WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
I get the safety argument, but does anyone actually feel safer with those floodlights blasting all night? I’ve seen neighborhoods where the constant glare just makes it harder to sleep and honestly, it’s a waste of energy. Why not try shielded fixtures or dimmable LEDs? You can still have security without turning your street into a parking lot. Isn’t there a balance between feeling secure and respecting the environment—and each other’s comfort?
WHEN THE NIGHT SKY TURNS TO DAY: WHAT IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WAS LIT UP 24/7?
You’re not wrong about the floodlights being overkill. I’ve put up a few outdoor lights myself, and honestly, it’s all about placement and using the right kind of fixture. Shielded lights make a huge difference—keeps the light where you need it, not blasting into your bedroom window. I get wanting to feel safe, but there’s no need to light up the whole block like a stadium. Dimmable LEDs are a solid call too, especially if you want to save on the power bill. There’s definitely a middle ground here.
Shielded lights make a huge difference—keeps the light where you need it, not blasting into your bedroom window.
That’s true, but I’ve seen even shielded lights cause issues if they’re left on all night. Sometimes folks forget how much even a little spillover adds up, especially when every house does it. I get the safety angle, but honestly, motion sensors work better in most cases. No need to have everything blazing just in case someone walks by at 3am. Plus, you actually get to see the stars once in a while...
No need to have everything blazing just in case someone walks by at 3am. Plus, you actually get to see the stars once in a while...
You nailed it with the stargazing bit—honestly, I think half my neighbors have forgotten what the Big Dipper even looks like. Shielded lights are definitely a step up from those old floodlights that lit up the whole block, but yeah, when you’ve got every porch and driveway glowing all night, it adds up fast.
I’ve done a few projects where we put in motion sensors and dimmers, and people are always surprised how much better it feels. You still get that sense of security, but without turning the street into a runway. Plus, your electric bill will thank you. I get why folks want to feel safe, but sometimes it seems like we’re trying to keep UFOs away rather than burglars.
Honestly, nothing beats sitting outside at night and actually seeing the sky for once. That’s half the reason I love building out here in the first place...
Title: When the night sky turns to day: what if your neighborhood was lit up 24/7?
I get the appeal of a darker neighborhood, but I’m not convinced motion sensors are always the answer. Where I live, the wildlife sets them off constantly—raccoons, deer, even the neighbor’s cat. The lights end up flicking on and off all night, which is just as annoying as leaving them on. I do agree that the old-school floodlights are overkill, but sometimes a little extra light does make people feel safer, even if it’s more psychological than anything else. I guess it’s a trade-off...
