The best cities in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween and the festive spirit of the spooky season have been revealed, with one iconic metropolis clinching the top spot.
WalletHub analyzed 100 of the most populated U.S. cities, evaluating them across three essential criteria: trick-or-treater friendliness, opportunities for Halloween fun, and the charm of Halloween weather.
In their assessment, a range of factors came into play, including population density, walk scores, crime rates, and the availability of Halloween-related businesses such as costume shops, party supply stores, haunted houses, and pumpkin patches. They even considered the anticipated rainfall on Halloween itself, among other variables.
Comprehensive data from reputable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, played a significant role in determining which cities offer the best Halloween experiences.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo emphasizes how deeply the Halloween celebration resonates with American culture, noting, “Halloween holds a big place in American popular culture, and we collectively spend billions of dollars celebrating every year.”
Despite the excitement, he also reminds us of the inherent risks involved, particularly as children navigate their way through the dark streets, collecting candy from unfamiliar doorsteps.
For those who seek the ultimate Halloween experience this year, here’s a ranked list of the best U.S. cities known for their spirited celebrations.
Top U.S. Cities to Celebrate Halloween
10. Gilbert, Arizona
9. Boston
8. Anaheim, California
7. Washington, D.C.
6. Los Angeles
5. Chicago
4. Las Vegas
3. Miami
2. Jersey City, New Jersey
1. New York City
According to WalletHub’s findings, New York City emerges as the premier city to celebrate Halloween for several compelling reasons. This vibrant metropolis not only boasts the second-largest number of Halloween costume shops, but it also offers the highest concentration of candy stores per capita in the nation.
With the highest population density and ranking as one of the most walkable cities, New York creates an unparalleled atmosphere for trick-or-treating and Halloween festivities.
Jersey City follows closely in second place, celebrated for its walkability and other favorable statistics. Interestingly, this New Jersey city enjoys a notably low violent crime rate. With its array of movie theaters, Halloween movie marathons can serve as thrilling alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating.
Miami rounds out the top three, distinguished by its abundance of pumpkin patches and party supply stores. This lively city features an impressive number of bars and clubs, making it a perfect setting for spirited Halloween parties.
“The best cities for Halloween offer not only safe havens for celebration but also an abundance of activities and Halloween-centric stores with delightful weather,” Chip Lupo remarked in a press release.
