50% of D.C. Houses Now Gray: A Sign of Gentrification?

In a study analyzing house colors in Washington D.C., researchers found that gray and neutral tones dominate the city’s residential facades. Marissa Lang and John Harden, for the Washington Post, examined Google Street View images to track color trends. Their findings reveal that approximately 50% of houses in D.C. now sport these neutral colors, a stark contrast to the more vibrant palettes of the past. This shift towards gray and neutral tones is often cited as an indicator of gentrification. Visualized by Tim Meko, the data shows a clear trend where neighborhoods undergoing gentrification tend to adopt these subdued colors. This aesthetic choice, while perhaps enforced by Homeowners Associations (HOAs), reflects broader changes in urban landscapes.

Source: flowingdata.com