For some, Halloween is more than just one night of the year — it’s a way of life. Zillow has identified 13 “boo-tiful” towns where residents can embrace spooky seasonal traditions all year around in welcoming communities with rich histories and plenty of charm. From cobblestone streets lined with trees draped in Spanish moss to hillside ghost towns with legendary tales, each of the 13 best places for Halloween lovers offers more than just a good scare. They’re also wonderful places to call home. To make the dream a little less haunting, Zillow has included the typical home value and rent in each location.
“Halloween has always been about bringing people together, from trick-or-treating to parades,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “These towns embrace that spirit all year long. And with Zillow tools like BuyAbilitySM and the Rent Affordability Calculator, home shoppers can see which of these spooky spots is a financial fit, too.”
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1. Salem, Massachusetts
Typical home value: $607,354 | Typical monthly rent: $2,655
Salem may be best known for its witchy past, but today it’s a vibrant coastal city with historic architecture, thriving shops and easy access to Boston. Every October, the monthlong “Haunted Happenings” festival transforms the city into Halloween central, but its walkability and community spirit make it a treat to live here all year.
2. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Typical home value: $975,045 | Typical monthly rent: $4,215
Perched on the Hudson River just north of Manhattan, Sleepy Hollow blends suburban living with legendary lore. Residents enjoy scenic trails, historic homes and one of the country’s most iconic Halloween celebrations, featuring lantern-lit cemetery tours and, of course, the Headless Horseman.
3. Anoka, Minnesota
Typical home value: $325,314 | Typical monthly rent: N/A
Proudly called the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka has hosted parades and festivities since 1920. Beyond the pumpkins, it’s a family-friendly town with affordable homes and a warm Midwestern welcome.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Typical home value: $238,620 | Typical monthly rent: $1,623
Known as “America’s Most Haunted City,” New Orleans has ghostly legends around every corner. But residents also enjoy colorful architecture, world-class food and a lively cultural scene. Halloween rivals Mardi Gras here, but the spirit of celebration lasts all year.
5. St. Helens, Oregon
Typical home value: $426,176 | Typical monthly rent: $1,895
This charming riverside town embraces its starring role in Disney’s Halloweentown with a monthlong “Spirit of Halloweentown” festival. Beyond October, residents appreciate the scenic setting, small-town feel and proximity to Portland.
6. Independence, Kansas
Typical home value: $110,198 | Typical monthly rent: N/A
With one of the lowest home values on the list, Independence offers affordability and small-town pride. Its century-old “Neewollah” festival turns Halloween into a weeklong celebration, showcasing the community’s welcoming spirit.
7. Estes Park, Colorado
Typical home value: $683,187 | Typical monthly rent: $2,349
At the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park combines stunning natural beauty with a chilling claim to fame: The Stanley Hotel, which served as inspiration for The Shining. Hiking, wildlife and mountain living balance the town’s eerie allure.
8. Savannah, Georgia
Typical home value: $327,947 | Typical monthly rent: $1,802
Savannah’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old squares and oak trees draped in Spanish moss provide an atmospheric backdrop for daily life. Known as “America’s Most Ghostly City,” Savannah is just as renowned for its walkability, art and Southern hospitality.
9. Orlando, Florida
Typical home value: $374,018 | Typical monthly rent: $1,932
While Orlando is famous for its theme parks, locals also enjoy vibrant neighborhoods, sunny weather and year-round activities. Halloween lovers can choose between family-friendly magic and scream-inducing thrills, all just a short drive away.
10. Denton, Texas
Typical home value: $352,464 | Typical monthly rent: $1,550
Named the “Halloween Capital of Texas,” Denton celebrates October with coffin races, haunted mazes and live music. Beyond the festivities, this university town has a thriving arts scene, affordable homes and a welcoming community vibe.
11. Rutland, Vermont
Typical home value: $278,983 | Typical monthly rent: $1,475
Rutland is a small city with big Halloween spirit. Its famed Halloween Parade, one of the nation’s oldest, fills downtown with creativity and community pride. Beyond October, Rutland’s mountain scenery, arts scene and friendly small-town vibe make it a beautiful and spirited place to call home.
12. Bucoda, Washington
Typical home value: $314,934 | Typical monthly rent: N/A
This tiny town has a sizable Halloween reputation. Bucoda’s “Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular” includes a hearse procession and ghost-hunting classes, but the real draw is its close-knit, enthusiastic community that embraces the creative spirit all year long.
13. Laconia, New Hampshire
Typical home value: $427,529 | Typical monthly rent: $1,977
Nestled in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Laconia offers classic New England living with colorful autumns, cozy winters and community-driven events, such as the Laconia Pumpkin Festival. Laconia’s small-town charm makes it a perfect place for anyone who loves the season’s traditions.
