This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Mass hysteria, bloody battles, and shady abductions have created an interesting past for many cities throughout this country. However, there are certain cities where, even today, this past seems to linger. These spooky cities are not only best for hair-raising adventures, they’re also great places to live.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Not only do visitors come to the Gettysburg National Battlefield to learn about a tragic time in history, but they also come to explore one of the most haunted locations in the state. Over 51,000 soldiers died during the historic Civil War battles that took place on the fields surrounding Gettysburg.
To this day, some of the buildings around town still show damage from the battle. However, Gettysburg isn’t just known for its ghostly apparitions. The town is also known for its history. Not only is it home to the battlefield, history buffs can also explore the Gettysburg National Military Park and the site where President Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg Address.
Salem, Massachusetts
Starting in 1692, mass hysteria gripped the town of Salem as accusations of witchcraft spread throughout the area. More than 200 people were accused of partaking in witchcraft and 20 of the accused were executed. Of those 20 people, 19 women were hanged and one man was pressed to death. There were also several people who died in jail due to the deplorable conditions.
Today, many visitors report eerie sightings at the Howard Street Cemetery, the oldest in Salem. Many report the ghost of the first victim of the Witch Trials, Bridget Bishop, haunts the Lyceum Bar and Grill. Families moving to this New England city shouldn’t worry about Salem’s haunted history, though. Instead, they should note that Massachusetts has some of the best schools in the country. In fact, two Salem high schools made the U.S. News and World Report list of Best High Schools in Massachusetts.
Savannah, Georgia
If you want spooky history, Savannah is one of the best places to live. Many ghost hunters consider Savannah the most haunted city in the United States. Almost every building seems to tell a haunted tale. The Hampton Lillibridge House is the only house in Savannah that has received an exorcism. However, visitors to the house say that the sounds of a screaming woman and lurking shadows are proof that it didn’t work.
The secret tunnels under the Pirate’s House, now a restaurant, were once used to smuggle alcohol into the city during prohibition and unconscious sailors out of the city when unscrupulous captains needed more crew. It’s not just haunted houses that attract visitors to this city, though. Savannah is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The Savannah Dance Theater is the largest in the city. Additionally, the Savannah Music Festival, held every spring, is also the largest in the state of Georgia.
If you’re looking to call one of these haunted cities home, you can rest easy knowing they are still great places to live. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or good places for families, these cities offer more than just some frightful fun.