Homebuyers and buyers' representatives out there will probably agree that on everyone's (or almost everyone's) wish list is the CUL-DE-SAC. A favorite of families or soon-to-be families, the cul-de-sac represents the epitome of safety, with images of happy toddlers riding tricycles around the circular end of a neighborhood development.
However, a recent article in the Hartford Courant reported on the possible demise of the cul-de-sac. Fascinating! Who would have thunk it? But apparently there are downsides to cul-de-sacs, and those downsides include the following:
- They contribute to suburban sprawl and a dependence on driving.
- Traffic from cul-de-sacs must turn onto main roads, causing congestion.
- They are less accessible for emergency vehicles.
- Cul-de-sacs are harder to plow in the winter.
- The safety factor is largely a myth.
Some cities, such as Portland, Charlotte, and Austin have banned cul-de-sacs from new development, and Virginia became the first state to strictly limit them.
Read the entire article from the Hartford Courant. The comments to the article are interesting as well.
With cul-de-sacs falling out of favor, can stainless steel appliances be far behind?
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Prudential CT Realty
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Peggy,
Who knew Cul-de-sacs were over? Great post. Well, that's just silly to me. It depends on what you need and are looking for, but cul-de-sacs are still hot in Atlanta. If you have young children or pets, they are desirable. Then, even some other people like the peace and quiet of them. Who knew?
Thanks for sharing, all the best, Michelle
Hi, Peggy. We're still building subdivisions with cul de sacs in my area. When consumers stop asking for them, they will go away. My home is in the middle of one, and I like it because it's quiet and we have more space on all three sides. Interesting development in your area.
Hi Michelle - Thanks for your comments! They are still all the rage here too; I think it's interesting that some cities and states are looking at them differently than we do.
Hi Yolanda - I, too, don't know anyone who isn't happy to be living on a cul-de-sac! Thanks for sharing.
With the slivers of land available to build here in CT it will be interesting to see how this would/could pan out.
Hi
I decided to leave a comment but not on Cul de Sacs! What do you mean Stainless Steel appliances will be the next to go! I just got a brand new spanky SS refrigerator and convection oven! I love them! Now all I need is a new kitchen!
Hi Jon -It will be interesting here in CT. Most people love cul-de-sacs, but in areas where they are banned there will be no choice for new construction.
Hi Joanne - I meant that trends come and trends go! Don't worry - enjoy your new appliances without any hesitation!
Peggy...Wow, cul-de-sacs have always been so desirable. Would never have believed they would be going away.
Hi Carra - I don't think they are going to make through streets out of the ones that are already there (!) but new developments may look a lot different. Thanks for stopping by.
HI PEGGY! Interesting! I live in a cul de sac. Watching the big trash truck make a 3-point turn just to get next door is a challenge. One of the things I like most about the cul de sac is it really stops thru and drive-by traffic! I think stainless steel already has one foot out the door! Great post! -- Gabrielle
Fascinating. I don;t work with new home construction at all so didn;t know about the change here in Virginia but will definitely check it out.
Michael
Hi Gabrielle - I understand that one of the main reasons that they have fallen out of favor is that it is more difficult for emergency vehicles. Thanks for your comments!
Hi Michael - It sounds like VA is on the cutting edge in a lot of areas, not just cul-de-sacs. I have family that lives in VA and when they build a new development, the developers contribute to the building of the neighborhood school. If that is true, it shifts the burden from the town to the developers, which is revolutionary (IMO)!
Hi Peggy - This is very interesting! I would never have thought cul-de-sacs, as popular as they are, would go by the wayside. I suppose there is some merit to the safety factor, tho.
Debi
Cul-de-Sacs are just as popular here as ever! So are stainless appliances :)