecting property values in the long run.
Some cities with airports have instituted regulations to manage noise pollution, such as restricting the use of loud engines, imposing time restrictions on planes landing and taking off, and implementing designated paths to help minimize the noise level. Individuals considering acquiring a home near an airport should also consider the impact of aircraft noise on their overall lifestyle.
Concerns about Buying a House Near an Airport
Living too close to airports can be risky due to noise pollution and airplane accidents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates land usage close to airports to ensure public safety. The FAA defines specific noise zones for residential areas under the flight path, which help homeowners understand the potential noise level and its impact on their quality of life.
The FAA noise zones are essential in determining the safe distance to live from an airport. The agency recommends at least 10,000 feet from the runway or 1.5 miles from the airport for new construction projects. Living inside what the FAA calls “the high noise zone” should be avoided. If that’s not possible, soundproofing solutions should be implemented, such as installing insulation, double-glazed windows, and weather stripping to close gaps or openings.
Safe Distance Living From Airport Regulations
Airports operate under scrutiny and have a lot of regulations from different types of agencies. Airport regulations are implemented by local, county, state, and federal regulators. Alex Carlucci of Gustan Cho Associates said the following about the amenities offered for homeowners living near an airport:
There are many businesses in and near airports. Many homeowners who live near airports love the fact they are close to everything. Rent-a-car agencies, restaurants, entertainment, hotel, and late night businesses are features they love and would not change not living near an airport.
Certain states and countries have varying regulations and standards for safe living distances from airports. Some have noise regulations that supersede federal ones, leading to varied safe living distance requirements.
Are Homes Near Airports Cheaper?
Homes located near airports can be cheaper due to various factors. Factors such as noise pollution and flight traffic over residential areas make buying a home near an airport unattractive to many homebuyers. Surprisingly, many homebuyers love living near the airport due to the amenities surrounding airports. Here is what Marga Jurilla of Gustan Cho Associates about the benefits of living near airports.
The price difference may only sometimes be the case as other factors like access to facilities, local attractions, neighborhoods, or population density may also influence the property rates.
The sound of airplanes can impact the site’s perceived desirability. The loud noise of jets makes it a less popular location for homebuyers. Jet noise is a main driving factor that lowers home values near airports. Many people buying a home near an airport are often concerned about congestion and high traffic at all times of the hour.
Is it Harder to Sell a Home Near an Airport?
Generally, homes near airports can take longer to sell. Potential buyers can be more cautious and take the noise of the airport into account.
Many homebuyers are looking to buy a home near an airport. Frequent travelers for business can save hours if not the whole day living near an airport. Amenities and facilities and the unique features in the neighborhood can positively influence a homebuyer’s decision to purchase a home.
Is Homeowner’s Insurance More Expensive Near an Airport?
Homeowner’s insurance rates for residences close to airports tend to be higher. This is because airport noise pollution can cause structural damage to a home over time.
Living near an airport provides convenience and easy access to amenities for some individuals, while the airport’s noise and potential hazards may not be worth it for others.
Besides, there may be other hazards that such houses may be susceptible to, like airplane debris or engine failure, which may cause damage to homes.
How to Deal with the Noise from Airplanes Flying Over Your Home
Living near an airport can come with challenges, including the noise from airplanes flying over your home. Fortunately, several strategies and techniques can be employed to mitigate the noise levels and help make life more peaceful for residents. LucyBeth Manacorp of Gustan Cho Associates said the following about the noise level to be concerned about buying a house near an airport:
The first step in dealing with airplane noise is to ensure that the exterior of your home is well-insulated. Installing double pane windows and adding insulation can help to reduce the noise level, and so can using soundproof curtains. This measure can help to create a noise barrier that prevents outside noise from penetrating your home, allowing you to enjoy your privacy and making it easier to sleep.
Another option a homeowner can consider is planting trees or erecting a high fence around the home – this will act as a physical barrier and block off airplane noise to a certain extent. Trees make an effective natural shield due to their ability to absorb sound, especially when combined with shrubs, hedges, or other vegetation. Fences can help reflect sound away from the house, minimizing the noise.
How To Minimize Noise From Jets Living Near Airports
Creating a low-tech barrier using trees or erecting high fences can also effectively counter the noise. Such low-tech walls offer a more environmentally friendly and aesthetic alternative to soundproofing and insulating your home. Angie Torres of Gustan Cho Associates remembers living nearby O’Hare International Airport. Angie shared the following:
For further noise reduction, homeowners can also utilize white noise generators or earplugs for a peaceful sleep. White noise generators play soothing sounds that cover up the noise of airplanes, while earplugs help to block out noise, allowing residents to sleep easier.
Buying a home near an airport boils down to the person’s personal preference and unique needs. Knowing the pros and cons listed above is essential, as identifying your priorities and considering how living near an airport could impact your lifestyle. No matter what you decide, factor in all necessary considerations before making a final decision. Whether you buy a home near an airport or not, remember that the perfect property awaits you.
