USA Street Names – What Does Avenue, Drive or Street Mean?

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 07/27/2024 Fun Facts, How It Works in America

American addresses have a system. You can tell which side of the street it’s on by the house number. Even numbers are always on one side and odd numbers on the other. You can tell from the street name if it is a main street in a busy part of town or a short driveway in the suburbs.

What Is the Meaning of Street Names in the USA

1. Alley

   An Alley is typically a narrow street between buildings, often found in historic parts of cities. Alleys with this name are often cobbled and used for rear access to buildings or for pedestrian traffic. They may be lined with back entrances, trash cans, and garages.

   In urban areas, streets bearing the name Alley form important infrastructure for services and maintenance.

2. Arcade

   An Arcade in the United States is a covered arcade with a row of shops on either side, often characterized by older architecture with arches.

   Arcade streets tend to be the centre of social life and allow people to shop in an environment sheltered from the rain. Commercial arcades tend to be decorated with historic features and include restaurants and cafes.

3. Arch

   The Arch street designation is based on its arched shape, in some cases featuring a bridge or historic arch. Arch streets are very common in areas with a rich history.

4. Avenue

   An avenue is always a wide main street that serves as a major thoroughfare and is often lined with trees. Perhaps the most famous example is 5th Avenue in New York City.

   Very often these are residential and commercial streets with shops and wide sidewalks, sometimes supplemented by bike lanes. Avenues often connect major parts of the city and are used for parades and other public events.

5. Bay

   In the USA, a bay refers to a street that is located near a body of water or a harbour. Bays usually offer beautiful views of the water and may be lined with luxury residences or cottages.

6. Bend

   Streets with the word Bend in their name are characterized by a distinctive curve or bend, and are very often found in suburban or rural areas. Its shape may be due to a natural obstruction such as a hill or river that the street circles.

7. Boardwalk

   A boardwalk is a wooden walkway running along a beach or body of water. In most cases, boardwalks are complemented by tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, or amusement parks. Boardwalks are thus a popular place for walking and for leisure, offering access to the beach and usually beautiful views.

8. Boulevard

   A boulevard is a wide, prominent street that may be lined with trees and other foliage. It is an important thoroughfare with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and separated lanes for public transportation. Significant streets or parks may be located along Boulevard.

9. Circle

   A Circle is a circular or oval street that surrounds a park or other space in the middle. Circle designations are often found in residential neighborhoods where these streets can serve as a popular spot for community activities.

   Circle streets are characterized by low traffic, with a strong emphasis on safety and aesthetics.

10. Court

    A Court is always a short cul-de-sac or plaza that in most cases surrounds buildings. Courts are typical of residential areas where they offer a quiet environment with low car traffic. They are often designed with an emphasis on privacy and community atmosphere.

11. Cove

    Cove Street is located near a cove or other body of water where it creates a quiet and picturesque setting. Their surroundings are characterized by upscale residential homes and recreational properties. Cove Streets may include beaches and small marinas, and in some places provide access to water sports.

12. Crescent

    Crescent are crescent-shaped streets, usually located in quiet residential areas. Aesthetics have been emphasised in their design, and they often include a central park or other green space. Crescent streets typically provide a quiet and attractive environment for living.

13. Drive

    Streets with Drive designations are common in suburban or rural areas. These are typically longer roads with nice views that may lead through residential neighborhoods or natural areas. In some towns, Drive serve as connectors or main roads and local roads.

14. Esplanade

    An Esplanade is a wide, open road that usually runs along a body of water. Esplanades are primarily designed for pedestrian traffic and leisure activities, offering beautiful views and providing access to natural scenery. Parks, fountains, and public art are typical features of an Esplanade.

15. Garden

    Streets and neighborhoods surrounded by greenery, parks or gardens are referred to as Gardens or Gardens. Gardens are often found in residential neighborhoods with well-maintained green spaces, and may include parks and gardens. Streets thus provide a pleasant and peaceful environment for living.

16. Green

    The Green designation is for open grassy spaces or squares, often located in the middle of towns or neighbourhoods. Greens are used for public gathering and may be parks or markets. In some cities, they are used for public meetings and other social events.

17. Heights

    Heights are streets in a hilly or elevated area, often providing panoramic views of the surrounding area, making them popular for residential development. Heights designations can carry winding roads in scenic settings.

18. Hill

    The Hill designation usually carries streets on a steep hill that provide a nice view of the surrounding countryside. It is because of the good views that they are often sought after for residential housing, the downside being more difficult traffic.

19. Lane

    A lane is a quiet road or lane that is most commonly encountered in residential and rural areas. They are typically characterised by low traffic density and a tranquil environment that can be created by trees and adjacent gardens.

20. Loop

    A loop is a road or street that is always in the shape of a circle or arch. Loops are often part of larger roads and are used to provide efficient traffic flow and access to different parts of the city.

21. Mall

    A mall is a designation for a pedestrian area or a street with shops, often located in the center of a city or shopping center. A site with a Mall designation is designed for commercial activities and may include a store, restaurants, or entertainment facilities. These are popular places for shopping and social gatherings.

22. Manor

    Streets or neighborhoods with large luxury residences or historic buildings are referred to as Manor. The addresses are often associated with exclusivity and high standards of living.

23. Park

    This name refers to the streets leading to or surrounding a park and is often found in residential areas. Streets with the name Park provide easy access to recreational areas and nature, and are often the scene of family and community activities.

24. Path

    Path refers to a path for pedestrians or cyclists, often located in parks or countryside and can link different parts of them.

25. Place

    Place refers to short cul-de-sacs or squares, often in urban or residential areas. Places tend to be quiet and provide privacy to surrounding homes.

26. Plaza

    Plaza refers to an open space or plaza and includes shops, offices, restaurants or cafes. Often, large numbers of people congregate in them.

27. Promenade

    A promenade is a wide pedestrian walkway that often borders a park or body of water. Designed for leisure activities, promenades can provide beautiful views or access to natural scenery.

28. Road

    Road is a general term for a main road that often connects different places or towns directly. An address containing a Road can be encountered in both urban and rural areas.

29. Route

    Route refers to a main road or route with historical or commercial significance. They are designated by number and may serve as highways between towns or states, the most famous example being Route 66.

30. Square

    Squares are plazas that often surround buildings on all sides. They are centers of activity in a city and may be connected to parks or markets.

31. Street

    Street is a general term for an urban road or street that is often lined with commercial and residential buildings. These are the main arteries of cities that are used for transportation, shopping, or housing.

32. Terrace

    Terrace is the traditional term for a street on a slope or with a view, often surrounded by houses with terraces or gardens. Terraces tend to be quiet, making them a popular address to live.

33. Trace

    Trace in address refers to historic streets in smaller towns, they tend to be shorter and can stand out for their picturesque character.

34. Trail

    Trail refers to a bicycle or pedestrian path, and is most likely to be found in city parks, national parks, or in the countryside.

35. Viaduct

    A Viaduct refers to a path that leads over a bridge, often over a valley or other obstacle. This allows it to be crossed and provides an important transport link.

36. Walk

    A walk is a pedestrian path or street, often located in parks or more densely developed areas. Designed from the outset for pedestrian traffic or recreational activities, they may be lined with greenery or statues, for example.

37. Way

    Way is a general term for a street in residential or urban areas, they can be designed for a variety of modes of traffic.

38. Wood

    Wood are streets or paths running through or surrounded by woodland. They usually provide a quiet setting in nature, and are thus popular for housing and recreational activities.