Capitol Hill takes Halloween seriously as these pictures from 2009 testify. This year, the Hill is putting even more energy into the holiday as the Chamber of Commerce has rallied to create a series of events designed to make the Hill an epicenter of Halloween activity in 2010. But, boo!, the neighborhood this year has dropped out of the rankings in a much-publicized annual list of Seattle trick-or-treat hotspots. Zillow won’t say where we fell in the rankings — but at best we’re #6 in 2010:
Top 5 Best Places to Trick-or-Treat In Seattle in 2010
1. Wallingford
2. Ballard
3. Queen Anne
4. Roosevelt
5. Ravenna
Zillow explains their rankings thusly: “… the Zillow Trick-or-Treat Housing Index was calculated using four equally weighted data variables: Zillow Home Value Index, population density, Walk Score and local crime data from Relocation Essentials. Based on those variables, the Index represents cities that will provide the most candy, with the least walking and safety risks.”
In 2009, Capitol Hill ranked 5th. We asked Zillow for more information on why Capitol Hill dropped from their top 5. “The Zillow index looks at home values and crime rates, data points that inherently change over the course of the year and impact local results,” the PR rep said. We also asked for their complete list of Seattle neighborhoods. We were told Zillow doesn’t release anything but the top five.
Looking at the variables, the most likely culprit for the Hill’s drop is crime. According to Zillow’s own data, the neighborhood has outperformed most other Seattle neighborhoods in terms of real estate value in the past year — yay, we’ve only dropped 1%! Our http://www.walkscore.com/ ranking shouldn’t have shifted that greatly in 365 days and we’re not aware of any great leaps forward in walkability in, say, Ballard, for example. That leaves our crime statistics. We’ve definitely seen a jump thus far in 2010. We’re not aware of anybody else looking at citywide totals in this period so we don’t know what the other neighborhoods or the rest of the Seattle tallied in the last year. Instead of change, a new provider of crime data might have introduced a new methodology to the mix.
We’ve given it about as much brain effort as the topic deserves. Even still, we’re thinking some of you from across the city might want to consider the Hill instead of, say, Ravenna. The plan to make Capitol Hill the capital of Halloween has been fleshed out and full details at http://hauntedbroadway.com/
When:
Saturday, October 30, 2010 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Where:
Meet at Seattle Central Community College’s outdoor plaza at Broadway & Pine
What:
Come wake the dead with us in a costume procession up Broadway, and witness a parade of the most creative, artistic, and scary (or silly) costumes in Seattle. A costume contest will kick it off—enter to win great prizes in five categories including Quintessentially Capitol Hill and Best Group.
Saturday, October 30, Costume Contest 6 p.m., Parade begins at 7 p.m.
When:
Thursday, October 28, 2010 06:00 PM – 10/31/2010 10:00 PM
Where:
Street level of the Joule Apartments at Broadway & Republican.
What:
Blood Manor Haunted House –Zombies wielding chainsaws, ax murderers, house of horrors—some might not make it out alive. Come see if you make it. Suggested $5 donation will support local groups including the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, The Vera Project, and the Washington Bus.
Thursday, Oct. 28- Sunday, Oct. 31, 6-10 p.m.
$5 suggested donation. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
When:
Sunday, October 31, 2010 03:00 PM – 04:30 PM
Where:
Cal Anderson Park
What:
Sunday, October 31 is the day for spooky sprites. Little ones in costume will be showing off their garb around Cal Anderson Park, followed by Trick-or-Treating at Broadway merchants. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream Truck will be there with treats.
- 10/31/10 on the CHS Calendar: Already quite a few parties in the mix but make sure to check out Seattle Nerf Zombie Survival 2010
CHS is a co-sponsor of the Haunted Broadway events which means, basically, we get the first pick from your candy bag.
Now I can buy less candy!
Great report, thank you! I can’t wait to dress up all weekend for Halloween and check out some of these spots you’ve posted. Look out for Hit Girl!
This is an outrage! Capitol Hill OWNS Halloween! Show ’em your stuff, hillbillies and come out in full force to the Broadway Haunted House and the Broadway Halloween Parade!! We’re Number One!!
Look at Cap Hill stepping up with a Parade AND a Haunted House.
How cool is that?
Damn cool if you ask me.
Wallingford? Ravenna? Seriously? Everyone knows it’s all about the hill!