WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
Honestly, I get a little jealous of those moody, starry nights you see in movies—can’t even spot the Big Dipper from my backyard anymore. When we moved in, I thought about adding some lights for the walkway, but seeing the neighbor’s place lit up like a stadium made me rethink it. Do you think all this extra lighting actually makes people feel safer, or is it just habit at this point? Sometimes I wonder if folks even notice how much it changes the vibe outside...
WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
- I get where you're coming from, but I actually think too much lighting can backfire.
- Bright, non-stop lights sometimes make it easier to see what's going on, but they also kill any sense of privacy.
- There’s research showing that over-lighting doesn’t always reduce crime—sometimes it just makes it easier for people to see what’s worth stealing.
- I’ve built homes where folks wanted motion sensors or low, shielded lights instead of floodlights everywhere. Seems like a good compromise.
- Honestly, I miss seeing the stars too... makes you wonder if we’re losing something bigger just for convenience.
Bright, non-stop lights sometimes make it easier to see what's going on, but they also kill any sense of privacy.
That part really hits home for me. I once lived in a place where the neighbor’s porch light was basically a stadium floodlight—lit up my bedroom all night, and blackout curtains only helped so much. I started wondering if the cost of running those lights 24/7 was even worth it, both for the wallet and just... peace of mind. Has anyone actually calculated how much it adds to your electric bill over time? I’d love to know if there’s a sweet spot where you get security without the shock when the utility bill arrives.
It’s wild how much a single light can disrupt everything—sleep, privacy, even your mood. I’ve looked into the energy side a bit, and honestly, those older halogen or incandescent bulbs can rack up costs fast if they’re left on all night. LEDs are better, but it still adds up over months. There’s definitely a balance to be struck. Sometimes I wonder if motion sensors or dimmers would solve half these problems... not sure why more people don’t use them.
When The Night Sky Turns To Day: What If Your Neighborhood Was Lit Up 24/7?
Totally agree about the impact of just one light. I’ve actually swapped out almost every bulb in my house for LEDs, but even then, I notice the bill creeping up if I forget to turn off porch lights. Have you ever tried those smart switches that let you schedule lights? I’m curious if motion sensors would get annoying with pets or random wildlife setting them off all night... seems like there’s always a trade-off.
