Boston and Seattle Among Best Cities for Trick-or-Treating

Everyone thinks their neighborhood is the best for trick-or-treating. But the folks at real estate site Zillow have actually compiled a list of the best cities for scoring some ‘tricks or treats’ this Halloween.

In creating its third annual Trick-or-Treat Index, Zillow considered factors such as median home values, crime rates, population density and overall “walkability” when choosing the 20 best urban areas in which to gather candy on Monday October 31.

So how does Utica measure up? On Monday the 31st from 6-8pm, Utica welcomes trick or treating while some villages will start as early as 5:30pm. Utica homeowners will decorate their homes in Halloween style with graveyards or scary creatures lurking behind trees and bushes. Others will answer the door dressed in costumes themselves. And, of course, remember the candy.

If you are planning on participating this Halloween, keep in mind these etiquette tips so everyone can have a safe Halloween and maybe, just maybe, Utica will make the list next year.

1) One piece of candy is enough, and teach your children to say “thank you.”
2) Trick or treat with a friend, family member or co-worker and their children. Always have a parent chaperone on hand.
3) Only visit houses with lights on.
4) Know that “tricks” can lead to consequences, and vandalism is a crime, even on Halloween.
5) Don’t sample the treats until you’ve had a chance to examine them closely. One way to help prevent your children from digging in immediately after the first house is to feed them a good dinner before heading out.

Top 20 Best Cities for Trick-or-Treating

1. San Francisco
2. Boston
3. Honolulu
4. Seattle
5. Chicago
6. San Jose
7. Washington
8. Los Angeles
9. Philadelphia
10. Portland
11. Minneapolis
12. Pittsburgh
13. San Diego
14. Cleveland
15. Miami
16. Denver
17. Milwaukee
18. Virginia Beach
19. Baltimore
20. Albuquerque