It really doesn't go away when you own a house either. I have neighbors that play really loud music all the time in their own homes with no consideration whatsoever. In fact, my neighbor to the left of me plays it in his garage all the time and I can't even sit in the yard and enjoy my surroundings. This is why I am always using my iPod. I love the fact that I can just put my earbuds in and it all just disappears!