Buying or Selling a Home Near Public Transportation

Picture this: waking up, getting ready to head out to work, and walking five minutes to a subway station or bus stop. Your commute, in total, is about 30 minutes from door to door — just enough time to catch up on your favorite podcast or that book you’ve been excited to finish. The alternative? Getting into a car, being stuck in traffic for an hour (or more), and always having to be “on” because  traffic is “stop and go.” And let’s not even mention how many times you’ve been cut off by other drivers. Now, add gas and insurance costs into the mix. Needless to say, there’s a lot of value to be found in properties located in proximity to public transit.  

Studies have shown that houses that are near well-timed and reliable public transportation have higher property values* than those that aren’t. That’s not true in all cases, of course, and there are many factors to take into consideration. We’ve outlined some pros and cons of homes that are close to public transportation. 

Location Matters

Not all public transit is equal, and not all public transit adds value to a home. Generally speaking, studies have shown* that homes located near public transit hubs enjoy some benefits, but this isn’t always the case, and distance matters. Research shows that people don’t mind walking distances up to a half of a mile* from their home. Any more than that is too far, in the public’s opinion. With that said, being too close to public transit hubs isn’t ideal either due to increased congestion and noise.  

Another consideration is the quality of transit. It has to be steady and reliable. Buying a home next to a bus stop that takes an hour to get downtown and only runs every 30 minutes is very different than buying a home next to a subway or train station that runs every five minutes. Homes that are closer to “networks” of public transportation — meaning that there are options — can also be worth more. Examples include access to not just a bus, but also a subway, bike lane, scooters, rideshares and more.   

Drawbacks of Living Next to Public Transportation  

Not everyone uses public transit and wants to live nearby. In fact, car-dependent neighborhoods do appeal to many for a variety of reasons, like more space, more privacy and a family-friendly vibes. If you’re looking to buy a home in a more car-dependent area, there are still other factors that can raise your home’s value.  

One of the biggest complaints about public transportation is congestion and noise. Living next to an elevated subway train that rumbles by your bedroom window at 3:00 AM may not be everyone’s ideal scenario, but living a few blocks away where the noise is more muted isn’t a problem.  

Another issue that can arise with public transportation is scheduling. Though this is fully dependent on how reliable the transit system is, if a train comes every hour – that’s not going to be as convenient as leaving at the exact time that work for you. On top of that, trains and transit can have delays out of your control. 

Market Examples

When it comes to higher property value near public transit lines, the proof is in the numbers. When Seattle’s Link Light Rail expanded, properties located within a quarter-mile of new stations saw average value increases*. Portland paints an interesting picture. When new stations were announced, property values were up 11%* in the area. Another market example is when Austin opened its MetroRail line*, nearby properties experienced value increases within the first two years of operation. 

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

When looking to buy or sell a home near public transportation, doing your research is important. Consult your real estate agent who may offer insight into the neighborhood and what the public transit situation looks like at ground-level. It could be reliable and amazing in one neighborhood, and lacking in another. Try to look out for future line expansions as well. If you buy a home in an area experiencing transit investment, your property value might benefit in the future.  

Properties along well established and reliable transportation routes tend to yield returns. Think direct trains that are a short walk away and offer direct access to airports, downtown or other in-demand areas. It’s a good idea to test the local transit system during expected commute times, and  consider factors like station parking, safety and service reliability. 

Public Transit For Me? Or Not?

The connection between public transportation and home values represents more than just convenient commuting. It also reflects a shift toward sustainable and connected living. This can resonate with buyers across multiple generations. Whether buying a first home, upgrading to accommodate a growing family, or making a long-term investment, considering transit access is important.  

What truly matters when considering buying or selling a home near transit is whether buyers and sellers are positioning themselves to benefit. For anyone making real estate decisions in the coming years, the message is clear — location matters. Start your search today!