It’s the mufflers, or lack there of for every wannabe monster truck, street racers or weekend accountant harley rider.
The other factor is air. I used to live two blocks from a major freeway. Because of the road position, the noise with windows open was fine. During the day you didn’t hear it, at night, traffic was light enough you didn’t notice it but…
The big but, pollution. We had white tile counters. Whenever I went to wipe the dust from the counter, big mistake, it smears as a greasy black mess. It’s not dust. It’s a combination, oil, rubber, you name it, it’s in the air constantly… When you have to chronically use 409 to remove the ‘dust’ from the kitchen counter you’ll realize the downside of being by a freeway. If you always keep the windows closed you may live comfortably in oblivion unless you have kids, which will be at increased risk for asthma.
