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From provided links, 33% of US population is exposed to >70 dBA whereas only 20% of EU population is exposed to >65 dBA noises, and US average density < EU average density. So from this small resaearch I conclude there are better solutions than single-family housing.

Like subways in cities, it makes zero noise but it needs population density.

And more bikepaths, more walkable streets, less car lanes.

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I live in the Bay Area and it's fascinating to me how BART is just a miserable piece of shit when it comes to noise. Head to Oakland and visit any of the areas where BART is above ground, particularly in East Oakland, and stand there for 10 minutes. The sound of this train that runs dozens of times a day is all-encompassing when you're within a few hundred feet, but can be heard over two miles away.

And that's not even considering the sound BELOW ground. They've improved it, but ride BART around the Fruitvale switch, or anywhere it turns underground really, and the screaming and screeching noise becomes your whole world for a minute or two – impossible to escape.

I agree with you, but as an individual I don't have the power to make that change.

As individuals we typically don’t have the power to make housing denser either. Doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push for both that and noise reduction at the same time.

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