anonymity. Another is speed - you don't have to wait to be verified. Finally, buying from someone face-to-face gives a newbie the chance to ask questions.
Or get robbed.
Maybe Im paranoid but I dont feel safe carying cash and do street trade
I have done a lot of trades on localbitcoins and not once have I had an issue with a face-to-face trade - not once.
To me meeting someone at a crowded Starbuck's does not deserve the negative implications of the term "street trade".
"Street trade" makes it sound like you are going to meet someone in a dark alley in a bad part of town.
Don't do that. Pick a well lit popular crowded Starbuck's or other coffee shop of your choice - anywhere with free WiFi will do.