Need help blocking city noise from my windows

I feel your pain...years ago, I moved into a similar downtown spot and thought I'd never sleep again. Tried curtains first - they helped a bit, but honestly didn't cut it for sirens or loud voices. Eventually, I went for window inserts (the acrylic kind that fit snugly inside your existing window frames). Game changer. They're not exactly cheap, but compared to replacing windows entirely, they're pretty reasonable. Installation was straightforward - did it myself in an afternoon - and the difference was immediate. Sirens became muffled hums, shouting turned into distant murmurs. Slept like a baby after that.

If you're looking for something DIY and budget-friendly first, you could try weatherstripping around the window edges to seal any gaps - sometimes noise sneaks in through tiny spaces you'd never expect. It won't solve everything, but it's worth a shot before investing more heavily. Good luck getting some rest...city life definitely has its quirks.

Great suggestions here - I second the window inserts idea. A friend of mine did something similar in her downtown apartment, and it really made a noticeable difference. She was skeptical at first, but after installing them, she said it felt like someone had turned down the city's volume dial.

A couple other things you might consider trying first if you're not ready to jump into inserts yet:

- **White noise machines or apps:** They don't block noise exactly, but masking it can help your brain tune out the city sounds. I use one myself, and it makes sirens and street chatter way less intrusive.

- **Heavy-duty blackout curtains:** Regular curtains didn't do much for me either, but when I upgraded to thicker blackout ones, they absorbed a surprising amount of sound. Not perfect, but definitely noticeable.

- **Plants:** Sounds weird, but adding some dense greenery near your windows can actually help diffuse sound waves slightly. Plus, bonus points for aesthetics and air quality.

Definitely give the weatherstripping a shot too - it's cheap and easy enough that it's worth trying before diving into pricier solutions. City living comes with its challenges, but once you find your sweet spot, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Good luck!

Good points overall, but honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about the plants thing. I've tried adding greenery near my windows - mostly for looks - and didn't notice any difference in noise levels. Maybe it depends on the type or density of plants, but I wouldn't count on them doing much.

White noise apps are decent though. I use one at night, and it does help drown out traffic sounds enough to sleep better. Blackout curtains were surprisingly effective too - didn't expect much from them initially, but they definitely softened street noise more than regular curtains.

If you're serious about cutting down noise though, window inserts or secondary glazing is probably your best bet. Weatherstripping helps with drafts and minor sound leaks, but if you're dealing with constant city noise (like buses or construction), you'll probably need something more substantial. Inserts aren't cheap, but they're worth considering if the noise is really bothering you.

Maybe it depends on the type or density of plants, but I wouldn't count on them doing much. White noise apps are decent though.

Yeah, gotta agree about the plants - my pothos looks great but does zilch for noise. If you're handy, DIY window inserts with acrylic sheets and foam weatherstripping can save you some cash. Worked wonders for my bedroom window, and I'm no Bob Vila.

Yeah, plants are awesome for vibes but pretty useless for noise. Tried that myself - ended up with a mini jungle and still heard every garbage truck at 5 AM. Agree about the DIY inserts, though. Also, heavy curtains can help a bit too if you get the thick blackout kind. They won't magically silence the city, but they'll soften things enough to maybe sleep past sunrise...worth a shot anyway.

I’d push back a little on the plants suggestion, jakeskater. A few pots near the glass may diffuse reflections in theory, but they don’t add enough mass or create an airtight barrier to make much difference against buses, sirens, or shouting. The window is still the weak link.

For a quick, energy-efficient test:

1. Check the sash and frame for visible gaps.
2. Add removable foam or rubber weatherstripping where the window closes.
3. Hang thick curtains so they overlap the frame and reach below the sill.
4. If the noise is still intrusive, use a snug acrylic insert. That extra sealed air space is doing the real work, unlike a mini jungle.

Plants can stay for the vibes. I just wouldn’t count them as soundproofing.