When you think of what makes a neighborhood feel welcoming, unique, or full of life, public art might not be the first thing that comes to mind — but in Philadelphia, it should be.
Known as the Mural Capital of the World, Philly is home to over 4,000 public murals, thanks in large part to the city’s legendary Mural Arts Program. These murals don’t just beautify our streets — they play a surprising role in shaping the local real estate market, too.
Let’s take a closer look at how murals impact neighborhoods — and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and investors.
? Murals Add Identity and Personality to a Neighborhood
A beautiful mural can instantly give a block character. Whether it’s a tribute to a local hero, a celebration of cultural heritage, or an explosion of color on an otherwise blank wall, murals reflect the soul of a community.
Neighborhoods like:
- Fishtown
- Point Breeze
- West Philly
- East Passyunk
- Northern Liberties
are filled with bold, meaningful street art — and they’ve seen sharp increases in popularity and home values in recent years. Coincidence? Not entirely.
? Murals Create a Sense of Place (and Pride)
When a mural goes up, it often sparks conversation, photos, and foot traffic. Residents feel connected to their neighborhood, and visitors take notice — it becomes a place, not just an address.
That sense of place creates pride, and pride attracts homeowners who care about their block, maintain their properties, and support local businesses. It’s a ripple effect.
? Can Murals Impact Property Value?
While murals alone don’t directly increase your home’s appraised value, they absolutely contribute to perceived value — how desirable a neighborhood feels to buyers.
Think about it: When buyers tour a home and see vibrant, meaningful artwork down the street instead of graffiti-covered walls or abandoned buildings, it creates a positive emotional response. That feeling can translate into stronger offers and shorter days on market.
Some key benefits include:
- Boosting curb appeal for nearby homes
- Reducing signs of blight or neglect
- Attracting small businesses, cafés, and foot traffic
- Creating photo-worthy backdrops that make neighborhoods more “Instagrammable”
For investors and developers, murals can even be used as a soft signal that a neighborhood is up-and-coming — without the downsides of overdevelopment.
? Murals and Community Safety
Studies have shown that murals and beautification projects can reduce crime and vandalism. In areas where walls once attracted illegal tags or damage, a mural often serves as a visual deterrent and promotes community ownership.
When a neighborhood feels safe and cared for, it becomes a more attractive place to live — another plus for real estate.
?? How to Find Philly’s Most Iconic Murals
Want to explore some of Philly’s most famous murals? You can check out:
- The Mural Arts Map (muralarts.org)
- Guided mural tours through Mural Arts Philadelphia
- Instagram hashtags like #PhillyMurals or #MuralArtsPhilly
Some crowd favorites include:
- “The Roots Mural” in South Philly
- “The Color of Your Voice” in West Philly
- “Tree of Knowledge” in Northern Liberties
- “We the Youth” by Keith Haring in Point Breeze
Public art may not show up in a home’s specs sheet, but its impact on neighborhood pride, perception, and value is real. In Philly, murals are more than just decoration — they’re a signal that a community is alive, engaged, and thriving.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring Philly neighborhoods, pay attention to the art on the walls. It might just lead you to your next home.