What Makes New York the Creepiest State to Live In?
Even though Halloween is now behind us, it doesn't mean that all of the ghosts and ghouls have moved on!
Would You Live in a Haunted House?
According to moveBuddha's Haunted Homes Survey, 49% of Americans would live in a haunted house, 47% would not, and 4% say their homes is already haunted. Gen Z is the bravest (or most motivated by cash), while Boomers are saying “No thanks” to spooky living. As a Gen Z'er myself, at this point, if the ghosts are willing to pay rent, I'd totally share a house/apartment with them. To be honest, I think I've had scarier roommates than ghosts and ghouls.
Is New York the Most Haunted State in America?
As for the Haunted States of America study? It is one of the most comprehensive to date. It's more than just ghost stories and cemeteries. It dives into 8 eerie factors including unsolved murders, ghost towns, abandoned places, historic haunts and more to rank the spookiest spots across the country.
New York is the #1 State to Give You The Creeps
New York is the #1 state that will give you the creeps; thanks to the high rate of unsolved murders and creepy abandoned places. Don't wander around alone here. New York ranks #15th most haunted state, but New Mexico takes the #1 spot.
What makes NY the creepeist? moveBuddha's analysis uncovering The Most Haunted States in America takes a look at which states will give you the creeps based on the unsolved murders per capita and a number of notable abandoned buildings.
New York’s western and upstate region is a graveyard of abandoned buildings, more recognized by Atlas Obscura than there are in any other state in America. Among them is Buffalo’s Wonder Bread Factory. Once a symbol of American wholesomeness, the now decaying building stands vacant, after a forced shut down due to a deadly asbestos contamination. Photos show the 180,000-square-foot, five-story structure frozen in time, as if workers simply vanished mid-shift.
New York's creep score is the highest of any state. Here are some additional highlights:
- 459 haunted places
- 12,157 cemeteries
- 27,898 unsolved murders
459 haunted places is a lot! I'm not going to bore you with all of them, but I do know of New York's 6 Most Haunted Locations.
6 Most Haunted Locations in the Hudson Valley, New York
Gallery Credit: Conor Walsh
Now, you may be wondering, "Why did this guy not mention anything to do with Sleepy Hollow? That's like the CREEPIEST place in New York!" Don't worry, I didn't forget about our biggest Halloween tourism attraction in New York. In fact, I got a list of the most famous people buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery!
8 Famous People Buried in the Hudson Valley's Oldest Cemetery
Gallery Credit: Conor Walsh