House numbers The best location Mailbox (street) The number needs to go on the side that faces traffic. Show it horizontally. It's good to post it on the non-traffic side, also. The mailbox door is a bad place. Don't put the number on the non-traffic side unless you have it on both sides. Street curb The number should be painted about two feet from the driveway in the direction of the house. Most paintings are inexpensive. If the driveway has a curb of it's own, this is fine as long as the number faces traffic. Avoid having it down the road from the driveway. Please don't park your car in front of the number. Keep it clean from leaves and dirt to maintain visibility. House The best place is near the front door and within the radius of the porch light. Above the front door is usually a good spot. Any location close to the door and above eye level is good. Trees and bushes must not block the view from the road. Avoid having it away from the front door, such as over the garage door. It's better to have the number in all three places -- house, mailbox, and curb. If one number is obstructed, the driver can see the others. The driver checks the mailbox first, then the curb, and then the house. Last updated: August 4, 2008 return to top