Exposed: The Meanings Behind Colored Porch Lights In New York

Well this takes the saying "we'll leave a light on for you" to a totally different level.

In 2024, there are more options for consumers than ever. The specific color of your porch light, however, may come down to more than just personal taste. In fact, it could contain a secret meaning.

Different colored porch lights in New York may be attached to different messages that homeowners want to share with their neighbors (Lindsay Hamm/DonNichols via Canva)

It's odd to think that there could be so much fuss about outdoor lighting, but from protecting wildlife to supporting causes close to your heart, porch lights have been playing a large part in New York communities for years. Here's what different colored bulbs you see in your neighborhood may mean:

Blue porch lights in New York could mean several things, from spreading autism awareness to supporting local police (Lindsay Hamm via Canva)

Meaning Behind Blue Porch Lights in New York

Homes with a blue porch light may be related to one of several messages. Traditionally, blue is used to support autism awareness, and during autism awareness month every April, homes may switch their bulbs to show extra dedication to the cause. A blue light may also indicate a declared support for police.

Purple porch lights in New York could be a signal to domestic violence victims that this house is a safe place (DonNichols via Canva)

Meaning Behind Purple Porch Lights in New York

Purple is the color embraced by movements dedicated to ending domestic violence and supporting its victims. While a purple porch light may simply be simply showing support for domestic violence survivors, it may also be used as a signal that the home is a "safe space" for anyone looking to escape a dangerous or violent domestic situation.

Red porch lights in New York may be showing support for fire fighters, heart health, or simply to keep night vision unaffected (DonNichols via Canva)

Meaning Behind Red Porch Lights in New York

A red porch light may have the most possible meanings of the group. While "red light districts" used to be shorthand for prostitution havens, a red porch light in 2024 is more likely showing support for firefighters, heart health, or simply a more practical reason: red light uniquely provides light without affecting night vision. This is why many hiking headlamps have red light options as well.

Yellow porch lights in New York are said to attract less bugs at night than white or blue lights (DonNichols via Canva)

Meaning Behind Yellow Porch Lights in New York

Yellow lights, similar to red lights, could be more practical than message-based. Unlike white lightbulbs, yellow light (and red light) does not attract as many bugs at night. A yellow light could simply mean the homeowner is tired of being party central for moths.

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Of course, if you want to make a statement with a porch light, you'll need a house first. While most of the Hudson Valley can only dream about owning one of the properties below, pictures can let everyone live vicariously. Check out the massive mansion in Newburgh with a movie theater and batting cages below, and keep scrolling to check out the literal castle that used to be owned by Derek Jeter.