I’ve always enjoyed Halloween. Maybe it’s because I have a sweet tooth, or maybe it’s the ability to pretend to be something you’re not. I could never inspire others as a superhero or instill fear as a smaller person. But once a year, on Halloween, anything is possible.
I have many fond childhood memories of putting on costumes and trick-or-treating. Sharing Halloween traditions with my children has been a source of pure joy.
I realize that the spooky holiday isn’t for everyone. However, we must recognize that Halloween is big business in America. Some love it for the sweets, costumes and parties, while others love horror movies and haunted houses. For those who doubt the holiday’s popularity, consider these Halloween facts for the United States.
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The average person spends $104 on Halloween.
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72% of Americans plan to celebrate the holiday this year.
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29% are having a party or are attending one.
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52% plan to decorate their home.
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43% plan to carve a pumpkin.
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Americans will spend $3.8 billion on Halloween costumes this year.
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Americans will spend $3.5 billion on Halloween candy this year.
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The Halloween attraction industry generates $400 million in annual revenue.
Whether those numbers give you goosebumps or scare you, the annual holiday is an American tradition that we can’t ignore.
So, where are America’s best cities for Halloween fun? Thanks to WalletHub’s recent research, we can analyze this creepy question from several angles.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a safe experience for your kids or a hardcore Halloween party animal, we’ve got the top-rated cities to maximize your spooky experience.
Top general cities for Halloween
New York City tops the charts with the most candy stores per capita and the second most Halloween costume stores. Due to its high population density and reputation as a walkable city, the Big Apple is perfect for those who want to collect lots of candy through trick-or-treating. Horror movie fans will be happy to know that New York has the second most movie theaters per capita. The city that never sleeps also offers plenty of party options.
Jersey City, New Jersey ranks second overall. It’s the fourth most walkable city in America and has the second highest population density, making it perfect for a night of trick-or-treating. With low crime rates, the city scores well in terms of safety. Horror movie fans will be happy to know that Jersey City has a high number of movie theaters per capita.
Miami, Florida, is the third best city for Halloween, with many pumpkin patches and Halloween party supply stores per capita. The southern city is walkable and has a high population density, excellent for trick-or-treating. It also ranks well for costume shops and candy stores per capita. Miami has many clubs and bars per capita, appealing to adults who enjoy the Halloween party scene.
Best cities for sweets lovers
For candy lovers, New York, Las Vegas and Honolulu come first. It’s no wonder that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ranks fourth, as Hershey’s headquarters and two factories are located 3.5 hours east of the city. Orlando, Florida, rounds out the top five for most candy and chocolate stores per capita.
Top cities for costumes
What might surprise you is that we have a five-way tie for most costume shops per capita. However, it won’t surprise you that these cities are known for their entertainment. If you like to dress up for Halloween, go to Las Vegas, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans or Orlando.
Safest Cities for Halloween
For those who want to ensure safety first during the festivities, the five cities with the lowest crime rates are Gilbert, Arizona; Irvine, California; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Boise, Idaho; and Jersey City, New Jersey. Finishing in the top five overall and for safety makes Jersey City the perfect portal to Halloween fun.
Cities with the Most Trick-or-Treat Stops
If your child (or your inner child) is obsessed with candy, where are the cities with the highest percentage of potential trick-or-treat stops? The top five cities are Hialeah, Florida; Santa Ana, California; Gilbert, Ariz.; Chesapeake, VA; and Madison, Wisconsin.
Cities with the best Halloween weather forecast
In many regions, Halloween weather can range from snowy to warm, and rain is possible. So, what are the best places if weather is a primary concern? Lubbock, Texas tops the list, while Portland, Oregon and Colorado Springs, Colorado come in second. Two cities in Ohio, Cincinnati and Cleveland, round out the top five with the best chance of favorable weather.
Tips to save money this Halloween
Buying candy, costumes and party favors can add up quickly. So, how can you enjoy a spooky vacation without spending a lot of money?
Miriam Muslow, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at Texas Tech University says: “In September, I start paying attention to the sales of large bags of packaged candy. Candy always goes on sale sometime between September and Halloween. I make sure to buy sweets that are popular with young children but that we don’t like. Otherwise, with so much sweets in the house, we give in to temptation and eat a lot of them. That is bad for our diet and wallet. Some of the best costumes I see every year are homemade from things already around the house. A suit doesn’t have to be expensive. Please note that it will likely only be worn once.”
Wherever you celebrate Halloween this year, stay safe and enjoy the holiday.
Scott McConkey is a travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides travel ideas and travel guides. His wife Julie makes travel videos. They hope to inspire you to travel more.
