How can I soundproof a bedroom in the front of my house?

It might be your window, Kathy. If it's old it probably doesn't have the sound insulation of the newer ones. Wall insulation is harder to replace.

We've got noisy neighbors too - we make a lot of white noise to drown it out - we have nature sounds playing on an old ipod - and in the summer we run a loud fan. That helps. When it gets really bad I wear ear plugs. :)

They make heavy curtains that block sound, or, have you thought of a sound machine, Kathy?

If you add a few layers to your window treatments that will help some. Blinds, then heavier drapes. I keep a small table fan running next to my bedside at night-that helps quite a bit to mask other noises that bother my sleep.

Upgrade your windows. See if you can have insulation added to the inside of your unit. Plant trees and shrubs in the yard that will buffer the noise before it reaches the house.

Kathy,

I went on line and found all sorts of info...boy it seems this is quite the task!!

http://blog.thermawood.com.au/soundproofing-windows-do-it-yourself

"Soundproof Curtains Work! In the end, maybe the best description is “soundproof-er”. You will not get a 100% transmission loss with any standard installation, because noise is still entering through walls, around the edges of gaps, and through the lightest materials (which is still the window/curtain combo)."

I will say our new insulated windows are great. And we did watch as the put a lot of caulk around them. That is one of the things highly recommended in the article...so that may be why we got such good results.

Every one that answered you is correct, window replacement is the place to start. If you hire a local person to do it, (someone who advertises drywall installation), Type X Fire rated drywall installed over the existing drywall with 2-5/8" screws and glue, and then finished, (mud and tape), sanded and painted will change your world. Half inch thick drywall has a lot of air wafers in it to keep the drywall light. 5/8" type X, has NO air wafers, to provide Fire insulation of 1 hour. This is about 10 times stronger, and sound resistant. (Air moves sound). Do not remove the existing drywall, drywall over it. Then, cloth or fabric curtains with a rubber backing. This will also knock out light if you are a day sleeper. I bought mine for around $40.00 or so from Montgomery Wards.

The most noise could be through your windows. Try a black out curtain and off if it helps with the sound.

Plantings of a row of tall bushes about five to six feet from the street will deflect and deaden the sound. Build a second wall totally independent of the main wall. Cover your existing wall with 1" o 1 1/2" foam board. Then build another wall in front of the it but not against the main wall. Insulate the second wall with fiberglass insulation. Sound will travel to the main wall and be muffled by the second wall.