The 7 Most Haunted Cities in America That Will Give You Goosebumps

From historic mansions to abandoned asylums, America is home to cities with ghostly reputations that attract thrill-seekers and wary homebuyers alike. If you’ve ever wondered what the most haunted cities in America are, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter or real-estate professional, knowing the spooky side of a city can give you insights that go far beyond the supernatural. 

Why Haunted Cities Matter in Real Estate 

Haunted cities aren’t just spooky legends — they have very real effects on the housing market. On one hand, some buyers hesitate to invest in a property with a chilling backstory, which can slow down sales or slightly lower asking prices. On the other hand, haunted reputations often boost tourism and short-term rental demand, especially around Halloween. 

Studies have found that 67% of buyers would consider purchasing a haunted home if it meant saving money on the price. Cities with infamous ghost tours, like New Orleans and Savannah, see year-round traffic that supports local restaurants, hotels, and rental properties. Even contractors benefit, as historic “haunted” homes often require renovation and preservation. 

Whether you’re a homeowner hoping to sell or a professional watching market trends, haunted cities highlight how cultural reputation can influence housing values just as much as location, schools, or amenities.

The Seven Most Haunted Cities in America

Now that you know why haunted reputations matter in the housing world, take a ghostly tour across the country in the list below. Whether you’re curious about where tourism thrives on ghost tours or where buyers weigh history against hauntings, here are the most haunted cities in America. 

1. Savannah, Georgia 

Savannah is often called the most haunted city in America, and with good reason. Its cobblestone streets and moss-draped oaks are lined with historic mansions, many tied to stories of restless spirits. Places like the Sorrel-Weed House and Colonial Park Cemetery attract ghost tours nightly, boosting the city’s tourism economy. 

For real estate, this spooky charm is a double-edged sword. Some buyers are drawn in by the history, while others shy away from properties with eerie reputations. Still, the demand for historic homes keeps values strong, making Savannah a prime example of how haunted status and housing intertwine.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Few cities balance vibrant culture and ghostly lore like New Orleans. The French Quarter brims with haunted hotels, voodoo legends, and tales of restless souls, with spots like the LaLaurie Mansion topping ghost-hunters’ lists. Tourism thrives on this spooky reputation, with haunted tours contributing millions annually to the local economy. 

For real estate, New Orleans presents unique opportunities. While some properties with grisly histories take longer to sell, others benefit from increased short-term rental demand, especially in October. Buyers and renters intrigued by the city’s colorful history often pay a premium, making New Orleans a city where hauntings fuel housing.

3. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem’s haunted legacy stems from the infamous Witch Trials of 1692, which left a mark on the city. Today, Salem leans into its history, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every October for Haunted Happenings, a month-long festival. This surge in tourism fuels local housing demand, particularly for short-term rentals and seasonal leases. 

For homeowners and investors, Salem represents how a city’s dark past can transform into economic opportunity. While some buyers may hesitate at the thought of witchy lore, the strong rental market and cultural draw often offset any spook-related stigma in the housing sector.

4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities comes from its Civil War history. The site of the bloody 1863 battle still draws paranormal enthusiasts hoping to catch glimpses of ghostly soldiers on the battlefield. Famous locations include the Gettysburg National Military Park and historic homes converted into inns. The haunting stories support a strong tourism economy, with ghost tours and reenactments attracting visitors year-round. 

For real estate, this means historic properties are in demand, especially those near popular landmarks. While some buyers may be wary of spectral neighbors, many see it as a unique opportunity to invest in a city rich in history.

5. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio blends historic charm with a reputation for hauntings, particularly around the Alamo and the city’s old districts. Ghost stories of soldiers, settlers, and long-forgotten residents have made places like the Menger Hotel and the Spanish Governor’s Palace famous among paranormal enthusiasts. 

Haunted tourism supports local businesses, including short-term rentals and boutique inns, creating a niche for real estate investors. While some buyers may hesitate due to eerie reputations, others actively seek these properties for their character and historic significance. Contractors and renovators benefit from the need to maintain these older, often charmingly haunted structures.

6. Chicago, Illinois 

Chicago’s haunted history is infamous, particularly due to H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle, a chilling site tied to one of America’s earliest serial killers. Beyond that, historic hotels, theaters, and former industrial sites contribute to the city’s ghostly allure. Haunted tours are a popular draw, generating substantial tourism revenue annually. 

For real estate, Chicago demonstrates how a city’s macabre reputation can influence market dynamics. Buyers with an interest in historic or haunted properties may pay a premium, while developers and contractors can capitalize on restoring older buildings that have both architectural value and eerie notoriety.

7. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s haunted history is steeped in colonial charm, pirate legends, and centuries-old cemeteries. Sites like the Battery, Magnolia Cemetery, and historic homes draw ghost hunters and curious visitors year-round. Haunted tourism keeps local businesses bustling, especially in the fall when ghost tours and Halloween events peak. 

From a real estate perspective, Charleston’s historic properties are highly sought after, though some buyers shy away from homes with eerie reputations. Contractors and renovators benefit from maintaining these older structures, often blending preservation with modern comfort. Here, haunted history adds both character and market value to the city’s real estate scene.

Real Estate Takeaways for Haunted Cities 

Haunted cities offer unique opportunities and challenges for homeowners, investors, and real estate professionals. First, know your disclosure requirements — some states require sellers to inform buyers about a property’s haunted history. There are many other disclosure requirements, like lead paint disclosures, that homeowners should consider when listing their homes or looking to buy a new home. 

Second, consider your target market. While some buyers may hesitate, others actively seek homes with eerie charm. These buyers are even willing to pay premiums or rent short-term to ghost enthusiasts. 

Third, leverage tourism potential. Short-term rentals in haunted cities can command higher rates during peak seasons like Halloween, turning spooky legends into revenue. Contractors and renovators also benefit, as older homes often need updates while maintaining historic integrity. 

Lastly, pay attention to local market trends. Cities with a strong tourism draw tend to maintain steady property values, even if some buyers are hesitant. 

Ghosts, Gains and Goosebumps

Haunted cities prove that a little spooky history can have big real-world effects. While some buyers shy away from spectral neighbors, others embrace haunted charm, driving tourism, short-term rental demand, and even property value. In the end, a city’s ghosts may just be its most profitable residents.