Have you ever wondered why one house is located on a Street and another house is on a Road? If so, you are not alone. There are as many as 41 suffixes that can go after a street name. Everything from Ally to Way. It is not as simple as a developer making decisions over a cup of coffee. Historically, different roadway suffixes do have meanings. Decision about roadway names depend on the city planning board, and the developer. There are general rules and guidelines in place, but they are not strictly followed. Here’s a list of some traditional suffixes and their meanings. The suffixes can say something about the neighborhood, traffic flow and even the vibe of the homes along it.
Street
Traditionally a street is a public road in urban setting. A street is laid out typically in a grid pattern, the hallmark of city planning. Streets are classics of what we expect in a city. If you live on a street you have neighbors nearby, typically you also have a sidewalk in front of your home for strolling. You may also have a neighborhood, corner store within walking distance.
Road
A Road is one of the most generic terms. When Road is used frequently as a suffix to go after a street name. The definition is a route that connects two points. Unlike a street that is typically in an urban area, roads are typically in rural areas. You could find a road winding through farmland, a neighborhood on the edge of a town or in an industrial area. A road will get you from point “A” to point “B”.
Avenue
Avenues tend to run perpendicular to streets. Just like in the town of Greeley, Colorado. Avenues are often wider than streets and more prominent. You could see an avenue being the backbone of a neighborhood. Imagine a tree lined street that you turn into that is the main street through a neighborhood. There is an air of formality to the name. Also there is an expectation that what is along this street is special and perhaps even stately!
Boulevard
A Boulevard is a wide, landscaped street typically with a median. Often times Boulevards are four lane streets. A Boulevard has the purpose of moving traffic with grandeur in mind. Boulevards may move a lot of traffic, but they do it in style and are intended to feel elegant. If you are driving on a boulevard, you may have an idea that the city planners wanted to impress.
Drive
This common suffix is used when the street follows the natural contours of the land. A street that is called a Drive, typically curves and twists rather than following a straight line. When the street name ends in Drive, you could expect a scenic route. If you are on a Drive you might expect a view or at least a hill.
Court
A Court is typically a short street that end in a cul-de-sac. They are the perfect place for someone wanting peace and quiet and little traffic. They also can be the perfect place to set up a basketball goal and have your own basketball court. Maybe that is how they got their name in the first place. Remember, not every Court ends in a cul-de-sac, because the rules are not always followed, but typically this is the case.
Lane
A Lane is unique in that it can be found in both urban and rural area. A Lane is typically a narrow road, and smaller than a Street or Avenue. Living on a Lane, conjures up images of front porch sitting and deer sightings. It is less likely to be a part of a grid system, but instead to have a charming curve and story book setting.
This is just a sample of some of the more common suffices and their meanings. Consider this information your real estate trivia. The suffixes that are used in your community may differ in meaning. Please remember the rules of a community may not always be followed when adding suffices to street names. Now you know what your address says about where you live!