📰 The Ghostly Gazette: Americans Believe in Haunted Homes, New Survey Reveals

United States — National Survey, October 2025

A new national survey released by Realtor.com and published in Good Housekeeping confirms what ghost hunters have long suspected — most Americans believe the veil between the living and the dead can settle right inside their own four walls.

The Numbers Behind the Nightmares

The survey found that an astonishing 86 percent of Americans believe homes can be haunted. Nearly one in eight respondents said they’ve lived in a house they considered truly haunted. The most common reported phenomena were unexplained sounds (67 percent) and shadowy figures (62 percent)—followed closely by items moving on their own and sudden temperature drops.

Interestingly, belief doesn’t always mean fear. About a third of those surveyed said they would still buy a haunted home if the price or location were right, and another quarter said a haunting might even add to a property’s charm. “People are fascinated by stories and energy,” one respondent said. “A haunted home means history.”

When asked about their greatest concerns, participants cited strange noises at night and the unsettling idea of being watched when alone. Yet a surprising number admitted they’d host ghost tours or rent out rooms to paranormal enthusiasts if given the chance.

Why We Keep the Lights On

Psychologists note that belief in haunted houses often reflects our desire to connect with the past—and to explain what logic cannot. Whether the source is spirits, old wiring, or imagination, Americans clearly aren’t done with ghosts. Real-estate agents, meanwhile, say haunted reputation can still move a listing—especially in October.

So, while some homebuyers look for crown molding or granite counters, others are quietly hoping for a cold spot and a whisper in the hall. Haunted or not, America’s housing market seems big enough for both the living and the restless dead.

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Survey Information

Source: Realtor.com National Haunted Homes Survey 2025
Publication: Good Housekeeping, October 2025

Fun Fact: Only 7 percent of respondents said they’d move out immediately if they discovered their home was haunted—proving courage still lives under our roofs.

The Haunting of the Villisca Axe Murder House

Villisca, Montgomery County, Iowa

Photo: Wikipedia

In the quiet town of Villisca, Iowa, nestled within Montgomery County, stands one of the most chilling unsolved murder sites in American history — the Villisca Axe Murder House. This unassuming white house, once a family home, became the scene of a brutal and mysterious tragedy that continues to shock and mystify over a century later.

On the night of June 9, 1912, Josiah and Sarah Moore, along with their four children and two visiting guests, were murdered in their sleep — each victim bludgeoned with an axe. The killer had hidden in the attic, waiting for the household to fall asleep, before committing the heinous act. The brutality of the murders, combined with the lack of clear motive and the many suspects who were never convicted, has left behind a legacy soaked in mystery, sorrow, and spiritual unrest.

Over the decades, the house has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. Visitors, paranormal investigators, and even skeptics have reported ghostly voices, unexplained movements, shadow figures, and the eerie sound of children's laughter echoing through the rooms. Lights flicker, doors open and close on their own, and a heavy presence is often felt in the bedrooms — especially near the attic where the killer is believed to have hidden.

Some guests have reported feeling overcome with emotion, others claim they’ve been physically touched or scratched. During overnight stays, it’s not uncommon for cameras and equipment to malfunction, clocks to stop at 12:45 AM (the suspected time of the murders), and EVP recordings to pick up chilling whispers asking for help.

The Villisca Axe Murder House serves not just as a relic of one of the darkest chapters in Iowa’s history but also as a focal point for paranormal exploration. Whether drawn by curiosity, sorrow, or the thrill of a good ghost story, those who step inside rarely leave untouched by the weight of its past.

Address: 508 E 2nd St, Villisca, IA 50864
Tours: Day tours and overnight stays available by appointment.
Website: http://www.villiscaiowa.com or call (712) 621-1530 for bookings.

Note: Due to the graphic nature of the events associated with the home, tours may not be suitable for children.

The Haunting of the Mizpah Hotel

Photo: Wikipedia

Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada

In the remote desert town of Tonopah stands one of Nevada’s most famous haunted landmarks: the Mizpah Hotel. Built in 1907 and named after the Mizpah chapter in Genesis, the hotel once symbolized wealth, prestige, and the rush of the mining boom. But beneath the luxury and grandeur lies a long legacy of tragedy—and some say, ghostly residents who never checked out.

The most famous of these spirits is the "Lady in Red," believed to be the ghost of a prostitute who was murdered on the fifth floor by a jealous lover or enraged client. Many guests who have stayed in room 502 report eerie sensations—perfume in the air, doors opening and closing, soft whispers, and even a gentle caress on the cheek. The Lady in Red is said to be a benevolent presence, watching over the hotel as if still bound by her past profession.

But she is not alone. Staff and guests have also reported sightings of two young ghostly children playing in the hallways, believed to have died under mysterious circumstances. Another spirit is that of a shadowy miner who roams the basement and elevator shaft, keeping silent company in the dark.

The Mizpah Hotel fell into disrepair after World War II and stood vacant for years. But in 2011, it was lovingly restored and reopened, offering both luxurious accommodations and paranormal intrigue. Today, the hotel embraces its haunted history, even offering "haunted room" bookings for thrill-seeking guests who want a chance encounter with its permanent residents.

Visitors report cold spots, disembodied voices, flickering lights, and even full apparitions. Paranormal investigators from across the country have walked its creaky floors, and the hotel has been featured on multiple ghost-hunting shows, including *Ghost Adventures* and *The Dead Files.*

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Mizpah Hotel is a living monument to Nevada’s wild past—where miners, madams, and mystery still echo through the halls.

Address: 100 N Main St, Tonopah, NV 89049
Phone: (775) 482-3030
Website: www.themizpahhotel.com

Guided tours are not regularly scheduled, but staff are happy to share stories, and special ghost-themed events are held throughout the year.