New York Tops List for Best Halloween Experience in Study

According to a new study by personal-finance website WalletHub, New York City ranks as the top destination for Halloween festivities in the United States. The study highlights the city’s abundance of candy stores, costume shops, and the high engagement of residents in Halloween-related searches. Families seeking the ultimate Halloween experience may find New York’s vibrant atmosphere an ideal setting for celebrations.

New York boasts the most candy stores per capita and ranks second for Halloween costume shops. Residents search for terms like “Halloween parties” more than those in any other city. The city’s high population density and walkability score facilitate easy trick-or-treating, making it a prime location for families. WalletHub assessed 100 of the largest U.S. cities, focusing on three main categories: trick-or-treater friendliness, Halloween fun, and Halloween weather.

Methodology and Rankings

To determine the best Halloween destinations, WalletHub evaluated twenty metrics across the three categories. Factors included the percentage of the population under 15 years old, pedestrian safety statistics, and the number of Halloween stores per capita. Trick-or-treater friendliness was weighted most heavily, while weather conditions had the least impact on the rankings.

Following New York, Jersey City ranks second for Halloween experiences. The city, located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, offers a high population density and a robust walkability score, making it conducive for trick-or-treating. Jersey City also benefits from a low crime rate, with the 15th-lowest violent crime rate and the fifth-lowest property crime rate in the nation. Additionally, it has a commendable pedestrian fatality rate, making it a safe choice for families during the spooky season.

The study notes, “Jersey City provides a perfect environment for trick-or-treating,” with plenty of movie theaters available for those looking to enjoy a Halloween-themed film.

Los Angeles, ranked third, presents a wealth of pumpkin patches and Halloween party supply stores, alongside a high number of amusement parks and movie theaters. The city also features the sixth-most haunted houses per capita, catering to teenagers and adults seeking thrilling experiences. Its population density ranks 14th, while walkability stands at 11th in the nation, providing ample options for Halloween activities.

Top Cities for Halloween Fun

The top ten cities for Halloween experiences also include Chicago at fourth and Las Vegas at fifth. Rounding out the list are Miami at sixth, followed by Anaheim, Boston, Gilbert, and Newark.

According to WalletHub, the average American household is expected to spend approximately $114.45 on Halloween decorations, treats, and costumes this year. This spending translates to a collective total of around $13.1 billion from the 73% of households that celebrate Halloween.

Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, emphasizes the cultural significance of Halloween in the United States. He states, “Halloween holds a big place in American popular culture, and we collectively spend billions of dollars celebrating every year.” While focusing on fun, Lupo also highlights the importance of safety, noting that the best cities for Halloween offer a combination of safe conditions, engaging activities, and favorable weather.

As Halloween approaches, families planning their celebrations can take comfort in the findings of this study, ensuring they choose destinations that balance excitement with safety.